Loughborough University, synonymous with success in sport and sports-related research and education, has announced that it is to expand its golf scholarships scheme following a cash injection from the Royal & Ancient Golf Club.
Loughborough was recently designated as one of the National Network Centres of Excellence for the English Institute of Sport and the generic training facilities will be of great value to the sport scholars.
The sports scholarship scheme covers 16 sports including golf. This year eight male golf scholars are studying at Loughborough. With the increase in scholarship allocation, however, Loughborough hopes to see this number rise over the next few years.
The golf scholarships offer students a cash award each academic year – typically around £1,000. The team has its own professional coach and organiser and has access to a number of national coaching professionals. Also available at considerably reduced rates are the playing facilities at Longcliffe and Rothley Park Golf Clubs and the use of Charnwood Driving Range.
In addition, the scholarship students are offered physiotherapy, expert nutritional advice and sports psychology. On the academic side, students receive a high level of support from tutors and a sports scholarship tutor, with the option of extending degree studies by a year. Because the Sports Technology Research Group at Loughborough is an internationally recognised centre for equipment design and testing, golf scholars also have the chance to test golf equipment from major suppliers.
To be eligible for a golf scholarship, potential students must have a handicap of 4 or better, demonstrate commitment and fulfil the normal academic requirements for either undergraduate or postgraduate entry.
Loughborough University www.lboro.ac.uk