Elite Performance Golf Academy
What Will I Study?
This course has been specifically designed to give recognition to talented golfers, as part of the England Golf Partnerships vision of being "The Leading Golf Nation in the World by 2020." It aims to support young male and female elite golfers (aged 16-18 at the start of the programme) who can demonstrate the necessary talent, commitment and skill to achieve excellence in golf and who possess a realistic chance of making a career from playing golf.
During the two-year programme students work towards an NVQ Level 3 Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance, BTEC level 3 90 Credit Diploma - Studied in Year 1 & the Extended Diploma - Studied in year 2.
The NVQ is divided into two parts, one which focuses on the performance areas of sport (technical skills, tactical skills, physical capability and mental attitude) and one which focuses on the personal development of the golfer (lifestyle management, career planning, health and safety and communication).
The BTEC qualification encourages the development of playing skills, whilst also providing a good foundation in training, tactical and coaching techniques. Students cover many aspects of the game, from sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports performance and fitness testing to sports coaching, physiology and injury prevention.
The Golf Academy team runs an order of Merit for our players each week and the team for the national Intercollegiate Golf Tour is selected from this. Through this event players get to play on different courses throughout the country. Residential trips are organised each year to destinations such as Spain, Portugal or America as part of the course programme.
How will I be assessed?
• Practical work based assessment for NVQ
• Practical and project based assessment for BTEC
• Examination for A Level PE or GCSE's
Previous qualifications
GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English is desirable, plus a golf handicap of 15 or lower for male applicants, or 20 or lower for female applicants, or the player is considered to have the necessary potential.
Who should study this course?
The Golf Academy course is appropriate for anyone wishing to improve their Golf whilst studying on an A level standard programme at Sussex Downs College.
How do I apply?
If you would like to join this course then you will need to fill out an Application Form and Academic Reference Form and return to Park College. Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk and click on apply on the home page for more information.
Please Contact the Course Coordinator (details below) if you have any questions:
Mark Watts
Elite Performance Academies Coordinator
Sussex Downs College
Tel: 01323 637675
Mobile: 07891053655
email: mark.watts@sussexdowns.ac.uk
What qualification will I achieve?
• Level 3 BTEC 90 Credit Diploma in Sport & Extended Diploma in year 2
• Level 3 NVQ in Performance & Excellence
• Tri Golf in the community
Possible Career Paths
• Golf professional
• Professional golf players
• Golf club staff
• Golf retailing
• Tour caddie
• Golf coaching Progression
• FdA Golf Management
• PGA Assistant Professional
• FdA Golf Coaching
• Sports related degree course
• FdSc Golf Performance
Are There Any Extra Costs?
1. Equipment and / or Clothing: Golf equipment and team kit.
2. Extra Costs: Accommodation for the Collegiate and College Golf Tour National Finals (if student makes it into the team) and practice round. Golf Training Camp in Bonmont, Spain (not compulsory).
3. Golf Membership at the Royal & University of Brighton – Roughly £300.
What do our other students say?
"I enjoy the Golf course because it gives me a chance to train towards a career in a sport that I love. It also gives me a clear plan B just in case I don’t make it as a tour player. The BTEC & NVQ qualifications are very interesting and I am finding that it is helping me to develop my learning and knowledge of what it takes to become an elite performer." Matt Greenfield - Golf Academy student.
Additional information
You will be based across three sites, which are:
Sussex Downs College (Park College, Eastbourne) - Academic Studies
Royal Eastbourne Golf Course - Practical Development & NVQ work
University of Brighton - Fitness and Conditioning work
The dates and venues for the ICT Area G fixtures are as follows:
Round 3 – 6/3/13, South Downs College (B) at Waterlooville, 1st tee – TBA
Round 4 – 27/3/13, Sussex Downs at Royal Eastbourne, 1st tee – 12:00
