YOUNGSTERS with a talent for golf will be heartened by a recent comment from Sam Torrance about why the sport in England is able to produce the world numbers one and two in Luke Donald and Lee Westwood and players with outstanding potential, such as Tom Lewis.
“One of the reasons,” he said, “and unlike many other sports – with tennis an obvious example – is the strength of the amateur set-up in golf.”
Those words increase the appeal of an exciting programme to support golfers between the ages of 16 and 19 being run by the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association at Matfen Hall and Slaley Hall.
The programme is open to boys and girls from Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria.
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) in golf is a two-year elite athlete development initiative. David Charlton, North Region AASE Programme Manager for the EGU, said: “The players must possess the drive and commitment to do their level best both academically and within their golf training.
“In return the player will receive top-class coaching from specially selected England coaches, a complete package of sports science support including biomechanics, strength & conditioning and psychological training, as well as additional resources towards competition and tournament expenses.”
The 36-year-old Charlton (pictured below), who lives in Prudhoe, is a former Ryton club champion who used to work in corporate travel. He added: “The scheme is ideal for both boys and girls looking to further their careers in the game at a time when they are put under pressure to follow an educational pathway.
“AASE is the best of both worlds, education, leading to a career or a place at university coupled with a golf training programme which could lead to a life as a professional.”
The criteria for applying for AASE is as follows:
16 or 17 years of age on August 31, 2011 and in full-time further education, starting in September 2011.
A Levels (with a preference for Physical Education and/or Biology) and / or BTEC Level 3 Diploma (with a preference for a sport or business-related qualification).
Have at least four GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English.
Competitive golfing CV and Official CONGU Handicap record.
Players, parents, carers or junior liaison officers who would like further information about this programme should contact Charlton on 07734 697769 or dwcharlton1@btinternet.com
The closing date for the 2011 intake of AASE students is Wednesday August 31.
For more information, you can also visit www.englishgolfunion.org/AASE
