An Abundance of Talent in NSW
The annual boys Sate Talent Assessment Camp was conducted at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen from May 25-28.
Thirty four boys aged from 12-17 came from various regional and metropolitan clubs to attend the camp. The handicaps of the group ranged from +1 to 5.
The primary focus of the camp is to assess the skills of many of the up and coming talented players across the state and identify players for future state level development programs conducted by Jack Newton Junior Golf and Golf NSW. Other objectives of the camp are to expose players to the sport sciences, personal development experiences and elite athlete preparation systems through a combination of practical and theoretical sessions conducted by guest speakers.
The camp commenced on Sunday afternoon whereby the players were split into groups and attended physical preparation sessions conducted by JNJG physiotherapist Matthew Green and Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Smith. Players learnt about injury prevention, golf motor pattern and postural drills, pre-and post-performance warm up and recovery routines. The players also learnt about the physical attributes of the modern athletic golfer and undertook a circuit class whereby they trained in the academy weights and workout room.
During the evening they attended lectures by Mind Management Coach of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, John Novak and also tour player Woon Jon Lee.
Day two saw the players go through a number of long game, short game and putting skills tests sessions and on course play at Long Reef Golf Club. The players skills and course management were assessed during these sessions by experienced junior development coaches and PGA Members Bruce Burrows, Bruce MacLean, Chris Hearn and Mark Ingrey.
Day three saw some more skill testing and education on ball control. The players were required to hit draws, fades and high and low shots through certain targets. In the afternoon the players had a game at Monash Country Club. The players thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play this exclusive members club.
Again on day four the players were split into groups and undertook some supervised practice with the coaches and also attended a session with sport psychologist – John Crampton. Players learnt about concepts such as rhythm control, eye control, sequencing and timing as related to their pre-shot and address routines.
During the camp players also attended lectures by the Professional Golfers’ Association and the PGA IGI about careers in golf. Representatives from the Australian College of Elite Golf also presented information about the Diploma in Sport Development Program which they conduct.
JNJG would like to thank the Sydney Academy of Sport, Northern Beaches Golf Centre, Long Reef GC and Monash CC, the PGA Coaches and all the guest speakers for their contribution to the success of this camp.
