Golf Academy Update 2022

It has been a busy 12 months for our golf academy and for head coach Ross Daniel.

Once golf returned post lockdown the game enjoyed a huge increase in those interested in learning how to play.

Our Academy programme has provided the perfect starting point for those new to golf.

Ross has embraced this task head on, and the programme goes from strength to strength.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge of coaching and mentoring golfers that are new to the sport and watching them progress and get hooked to the game. It really is an honour to be involved in the start of someone’s golfing journey”

Ross Daniel – PGA Professional.

All academy members started off with a series of group lessons throughout the summer of 2021 designed to learn the fundamentals of the game.

As the 2020 academy programme was heavily disrupted due to Covid they were all also eligible to participate in the group sessions alongside the 2021 group.

These sessions were very popular and well attended, great progress was made by all. 

Academy members have also utilised the 1to1 lessons included within the programme to further develop their games and work on their techniques on a more personal level.

This has allowed them to become more confident and proficient enabling them to head out on the course, enjoying the game more and continuing to improve.

Many of the academy players have already submitted 3 cards and gained their playing handicaps with many more well on their way towards this goal.

Some have even progressed to getting involved in club team competitions.

This is a fantastic achievement considering they have only been playing golf for 9 months.

As we know a big part of playing golf is for the social aspect.

We recognise this within the academy, so it has been great to see new golfing friendships form through the social gatherings and organised practice events that have took place within the programme.

We have had putting competitions, Pimpley competitions, Taylor Course competitions in various fun formats such as Texas scramble or yellow ball.

Plus, throughout the winter we had a winter roll up series on the 18 holes so the players could gain valuable on course experience when the course is quieter.

All making use of the excellent practice facilities RND has to offer.

From the 2020 group whose academy membership finished in September 2021. The club retained 16 players who have now become full members. Notably 4 out of the 7 ladies in the group decided to continue playing at the club. This is a good conversion rate and great news as the club continue to support the growth of the women’s game and secure new members for the future.  

The current academy group still have 4 months remaining on the programme which is due to finish in July 2022. The group is made up of 19 male golfers and 11 female golfers, many of which have already expressed their desire to continue as members post the academy. Putting this down to the positive experience they have had not just through the programme but from RND in general.

We also look forward to welcoming the new intake of academy members in April 2022.

 Another great mixture of new male and female golfers will begin their golfing journey and enjoy a summer of learning to play golf under Ross’s expert eye.

I am sure as always everyone will offer them a warm welcome to the club.

Stay tuned for more academy updates over the coming months.