The Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) has announced the appointment of Jonathan Wallett as its Director of Golf Development. Wallett began his coaching career more than 25 years ago
Wallett will work in the newly created role alongside the existing coaching team to oversee the HKGA’s golf development programmes and pathways, from grass-roots to elite.
Tom Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of the HKGA commented: “Jon joins the team at an exciting time. The HKGA’s golf development activities have grown significantly in recent years, ranging from our HSBC Golf For Schools initiative which is bringing more children into the game, through to our Elite Training Development Plan in conjunction with the Hong Kong Sports Institute for our top athletes.
“Jon’s brief is to oversee the entire pathway and ensure that we continue to deliver a world-class programme that gives maximum benefit and opportunity at every level, right up to a new tour bridging programme that will help our best amateurs have a successful career in professional golf. Jon has the expertise and the experience to make this happen and his appointment is a boost to our long-term plans for Hong Kong golf.”
Wallett began his coaching career more than 25 years ago and has enjoyed success working with Tour winners including David Howell and Oliver Wilson, and several more players whom he has nurtured from junior golf to full cards on the men’s and ladies European Tours. The Englishman recently worked for three seasons on the European Tour and before that was Academy Director at the Evian Royal Resort for six years, host of the Evian Championship, a ladies’ major.
Wallett has forged a reputation as an expert in elite coaching programmes and pathways, having delivered speeches at coaching conferences throughout Europe and Asia. The 46-year-old has also written more than 50 magazine articles on the topic and published six books.
“Having observed and experienced a number of national golf programmes over several years I have identified what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t,” said Wallett, who is spending time with the Hong Kong players at the World University Golf Championships in France this week. “The HKGA programme has already delivered significant results under national coach Brad Schadewitz and his coaching team, so I look forward to working with Brad and all the HKGA stakeholders to continue that momentum and help take golf in Hong Kong to the next level.”
David Hui, Chairman of the HKGA’s Junior and International Sub-Committee added: “We are delighted to welcome Jon on board. He is an exciting addition to the current junior and international team, led by national coach Brad Schadewitz who is doing an excellent job.”
Hong Kong Golf Association http://www.hkga.com/eng/