The United States and European PGA tours suddenly got closer for a hand-picked group of Western Bay of Plenty golfers.
Through the vision of golf professionals Jay Carter and Mikki Strong and the backing of a Tauranga businessman Peter Knedler, the Golf Fusion Academy opened its doors last month.
Sixteen teenagers now receive sports science, physiology and sports psychology advice during weekly lectures and monthly coaching clinics at the Tauranga Golf Club.
The Academy is now nurturing some of the region's brightest stars, including Andrew Stewart, Keiran Muir, Landyn Edwards and Ben Taylor.
"We used to have the No8 wire mentality but to compete internationally the structure has to be better," trainee PGA professional Carter said.
Carter is adamant New Zealand has to get serious about improving opportunities for aspiring golf professionals.
As a former member of the New Zealand Golf Academy, he said the lack of all-encompassing programmes meant golfers often floundered in the transition to professional golf.
"Mentally we've probably been miles off the mark, and physically we're not prepared for the fitness demands of muscle balance and flexibility," he said.
According to Carter it doesn't have to be that way.
He believes the Golf Fusion Academy's budding stars have a shot at professional careers and a structured training programme is the answer.
"They are young and talented enough that, if they want to do it, they can. How badly they want to play golf will make the difference," Carter said.
Bryce Hamer from Bay Physiotherapy is also a member of the Golf Fusion team.
Following the Australian Institute of Sport's lead, Hamer will put each golfer through a muscle balance test.
Conditioning, flexibility and back care are all essential in building a solid swing technique and Hamer's knowledge will be used in the role of injury prevention.
"When you hit the ball as hard as the top guys do there's a fair amount of stress going through your body," Carter said.
Off-course logistics also forms part of the Academy, with the students learning about passports, visas and developing independence.
Carter believes it is a mistake for administrators to spoon-feed young amateurs, who should develop the skills to look after these arrangements.
Once they turn professional, Carter said, they needed to have the wherewithall to fend for themselves.
He hopes the lateral approach to coaching and development will give the Academy golfers a competitive edge.
With the golfers in the intake ranging in age from 13 to 19 years, he is also expecting fast improvements from the younger students. Carter wishes the same opportunities had been available when he was moving through the amateur golf ranks.
" knew how to swing a golf club but I lacked life skills _ I wish I'd had something like this," he said.
Golf Fusion Academy: Warwick Barnett, James Cannon, Oliver Coxhead, Landyn Edwards, Karl Knedler, Charlotte Lankshear, Maggie Lankshear, Logan Marshall, Keiran Muir, Toby Pudney, Ben Shanly, Daniel Smith, Andrew Stewart, Ben Taylor, Sam Thorpe, Meg Yen.
Big boost for emerging golfers
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.