From Jonathan Skuse, Head Coach of the Gloucestershire Golf Academy

Progress Report – February 2010

The aim of this programme has been to identify the most promising young talent within the county and, through innovative coaching sessions, support them to become prospective players in the county youth teams, boys' and girls', in the future.

We started with 120 young people, aged 9 – 15 years, attending the selection days, which were run across the county. After a day of challenges at three venues, 54 candidates were selected and awarded the opportunity to be part of the Winter 2009/10 programme.

Once selected each of  these 54 players had the opportunity to take part in five group sessions in one of four venues – Hambrook Golf Range, Thormbury, Sherdons and the Kendleshire Golf Club. These sessions were led by a team of eight PGA qualified coaches selected for their knowledge and expertise in training young players. They were supported by teams of dedicated and trained volunteers.

Each session was planned to incorporate all aspects of the game: putting, short game and full swing. Three of the five sessions have been completed and already coaches are identifying talented players who have the potential to represent Gloucestershire at County level and beyond. This programme will have a session on fitness and it is hoped that other aspects of the game can incorporated into programme.

We have used the latest teaching tools developed by Golf England. These begin by creating a player profile which identifies areas for development and activities to enhance learning and skills. A fun learning experience is guaranteed with coaching tailored to the individual needs of the player. The programme is designed to compliment any 1:1 coaching already taking place and assist others not receiving coaching to access coaching local to them.

We have overcome the freezing weather this winter and are now coming to the end of the current programme. The summer sessions are already being planned and we are looking forward to a successful year coaching some of the brightest young talent in the County – growing our own international Golf Superstar of the future.

The next selection days are being arranged for April and all are welcome to come along to enjoy the day … maybe be successful in being part of the Summer Programme.

COUNTY JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY LAUNCHED

The Gloucestershire County Golf Partnership launched its new Junior Golf Academy with free sessions for ‘wannabe’ young golfers in early October. .. and  more than 130 juniors took the opportunity to show their interest and determination to improve.

The Academy has been setup to develop 9 to 15 year old girls and boys within the county and provide them with the necessary coaching to further their golfing development.

It is for youngsters who have had a taste of golf and now want to go further. They do not necessarily need to belong to a golf club or have a handicap – just tried the game a little and now have the determination to improve. 

So,six Academy Wannabe Sessions were held at Hambrook Golf Range, The Kendleshire and Sherdons Golf Centre to introduce these youngsters to the new Gloucestershire Junior Golf Academy and to allow the Academy coaches to see the talent which exists within this age group.

Jonathon Skuse, Head Academy Coach commented "I was really impressed with the level of talent that we have within Gloucestershire at this age range.  With proper development and nurturing we can certainly see the county squads of the future appearing". 

Mark Powell, County Junior Chairman, was also more than pleased with the talent on display and immediately invited a couple of the juniors into the existing County Elite Coaching scheme.

Fifty-six of the boys and girls who attended the sessions will be invited back to attend the full academy over the winter months with others being signposted to local coaching sessions and invited back to further Academy wannabe days next spring.


                             Some of the Wannabe youngsters!