Queensland Golf

Introduction

The Queensland Academy of Sport Golf Program is conducted under the auspices of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). The QAS Golf Program is funded by the Queensland Government and Golf Queensland. The QAS Golf Program commenced in July 2001.

The QAS Golf Program is primarily a full-time training, practice and tournament play program, which has been designed specifically to further develop golfers who have exhibited the potential to succeed at the elite level.

To best facilitate the development of Squad Members, the Program is based on a financial year (i.e. July to June).

The Athlete

It is anticipated that twelve athletes will be accepted into the Program commencing July 2006. The final composition and size of the squad may vary, dependant on the quality of the applications that are received. Current squad members are eligible to re-apply.

Males:
Handicap: 2.4
Education: Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)
Age: 17 Years
Other: Queensland residency

Females:
Handicap: 5.4
Education: Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)
Age: 17 Years
Other: Queensland residency

QAS Team of Gavin Flint, Shaun Piper, Bronson LaCassie and Henry Epstein with Coach, Jim Barden.
Winners of Teams Event at 2002 Qantas Close Championship of Queensland.

QAS golf athletes are provided with coaching, access to facilities, some equipment, sports medicine and science, fitness training, some items of uniform, and some travel to major tournaments. Access to other QAS services, including the Athlete Career Education (ACE) program, will also be available to the athlete.

Support for the athlete to establish an accommodation and home club base will be provided if and when required.

Additional short-term placements with the program may be offered from time to time.

· Sports Psychology
· Nutrition Support
· Physiological/Bio-mechanical testing
· Muscular-skeletal screening
· Medical assessments
· Strength and conditioning training
· Gymnasium access

The Golf Queensland
State Training Facility.

Golf Facilities

The QAS Golf Program is based at the Golf Queensland State Training Facility - adjacent to the Brookwater Golf Club, which was opened in October 2002. The Program will utilise these facilities, as well as those of other golf clubs and/or driving ranges in the greater Brisbane area. Golf Queensland's arrangement with the Brookwater Golf Club provides for Brookwater membership for all members of the QAS Golf Squad.

In addition, a number of the Scholarship-holders have been able to secure part-time work at Brookwater in the past.

The State Training Facility features include:
· Golf-specific Gymnasium
· Lecture Room
· Locker Rooms
· Library with internet access.

Coaching

Noted Golf Professional Jim Barden has been the Head Coach of the program since its inception. Jim is regarded as one of the State's premier teaching professionals, and was the Club Professional at Gailes Golf Club for 10 years before taking up the position with the QAS. He has been engaged by the QGU as a coach of various State Squads and Teams since 1995.

Other specialist or assistant coaches may be engaged from time to time to assist and/or complement the Head Coach.

Tournament Play

Participation in some State and National Championships, and local Angus Buchanan/State Ranking tournaments will be incorporated into the program. Please note that representation at such events may be limited in number.

Athlete Career & Education (ACE)

Athlete career and education services are provided by the QAS ACE program which is a branch of the National ACE program. The program provides athletes with career, educational and personal development services. The role of ACE is to assist athletes to achieve educational and vocational aspirations without compromising their sporting objectives.

Equipment

Athletes will be required to use any equipment provided by any program sponsor that may be organised by the QAS and/or the Program Committee.

Conclusion

The QAS Golf Program has been designed after consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport Golf Program, the Australian Golf Union, Women's Golf Australia, other institute-type programs and the various State Golfing bodies for both men and women.

The protocols of a number of programs from such bodies will be used, and where necessary adapted and/or improved to suit the needs of our program. The Head Coach is experienced in dealing with such programs, and a highly effective and professional program will be available to those athletes selected in the 2006-07 Squad.