Core Golf Junior Academy High School Program
The Core Golf Junior Academy provides comprehensive coaching in the key elements of peak golf performance:
- Swing mechanics, execution and strategy led by PGA Tour coach Sean Foley and Director of Instruction Tom Jackson
- Fitness and nutrition led by Director of Fitness and Nutrition Dr. Craig Davies
- Mental performance led by Director of Mental Performance Neale Smith
Along with Canadian PGA professional Jeff Hay, the academy instructors create individualized programs for each student that integrates the key elements of golf excellence.
Swing mechanics, execution and strategy
Designed by PGA Tour coach Sean Foley, the instruction program includes:
- Coaching on swing mechanics of their complete game
- Effective practice and warm-up routine
- Course management
- Tournament preparation and strategy
The program is based on Foley’s experience working with PGA Tour players and elite junior players; his work with some of the top instructors in the world, his studies in a wide range of science, psychology and humanities; as well as his work with leading scientists. Everything taught at the academy has a basis in science, including geometry, physics, kinetics, bio-mechanics and neuroscience.
The Core Golf Junior Academy system of teaching takes our students through a progression of stages based on their skill and ability level. We teach solid fundamentals starting from the set-up to impact and beyond, including all facets of the short game, specialty shots, and adapting to conditions and situations.
All students receive a full understanding of proper fundamentals and their own tendencies so that when they have problems, they can be their own coach.
Golf tests every part of a person, so the teaching curriculum reflects those challenges with a combination of technical practice and a variety of situations that simulate a wide range of challenges.
Daily personal instruction
Each student receives daily personal instruction and monitoring on the range, short game practice facilities and the golf course to ensure that the students are moving correctly and they understand their technique.
All students undergo a fitting session with the Nike 360 Fitting System to ensure they are outfitted with equipment that suits their strength, flexibility and their game requirements.
At the beginning of the year, Core Golf Junior Academy instructors conduct an evaluation that includes an interview, video analysis, and observing the student playing and practising.
A personalized improvement plan is created for the student that sets specific, measurable and time-oriented goals. As students move through the year, detailed notes and video are taken of their progress, and their game and tournament statistics and results are analyzed. Students also record their feelings and experiences in journals.
The student`s individual improvement program is constantly evaluated through the year based on the student’s progress to correct specific problems, add to the student`s repertoire of shots, and build on their successes.
Our goal, by the end of the year, is to move all students to a higher level of performance so they are ready to take the next step in their golf and personal lives, whether that`s breaking a scoring barrier, earning a college scholarship or becoming a more complete golfer, as well as a more fully realized person.
Fitness and Nutrition
Under the guidance of Dr. Craig Davies, each student receives instruction in fitness and nutrition, a personalized program in both areas, and ongoing training and counselling to foster superior fitness, high performance golf and a vibrant lifestyle.
Our goal is for each student to be as healthy, strong and flexible as possible. This has positive implications on their ability to play golf and practice to the highest level while minimizing the potential for injury. The carry-over to the increased health and wellness they will experience throughout their lives outside golf is equally important.
Personalized fitness programs
Dr. Davies personally evaluates all students, analyzing their flexibility, fitness, strengths, weaknesses, and existing conditions.
Dr. Davies designs personalized fitness programs for the students to follow through the season, teaches them proper workout techniques, and monitors their form and answers their questions. Students keep a log on each workout.
The students are reassessed every six weeks and adjustments are made to increase strength, flexibility and to rectify problem areas. These programs enable each student to develop at a safe and efficient pace that is specific to their individual needs. The student thus enjoys greater gains on and off the golf course.
The early identification of mechanical problems ensures the instructional staff are not teaching the students movements they are not physically capable, and could lead to injury. Swing instruction thus adapts to the student’s well-being as the season progresses.
Ensuring good fuel goes in the tank
To perform at maximum capability as a student athlete, young golfers require optimum nutrition. Dr. Davies oversees the menu for the students, advises on supplements, and educates them to make knowledgeable food, beverage and supplement choices.
At the beginning of each year, and through the season, Dr. Davies examines the student’s lifestyle and dietary habits. He ensures that students are making healthy choices for their individual needs, including investigating allergies and sensitivities that can cause problems.
Through group sessions and educational manuals, students also learn how to analyze their foods and make wise food and supplement choices. Each student records what they eat and drink in a journal, and how their intake is affecting their performance on the course, the classroom and their general well-being. The log is reviewed regularly and changes are made as necessary to correct problems and boost performance.
Mental Performance
The model for the mental performance program is a Performance Pie designed by Neale Smith. It focuses on eight key elements: mental, physical, technical, nutrition, rest and active recovery, support, equipment and quality practice.
In particular, students work through the year on elements such as focus, tournament preparation, perception, emotional management, modes of thinking in practice versus on the course, visualization, and post-round analysis.
Students also maintain a journal to record their thoughts about their game, tournaments, and all parts of their lives.