A Professional Coaching and Training Program for Aspiring High Performance Golfers Ages 15 -19

Program developed and led by:
Henry Brunton
RCGA National Men’s Coach
Canada's only GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher

“Strive for Excellence” (SFE) was established in 2002. This program provides select high performance golfers with a comprehensive and systematic approach to training, competing, skill improvement, and personal development. Both young men and women are welcome to participate. SFE is led personally by Canada’s foremost golf educator, Henry Brunton, GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher and RCGA Men’s National Coach and Rhonda Fleury- 2006 Ontario PGA “Junior Teacher of the Year”. 

SFE also relies on Jon Roy- 2007 Ontario PGA "Junior Teacher of the Year", Patrick O'Neill, Aileen Robertson and Jeff Overholt, all outstanding CPGA Professionals who are committed and keenly focused on the development of SFE athletes and the success of this program.

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. “Strive for Excellence” 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.

SFE 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. It yields results. Participating athletes experience tremendous growth as young adults and have achieved many outstanding feats as competitive golfers. SFE prepares participants for life as student athletes at the university level. Many SFE “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?
“Strive for Excellence” athletes can expect:

• To have fun.
• Support and 100% commitment from all of our 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
SFE 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 outstanding golf athletes motivated to improve to collegiate level golf and beyond.
• 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.
• Play for the love of the game and the challenges that it presents.

What do we expect of the athletes?
Athletes selected to participate in SFE 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.

Parents play a pivotal role in the development of high performance people. It is crucial that each athlete and his/her parents are aware of individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the athlete, parents, and coaches. The greatest gains are made when all stakeholders involved in this process know their roles and are pulling in the same direction. SFE parents are provided with parent education training opportunities and regular athlete coach feedback sessions. The recommended roles for parents are:

• To provide each child with unconditional love regardless of their performance in golf or academics.
• To communicate openly and candidly with all SFE Coaches.
• To have a discussion with their child to find out exactly how they want parents 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.

What are the specific activities and training opportunities available to “Strive for Excellence” Athletes?
Participating SFE athletes receive regularly scheduled coaching and training sessions. The training is designed to facilitate their improved performance as golfers, students, and people. There is a conscious plan to ramp up activities and decrease programming appropriately at different times of the year. This training strategy will give each player the best opportunity to perform optimally in the classroom and in the most important golf tournaments. As well, it minimizes the risk of burn out and injury.