SADGA’s aspiring coaches hone skills

 
Yesterday the curtain came down on a tremendously successful training camp for the SADGA’s aspiring coaches held at King David Mowbray Golf Club.
The week got off to a wet and windy start as the quartet of Ignation Douries, Charles Williams, Raylen De Wee and Daren Hanekom teed it up in the Saturday competition. Despite the trying conditions, all of them acquitted themselves well with Charles faring best with 35 points.
After a round at Worcester the following day, the week began in earnest. Under the watchful eye of SADGA head coach Andrew Corthing, the guys competed against each other in pitching and putting drills respectively. Points were awarded based on the proximity to the hole during the pitching while the putting drill awarded points based on how many strokes were required to hole out. These drills certainly got the competitive juices flowing and in this way Corthing was able to assess each individual’s ability to withstand pressure.
Given that the PGA exam features both a theoretical aspect to test one’s knowledge and a practical aspect to measure competency as a player, Corthing spent a great deal of time equipping the golfers with the skills necessary to handle different playing conditions and ultimately pass the practical exam.
“This year I’m in the phase of getting their playing abilities up so that they can be a 4-handicap or better because if they don’t get their playing ability up then they can’t become pros. This week I did a lot of physical things ── how to hit a ball high, low, left-to-right, right-to-left and how to play wind”, says Corthing.
The coaches also sat an exam to test their theoretical knowledge of the game. The practice exam ranged from questions on the world of golf, the rules of golf as well the laws and principles of the golf swing.
The practical aspect of the training camp meanwhile saw the coaches test their ability to use video analysis effectively. They were tasked with videoing each other’s swings from the necessary angles before offering a diagnosis and solution.
“They tape the swing and then they have to sit and tell me what the problem is, its cause, how they plan to fix it and the length of time it’ll take them to fix it. Then I want a goal to be set and they must work on it with each other.”
The camp consisted of more than just golf, though. The guys learnt valuable life skills which will stand them in good stead in the future. These ranged from learning how to draw up a budget as well as mapping out a plan for each individual for the coming month with regards to how to structure their days. Such forward planning will entrench the essentials of discipline and time-management.
“We are educating them on budgets, on life, being ambassadors for SADGA as well as yourself. We’re using golf as a tool to give them an opportunity to make themselves better humans in life going forward. One doesn’t always have control over life but you must at least have a plan.”
Suffice it to say the week was hugely beneficial and a lot of fun, too. Our thanks to the King David Mowbray catering staff for providing our coaches with delicious lunches and dinner throughout the week and to Andrew for his unwavering dedication to brightening the futures of our members.
This training week could not have taken place without the help of
Western Province Golf support and belief in the SADGA
Donny Jurgens Development Services urgens development services who put on an incredible team building session
Vwsa for the SADGA Caddy which came from Pretoria, via Bloemfontein to visit the FSP, then Carnarvon to pick up Raylen and finally in Cape Town. We are extremely grateful for the SADGA mobility by Volkswagen
King David Mowbray Golf Club Izzy and the team in the kitchen for the awesome food
Forest Cottage for the awesome accommodation during the training
Bellville Golf Club
Worcestor golf course
Carmen Oostenbrink for the help interpreting at Donny’s team building
Canon South Africa
Nomads