Talented golfers nationwide are being sought to join a new coaching scheme. The Sports Academy, a specialist coaching organisation supported by some of golf’s biggest names, is seeking players who believe they have what it takes to become a world-beater.
Limited places are available on The Sports Academy’s ‘Elite’ programme – for potential Tour golfers – which has been designed specifically to hone the skills and manage the development of golfers of all ages with ambitions to become Tour players. Now the coaches behind the course are appealing for low-handicap UK golfers as young as 14 years old to sign up.
The Sports Academy managing director, Stuart Fomes, a sports performance specialist, said, “We are searching the UK to find the golfers who have the most potential to become world-beaters. We believe that this is the only programme of its kind in the UK as no-one else provides this level of support to gifted, aspiring golfers who need as much assistance as they can find to realise their dreams. We would be delighted to hear from golfers anywhere in the UK who believe they can go on to win tournaments and become successful professional golfers.”
British European Tour stars are backing The Sports Academy in its drive to find stars of the future. Darren Clarke said, “This is one of the best schemes I have seen for youngsters who have a keen interest in our sport.” And Lee Westwood said, “The Sports Academy gives everybody entering it the chance to develop both as golfers and students. As soon as I heard about this scheme, I was delighted that something was being done to extend the production line of young talent while continuing the equally important education process.”
Added Stuart, “This country produces hundreds, if not thousands, of very good young golfers and yet precious few make it to the very top in the pro game. Every individual has potential and our goal is to take the talent that already exists in very good golfers and nurture and develop it to give them the very best chance of becoming champions.
“That can only be achieved by focussing on technique, fitness and the mind. Our Elite Programme is specifically designed by experts to provide the ultimate coaching in each of those critical areas.
“We concentrate on every single element required to become a sportsman at the very highest level and I would be delighted if, one day, a British golfer won a ‘Major’ having been coached by The Sports Academy.”
Golfers on The Sports Academy’s Elite Programme receive top class coaching, performance analysis, places and support on tour events, carefully managed training and fitness schedules – and specific golf psychology training. Age is no barrier to the ‘Elite Programme’ but anyone wishing to join must have a maximum handicap of 3.
There are eight 3-day modules throughout the year built around three main cornerstones – coaching, psychology and specific golf fitness. Also, during the winter months, coaching weeks are set up abroad.
Golf coaches use the latest digital swing analysis systems and create structured practice schedules, with on-course challenges set to monitor students’ progress on shot-making ability and course management issues. Skills tests are used to evaluate performance and all results are recorded and used to chart progress.
Because having a strong mental game is critical in golf, the Elite Programme also uses proven psychological techniques to help golfers understand the importance of goal setting and effective practice – as well as developing confidence, relaxation and visualisation skills. And the programme is completed by specific golf fitness instruction, covering fitness, posture, nutrition, hydration and a balance of rest and activity.
Young golfers can also continue their education while training to be an elite golfer at The Sports Academy. European Tour golfer Graeme McDowell said, “It is important for youngsters to continue their formal education as they seek to increase their golf potential and The Sports Academy gives them a perfect opportunity.”
The Sports Academy, based in Essex, is run by a highly-respected team including Stuart Fomes, who is part of the coaching team to Oliver Fisher, currently the world’s number one amateur golfer. Stuart boasts a client list including players who have played on the European, Challenge and Europro Tours and many of the finest young international players from Great Britain and Ireland also work with him.
Advanced PGA Pro Chris Jenkins, golf coach with Team Fisher – the group of key people who support Oliver Fisher – is also part of The Sports Academy and Elite Programme golfers will benefit from his experience.
The Sports Academy www.thesportsacademy.org
New programme aims to develop British talent
