KEY POINTS:
New Zealand Golf has announced new Academy squads as part of its revamp of the development programme for the sport.
The programme forms part of the new strategic plan that includes a high-performance structure consisting of a wider talent identification group, a smaller select elite squad, individual assistance agreements with key internationals and ultimately a support programme for young professionals.
As part of the development of introducing more young people to the sport, NZG has announced a new partnership with Youthtown, a national youth organisation.
Three players have been named in the elite squad headed by national amateur champion Danny Lee, of Rotorua, North Island champion Nick Gillespie, of Hastings, and Rotorua's Penny Smith.
The five players at present on scholarships overseas are not included in the elite academy, which is directed at players living in New Zealand, but remain a key part of international team selections.
Twelve players are included in a national development squad also announced yesterday. They include most of New Zealand's burgeoning junior internationals.
Another group, not included in the academy, will receive individual support packages and these players will be contenders for national squad selections.
"This will form the basis of our academy programme going forward," NZG chief executive Bill MacGowan said.
"We want to provide a clear pathway for players as they are identified as emerging talent, work their way through our junior national squads and then the best emerge in our elite squads or will gain individual support packages to allow them to develop internationally either from New Zealand or from overseas.
"It's early days yet but we also want to provide an assistance package for our best young amateurs as they transition into the tough world of professional golf.
Youthtown will help to fund some new initiatives.
* ACADEMY SQUADS
Elite: Danny Lee (Rotorua), Nick Gillespie (Hastings), Penny Smith (Rotorua).
National: Gary-John Hill (Whangarei), Perry Hayman (Wellington), Peter Spearman-Burn (Wellington), Sean Riordan (Takaka), Daniel Pearce (Christchurch), Ben Wallace (Auckland), Zoe-Beth Brake (Whakatane), Larissa Eruera (Auckland), Dana Kim (Christchurch), Dasom Lee (Auckland), Emily Perry (Hamilton), Lisa Wright (Hamilton).
- NZPA
