2015 State Junior Boys Talent Assessment Camp
The annual JNJG Boys State Talent Assessment Camp took place at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen from May 31st – June 3rd. Thirty two boys aged 12-17 from across NSW were selected from over 40 received nominations to attend this live-in camp.
During the camp the boys attended a number of practical and theoretical educational sessions on various golf athlete development areas. The sessions included warm-up and recovery routines, strength and conditioning, motivation, nutrition, careers in the golf industry, nutrition, JNJG tournament information, life as tour professional, developing correct practice habits and pre-shot routine systems.
The players also undertook a number of assessments, including a skills test, Trackman driver club head speed analysis and playing skills at Long Reef Golf Club and Monash Country Club under the watchful eye of experienced PGA Teaching Professionals.
Some of the highlights of the camp included;
- The hot and cold recovery baths and showers – these saw the boys having to immerse themselves in a cold bath for 90 seconds and then immerse themselves in a hot bath for 90 seconds alternating for three times. This saw plenty of yelling and screaming when they went into the cold baths followed by sighs of relieve when they got into the hot baths.
- Playing Long Reef Golf Club – The attendees were able to play this spectacular course. On the day there was a cold wind blowing across the course which really challenged the players not only in their shot-making but concentration. Many found it difficult to remain focused as the temperature continued to drop and the wind intensified throughout the afternoon. Scoring was tough as evidenced at the best nine hole score for the afternoon being three over par.
- Playing Monash Country Club – The attendees were very fortunate to be able to play on this private course. Many had not played the course before. It was in great shape and the greens quite slick. Unfortunately due to light most were not able to get a full 18 holes, but enjoyed the experience of playing at a quality course.
- Oliver Payne – Oliver (14 years old from Port Macquarie GC), playing off a handicap of 5, had his first ever hole-in- one on the signature 14th hole at Monash CC. Oliver used a 3 wood on the hole that measured 180 metres uphill, across a dam!!
- Nathan Green – this year we were very fortunate to have former US Tour Member and Canadian Open winner Nathan Green attend the camp and talk about his golfing experiences right from junior golf through to life on the US Tour. Nathan was great at answering the players questions and really gave an insight to what it takes to get to that level.
Juniors Lachlan Bill (Tully Park) and Ethan Keane (Kareela) both thoroughly enjoyed attending the camp and found it very beneficial for their development.
"I've learnt a lot about golf, in particular how to shape shots. Also about nutrition and how important it is. The session with John Novak and the psychology stuff was my favourite part of the camp. Its really helped the mental side of my game," Lachlan said.
"The camp was fun and I learnt a lot. I learnt how to prep well for a tournament and how to practise well. I also learnt how to develop a pre-shot routine," Ethan said.
Mark Ingrey (JNJG Territory Manager and PGA Professional) said, "The quality of the 32 that we have had here this week has been outstanding. It steps up a gear every year. There's not one kid that is on the weak side. There's a lot of leadership amongst the kids. It's good to watch some of them actually pull everyone else aside and almost drive them to succeed, and to take that next step."
We would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for making this year's camp a huge success;
Coaches – Chris Hearn, Bruce Burrows
Guest Presenters – John Novak, Matt Green, Chris Smith, Nathan Green, John Crampton, Luke Bryden
Courses – Long Reef GC and Monash CC
JNJG Staff – Khan Pullen, Mark Ingrey, Luke Grinham and Greg Watkinson
Pittwater Golf Centre
Sydney Academy of Sport
Letters of offer to those successful junior boys selected to be part of this year's development program will be sent out within the next two weeks. Congratulations to all those junior boys who took part in the camp and we look forward to watching your golf game develop in the next twelve months.
For more information visit: www.jnjg.com.au