Golf Australia has taken the “next big step” on the path of developing future world-class athletes, appointing Luke Mackey to its high performance team.
HP director Brad James added that it was a “huge coup” for his team to secure the services of revered strength and conditioning guru Mackey to the newly created position of sports medicine and athlete performance manager.
Mackey’s role will primarily focus on preparation of the Golf Australia rookie squad – athletes deemed by James and his team as most likely to win major championships, Olympic medals and secure a top-100 world ranking.
“This is the next big step for our athletes,” James said.
“We’ve progressed a long way in the past decade, but the addition of Luke to the team is something we’re really excited about because he has what is effectively a unique skill set.
“He brings to the program a tremendous knowledge and expertise from which our athletes and service team will benefit, both immediately and long-term.
“Luke’s primary focus will be working with the athletes who are transitioning from elite amateur status and tracking towards Golf Australia’s strategic priorities of reaching top-100 world ranking status.
“He will oversee the sports science and medicine team which includes collaborating and leading our nationally based service team of physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, nutrition experts and biomechanics.”
Mackey has a long history with golf, but most recently as a part of the world-renowned Victorian institute of Sport development program.
“I am very excited about this new position,” Mackey said.
“I have worked with a lot of the athletes before at elite amateur level domestically. I look forward to the challenges ahead and helping these young athletes achieve big things in the professional ranks on the various tours of the world.”
Mackey spent the past four years with the VIS, including training the golf squad. He also trained several Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at last year’s Rio Games.
“I travelled to Brazil with Team Australia and was a part of golf’s re-introduction to the Olympics,” he said.
“It was incredible to be a part of that group of athletes and sports and I look forward to continuing our development in the performance space to ensure we achieve the highest goals possible for our athletes.”