Advanced Competitive Golfer

Coaching and Training Program for Aspiring High Performance Golfers Aged 13-17

Program Information

Henry Brunton Golf is pleased to offer our Advanced Competitive Golfer (ACG) program – a professional coaching and training program for aspiring high performance golfers ages 14-18. The following information outlines program specifics for participating athletes and their parents/ guardians.

This program provides select golfers with a comprehensive and systematic approach to training, competing, skill improvement, and personal development. Both young men and women are welcome to participate. ACG is led by Henry Brunton, Canada’s foremost golf coach and educator, Canadian PGA Master Professional, GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher and RCGA Men’s National Coach. Jon Roy, HB Golf Associate Professional and 2007 Ontario PGA Teacher of the Year for Juniors is Head Coach and program manager for ACG.

Maturing into a champion both on and off the course is an exciting challenge for aspiring young athletes and their families. It takes considerable commitment, support, feedback, and training. A professional coaching influence combined with effective training and practice is paramount in this process. “Advanced Competitive Golfer” (ACG) is a holistic approach to developing and nurturing adolescents so that they will mature into the finest golfers and most outstanding people possible. This specialized program presents committed athletes with an opportunity to realize their goals in both sport and life.

ACG is athlete and parent driven in that the activities and the direction of the program are steered by the players and their parents/ guardians. The program is extremely successful. The participating athletes enjoy themselves and they improve their golf performance. They experience tremendous growth as young adults and have achieved many outstanding feats as competitive golfers. ACG prepares participants for life as student athletes at the university level. Many “grads” have successfully made the transition to university and are “shining stars” at outstanding post –secondary institutions in Canada and the United States.

What can participating athletes expect?
Advanced Competitive Golfer athletes can expect:

To have fun.
Support and 100% commitment from all Henry Brunton Golf coaches.
To improve as golfers, students and people.
To be prepared to play their best golf.
A professional coaching and training program that is adapted to meet their specific needs.
To interact with other like minded athletes and families.
Honest and open two–way communication and feedback.
Structured coaching, practice, and training with a focus on core fundamentals; swing technique, fitness, nutrition, short game proficiency, course management, and mental skills.
Preparation and guidance for life as a collegiate student –athlete and beyond.

Do you have what it takes? Program registration prerequisites
ACG is designed to provide aspiring high performance athletes with a professional approach to their development as golfers and people. This program is suitable for individuals who:

Are golf athletes motivated to improve their skills and performance;
Are committed to being the best that they can be on and off the course;
Take responsibility for their actions and are “coachable”;
Do not abuse alcohol and/ or illegal drugs;
Have positive attitudes;
Respect and honor the game;
Give scholastics top priority; and
Play for the love of the game and the challenges that it presents.

What are the expectant behaviors of the athletes?
Athletes selected to participate in ACG are expected:

To be committed to developing into all that they can be in all areas of life.
To conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
To respect the efforts of parents/ guardians, coaches, golf officials, facility staff, and sponsors at all times.
To ask questions and seek support at any time and especially if confusion sets in or if personal problems arise off the course.
To approach all relevant tasks: academics, practice, play, fitness, nutrition, training etc. like a champion.
To be a role model.
To continually learn and discover.
To be honest with themselves and others at all times.
To complete all post round reports and assignments promptly.
To smile, have fun and enjoy the journey.

What roles do parents/ guardians play in Advanced Competitive Golfer?
Parents/ guardians play a pivotal role in the development of high performance people. It is crucial that each athlete and his/her parents/guardians are aware of individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the athlete, parents/guardians, and coaches. Greatest gains are made when all stakeholders involved in this process know their roles and are pulling in the same direction. ACG parents/guardians are provided with parent support meetings and regular athlete coach feedback sessions. The recommended roles for parents/guardians are:

To provide each child with unconditional love regardless of their performance in golf or academics.
To communicate openly and candidly with all HB Golf Coaches.
To have a discussion with their child to find out exactly how they want parents/ guardians to support them and act as golf parents.
To interact with each child as a human being recognizing that golf is not who they are but rather an activity they enjoy and participate in.
To support and encourage coaches and golf officials.
To be educated on how to best help their child with the challenges that they face.
To be aware of the common pitfalls into which many parents may inadvertently fall.
To be aware of many of the invented meanings that exists in the culture of competitive golf.

How do you register?
All athletes and parents/guardians must first meet with Henry Brunton and/or Jon Roy to discuss the possibility of enrolling in ACG. Space is limited.

Key areas of coaching and training for ACG Athletes

Making academics the top priority – proactively working ahead with assignments and exam studying so that golf does not get in the way of school and vice versa.
Ensuring that core fundamentals are sound (grip, stance, ball position, alignment, and posture).
Devising a written “Performance Plan” that clearly outlines goals and planned action for golf and personal development.
Getting the body into top physical condition for golf performance and to withstand the rigors of high performance training and competitive golf.
Adopting excellent nutrition and hydration habits.
Playing with equipment and balls that are best suited to their game.
Refining swing technique with coaching, feedback, and effective training.
Learning, training, and measuring short game skills.
Training the mind to be quiet and focused on the target before each shot by following a mental pre –shot routine and post –shot routine.
Preparing and following game plans in concert with course maps.
Developing and maintaining a positive attitude and body posture.
Implementing effective course management strategies.
Learning the Rules of Golf and being able to effectively implement them in competitive situations.
Keeping a practice and coaching sessions journal.
Journaling all competitive rounds utilizing the Post-round Report.
Practicing to build skills and enhance performance.
Taking responsibility for all performance variables (“controllables”).
To implement effective self- management skills and habits.
To stay continually focused on development and growth by being in the “roots” as much as possible.

8th Annual Henry Brunton Golf Spring Break Training Camp March 2010 in Orlando, Florida
The 8th Annual Henry Brunton Golf Spring Break Training Camp will be held in March 2010 in Orlando, Florida. This camp provides ACG athletes with a unique and enjoyable specialized training and skills development opportunity.

Participating athletes will receive professional coaching, structured practice, and simulated competition. The camp is designed to train and prepare players for the summer competitive season and beyond.

There will be considerable emphasis on the establishment of key competitive golf skills and habits. All important competitive golf preparation habits, execution strategies, rules, and game management tactics will be taught and reinforced. Players will be able to transfer new skills to an on course competitive environment. There will be a “Ryder Cup” Team Competition contested, the players will get an opportunity to observe the world’s best players preparing and practicing at the PGA Tour Event at Innisbrook Resort, and then compete in the HB Golf Spring Break Championship Tournament.

Complete camp information will be sent to all ACG athletes, parents, and guardians. You may also log onto henrybrunton.com to access this information. Please confirm your intention to participate as soon as possible.

Specialized Tools and Services Available to SFE Athletes
All SFE athletes will be exposed to the latest sports science training and development tools and techniques

Mental Game Training
There is considerable emphasis in ACG on developing mental skills, adopting high- level practice and event preparation habits, and post–round journaling and analysis. All players will be taught mental game techniques used by the top professionals.

Course Management and Tactics
Effective course management skills are extremely important for competitive players. These skills and tactics will be taught and reinforced throughout the course of the program. There will be considerable emphasis on developing and implementing these habits at the March Break Camp. Course mapping, pin sheet utilization, establishing written game plans with specific targets, challenging the course appropriately, and playing to “strengths” will be key areas of focus in this regard.

Rules of Golf Training
Jon Roy is an RCGA Certified Rules Official. He will lead players through a specially designed program for aspiring young competitive golfers focusing on The Rules of Golf. In this course, the players will learn the Rules of Golf in a fun and effective fashion. They will learn how to practically apply the rules to their best advantage in competition.

Collegiate Golf Preparation Workshop for ACG Athletes and Parents
Henry will conduct collegiate golf preparation workshops for ACG players and parents in September/ October. All qualified ACG athletes will be personally assisted with their collegiate search during the appropriate stage in their development if they wish.

Competitive schedule planning
All athletes and their parents will be assisted with establishing an appropriate competitive schedule for the 2009 season. A schedule planning workshop will be conducted. All relevant factors: age, experience, future goals, skill levels, and budget will be taken into account. We have compiled a complete list of events and dates to use as a planning tool.

Tournament observation/support
The SFE Coaching Staff will observe and support players in competition and provide them with follow up feedback whenever possible.

On course coaching
HB Golf Coaches will be setting up a regular “playing” schedule in the spring and summer. Interested players will get on course feedback and suggestions for improvement.

For more information...
Reg Millage is Head Coach and program manager for the ACG program. Contact Reg by email: reg@henrybrunton.com