The first ever national golfing academy designed specifically to provide mental performance coaching to future stars of the game has launched in Leeds.
The Underpin Sports Academy is uniquely focussed on improving the mental strength of amateur golfers in the early stages of their career – providing the foundation needed for them to achieve their goals and dreams of succeeding at the highest level of the professional game.
Geared to help future Rory Mcllroys and Georgia Halls achieve their full potential, the academy is led by Underpin’s head coach Greg Robertson, while the financial costs of each player’s coaching is funded by the company’s network of corporate sponsors across the UK.
The first five players already enrolled in the academy include Sam Norman (17) who plays off +2 at Fulford Golf Club in North Yorkshire and was crowned St Andrews Boys Open Champion last year. Another academy starlet is Amy Staveley (17) who plays off +2 at Ganton Golf Club near Scarborough.
Any amateur golfers who are aged over 16, have a plus handicap and are looking to turn professional now or in the future, can apply to join the Underpin Academy via www.underpinsports.com. Underpin is also actively growing the academy by continually following various golf tours, building relationships with technical coaches and team managers and welcoming referrals from players and their families.
Founder and head coach of Underpin Sports, Greg Robertson said: “We’re really excited to be launching the first ever national golfing academy dedicated to improving the mental performance of amateur golfers at the very start of their career.”
Robertson, who has over 25 years of combined experience of advising, mentoring and coaching individuals, and is qualified to Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring via the Institute of Leadership & Management, added: “Having the right mental approach to handle high-pressure situations out on the course is essential at any age, however particularly within young players who have less experience and are not always equipped to handle the psychological challenges they’ll inevitably face.
“We’d like to extend a massive thanks to those corporate sponsors that are already helping fund the academy and play their part in giving future stars the mental performance building blocks needed to turn pro and hopefully reach the very top of the professional game.”
The Underpin Academy aims to recruit 20 players and 50 corporate partners within the next five years.