Scottish Golf Union Press Release

SGU TO ACCEPT SELF-NOMINATIONS
FROM YOUNGSTERS FOR
SCOTTISH GOLF ACADEMY

‘Game Academy’ has been launched in the Home of Golf in a drive to find the next Richie Ramsay, the current US amateur champion, or for those wishing to emulate the sizzling form of 2005 Open silver medallist Lloyd Saltman, recently crowned Irish amateur champion.
The SGU is embarking on its very own X Factor talent search for up and coming golfers who want to be the next sensation on the amateur golf scene.
For determined young Scots out there who are ‘game on’ to improve their golf and harbour the ambition to become a national squad member, entry into the Scottish Golf Academy could put them on the fairway to a first national cap.
The SGU established the Scottish Golf Academy two years ago, with the aim of increasing opportunities for aspirational young players, who wish to develop their potential and game to whatever level their talent and ambition may take them.
As the Golf Academy moves into its third year of operation, the SGU is seeking fresh X Factor talent for a year one intake this September.
SGU Performance Manager Stuart Turner, the man who masterminded the Academy programme from inception, said: “The current system for entry into the Academy relies on clubs nominating players to the SGU’s 16 areas, who in turn ensure the SGU is made aware of these players.
"The Academy coaches then track the golfers throughout the season for potential selection in to the Academy. However, we are not getting the numbers of players referred to us that we would like, so we have come up with the idea of self nomination.”
The SGU’s aim is to ensure talent does not go unnoticed and self nomination by players will complement the current referral system by the SGU areas.Turner added:
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our quest to ensure we do not miss any talented young golfers out there. Academy players benefit from structured coaching and competition delivered by some of the best coaches in the country.
"If you know someone who should be involved, urge them to self nominate now.”
Those game for improvement must meet the X Factor criteria. To be an 'Academy wannabe' you must have been born in 1993 or after and have a handicap of 10 or less.
Interested players should contact the Scottish Golf Union as soon as possible, but no later than July 31, 2007 for more information and a form.
BACKGROUND NOTES
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) is the governing body for men’s amateur golf in Scotland. The SGU exists to further the cause of golf; to attract newcomers to the game; to develop golfing skills at all levels and to provide support and advice to clubs.
The Scottish Golf Academy was set up in September 2005 and provides players with a structured coaching and competition programme, managed day to day by SGU National Junior Coach Spencer Henderson.
The aim of the Academy system is to fill a previously missing link from regional to national level, and provides one of the key steps in the player pathway structure – giving players a consistent framework to progress from clubgolf stages, to whatever level they aspire to.
There are now eight academy venues across the country and 96 talented young golfers are benefiting from up to 100 hours of structured coaching sessions per annum.
Considerable progress has been made throughout the two years of operation, including significant handicap reductions and improved competition results.
In 2006 in conjunction with the SLGA, 12 girls were introduced into the Academy programme for the first time.