“Strive for Excellence” (SFE) is a new program being offered at the RCGA Golf Centre and was designed to provide aspiring young junior golfers with a leading edge performance golf coaching program that includes educational materials, resources and support; all of which are necessary to truly develop competitive players. This program provides select aspiring junior 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 by RCGA Golf Centre CPGA professionals Paul Horton and Jason Haley who are committed and keenly focused on the development of SFE players and the success of this program.

Maturing into a champion both on and off the course is an exciting challenge for aspiring young players 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 player 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 will yield results. Participating athletes will experience tremendous growth as young adults and will be presented an opportunity to achieve many outstanding feats as competitive golfers.

The SFE program strives to prepare participants for life as student athletes at the university level. Our goal is SFE “grads” have successfully made the transition to university and are “shining stars” at outstanding post-secondary institutions in Canada and the United States.

“Strive for Excellence” athletes can expect:

• To have fun
• To have the support and 100% commitment from all of our coaches
• To improve as golfers, students, and people
• To be prepared to play their best golf
• To be part of a structured training program, run by professional coaches and tailored to meet their specific needs
• To interact with other like minded athletes and families
• To be part of honest and open two–way communication and feedback
• To receive structured coaching, practice, and training with a focus on core fundamentals; swing technique, fitness, nutrition, short game proficiency, course management, and mental skills
• To receive preparation and guidance for life as a collegiate student–athlete and beyond

Program Registration Prerequisites
SFE is designed to provide aspiring junior players with a professional approach to their development as golfers and people. This program is suitable for individuals who:

• Are passionate and aspiring to become outstanding golfers 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”
• 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
• Have the support of their parent/guardian(s)

What do we expect of the athletes?
Players 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 reports and tasks asked of your coach promptly
• To smile, have fun, and enjoy the journey

What roles do parents play in “Strive for Excellence”?
Parents play a pivotal role in the development of athletes, regardless of sport. In this specific circumstance, it is crucial that each player and his/her parents are aware of individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the player, 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 player 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” Players?
Participating SFE players 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.

Competitive Season        January through September

Weekly Coaching
Weekly Team Practice
Bi-weekly on course play
Tournament Coaching Support
One on One Club and Ball Fitting
Player Evaluation and Goal Setting
Parent Support Workshop
Sport Science Resource Materials
— RCGA Mental Management information support materials
— RCGA fitness testing protocol and TPI workout program
— “How Great Golfers Think” by Bob Skura
— Uncommon Golf Short Game Testing
— “Shot by Shot” membership
— Golf Scholarship Manual
Year End Wind Up

2009 SFE Program Fees

Although the program starts as early as January, players can join the program and register at any time – space permitting.

Guarantee
Complete program satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed

How do you register/qualifications?
All athletes and parents must first meet personally with Paul Horton and Jason Haley to discuss the possibility of enrolling in SFE. Paul and Jason can be reached by telephone 403.640.1661 or via email at phorton@rcga.org. Space is limited and there will be a simple skill evaluation and physical test requirements.