Talent hunt is now on

May 30 2008

THE Scottish Golf X Factor talent search is back on to unearth young golfing hopefuls.

In a drive to encourage more young golfers to improve their game though a structured coaching system, the SGU is looking for Academy wannabes who harbour hopes of being the next big name on an amateur scene dominated by Perth and Kinross talent in recent years.

The SGU established the Scottish Golf Academy three years ago with the aim of increasing opportunities for young players.

Now boasting eight regional centres, the Academy system provides its members with up to 100 hours of coaching, ensuring consistent coaching from clubgolf entry level and upwards.

The SGU is seeking fresh young talent for a year one intake in September and successful entrants could find themselves on the fairway to obtaining their first national cap.

Entry into the Academy system previously relied on clubs nominating their players to the 16 SGU Areas. But to ensure talent does not go unnoticed, self nomination by players was introduced for the first time last year, to complement the current referral system. Currently over 100 boys and 24 girls are currently reaping the benefits of the Academy services.

SGU National Junior Coach Spencer Henderson, who is responsible for the day to day operation of the Academies, said: Academy players have benefited significantly from the coaching and services that have been available to them since the inception of the system in 2005. With tangible signs of progress through significant handicap reductions as well as through overall golfing performance, players get quality tuition from some of the best coaches in the country. With Academy members being closely monitored throughout the year, the heightened prospect of a call up to the national squad is another great advantage.

If you know someone you think should be involved, who would relish the prospect to represent their country, encourage them to self nominate now.

To meet the Academy criteria, you must be under 15 years of age on January 1,t 2008 and have a handicap of 10 or less.

Interested players should contact the Scottish Golf Union as soon as possible, but no later than July 1 for more information and a nomination form.