OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

The WestVic Academy of Sport Golf Program, proudly supported by the Victorian Golf Foundation and both Ballarat and Wimmera District Golf Associations, provides services to Western Victoria’s talented junior Golfers to assist development.

• The aim is to provide services to these athletes which they could not otherwise access, therefore completing and complimenting their current coaching, training and competition environments.

 
The program runs from March to December, and is coordinated by an Advisory Group comprising of the Academy, Local Districts and Golf Victoria. Coaching of the training camps is shared by professionals operating in the region, while all private coaching is driven by athletes and is not part of this program.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The overarching objective of the WestVic Academy of Sport’s Golf Program is to implement a program which takes a holistic approach to an athlete’s development.  This is achieved through on and off course activities.

• WestVic Academy of Sport training sessions are not intended to replace any aspects of the player’s regular training and private coaching. To this end, the on-course activities shall be delivered through a number of training camps which combine coaching in a group environment (“Drill Teaching”) and on-course play. Training camps and are regular over 10 months of program, and will see each one delivered by a different professional from the region – meaning all professionals have the opportunity to be involved in the program. Further, the curriculum delivered at each camp represents a portion of the “Golf Australia High Performance Curriculum”; meaning athletes in this program are working on the same areas of their game as the best talent in Australia is.
• With an athlete-centred approach, the Academy will provide a program that integrates both the physical and mental aspects of golf. To this end, the program delivers a strength & conditioning program via weekly gym session underpinned by musculoskeletal screening. 
• The program also supports Competition participation and performance. To this end, the Academy will provide  opportunity for the squad to travel as a group to play in a tournament, with the Academy running the trip/s.
  

SELECTION CRITERIA
& PROCESS

The WestVic Academy of Sport’s Golf Program selection criteria set measurable standards of success for athletes wanting to pursue their Golf career.  The Academy Golf Program is also designed to be a feeder program for the Victorian Institute of Sport: Golf Program via the state under-age squads. These criteria are:

• Be a member of a Golf Club in the Region (as part of the Ballarat or Wimmera District Golf Associations).
• Be identified as a prospective Golf high-performer, through local/representative performance and handicap. Applicants should have played in some or all of the following competitions the previous year:
  • “Junior Country Regionals” for their District the previous November.
  • “Junior or Senior Pennant” for their Club in their District’s most recent “Pennant” Competition.
  • Any athlete who made the previous year’s “State Squad” in their Age Group will also be invited.

The Academy also expects that all athletes in all programs be committed to their sport from both a training/competition and off-surface work perspective. This means applying oneself to demonstrate “High Performance Behaviours” – regular attendance and participation in all activities and respectful and timely communication with officials as required.
 
To be considered for selection, athletes will need to complete all forms attached to this program outline by Friday February 24 2017. Such applications must be submitted to WestVic Academy of Sport, at the address provided.
The agreed selection panel will choose athletes to receive an offer to join the WestVic Golf Squad. This will be administered by the WestVic Academy which will advise applicants of outcome.

SERVICES INDLUDED

• Up to 10 Training days – run by the Academy, provided over the 10 months of program.
  • All Camps shall be ONE Day of Drills and On-Course Play.
• One musculoskeletal assessment per year and weekly strength & conditioning program/session based on this.
• Personal development sessions in Sport Psychology, Nutrition, and other important personal skills.
  

COST & FURTHER INFORMATION

Cost = $390 + GST per annum. This cost covers all service provision within the program.

For more information, please contact the Academy’s Office on (03) 5327 9890.

VIDEO

WestVic Academy of Sport Golf Program. An interview with Amy Leeson.

Visit The Victorian Golf Fondation Website