Gloucestershire Golf Union

2024 Men's County Coaching Programme

Introduction

In every respect, we have ambitions to become one of the leading Counties in England.

From a playing perspective, this means that we need to maintain a large group of players who can compete as individuals at the very top of the amateur game. In the context of the diagram below, that means having an Average Score versus the Course Rating (ASCR) that is less than zero. An ASCR that is less than minus one would see you into an England Golf squad provided you were playing in the right events to gain that level of recognition.

Reaching this level of play is not easy. It takes many years of dedication to achieve, and can't be done without the help of others; parents, friends, Junior Organisers, Coaches and Officials at every level of the game.

Programme exists to support players in their goal to climb the golfing staircase shown in this diagram.

If you want to improve, and would like us to help, then we will do our very best to support you.

What type of Support Do We Offer?

At Men's level, the support we offer is principally financial. This is provided in the form of a contribution towards the cost of either:

Coaching sessions with approved instructors

The level of funding available for this depends on a number of factors i.e. your age, ambitions in the game, current standard of play, on-going commitment to County teams and likely availability for our County teams (where fixture congestion allows)

Participation in events at Regional, National or International level

The level of funding for this depends on the status of the event, and how far you progress

As well as the above, we can also offer support in relation to schedule planning and performance analysis. More details on all of the above will be provided following completion and return of this application form.

Who Qualifies to Receive Support?

The support offered under this scheme is for players who have reached the age of 18 by 31st December (players under the age of 18 are covered by our Junior Coaching programme).

Players who are 18 or over and meeting the following criteria are most likely to be selected, although exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

Age at 31st Dec

Eligibility Criteria

22 or older

Must have either:

Represented the County 1st or 2nd Teams on numerous occasions during the previous 12 months, and given their full commitment to the respective Team Captains
Completed at least 10 rounds in ranking events* during the previous calander year

18, 19, 20, 21

Must have:

Supported County Teams (1st, 2nd or U18) since 2021 (if selected), and given their full commitment to the respective Team Captains
The drive, determination and time to be considered capable of breaking into the Top 100 of the England Golf Men's Order of Merit within 2 to 3 years

Should have:

Completed at least 15 rounds in ranking events* during the previous calander year
Played at least 25 qualifying rounds since during the previous calander year

*For a list of ranking events, please see view the County Stroke Average tables

What Do I Need to Do to Apply for Support?

That's a simple one. Just complete the application form below and send it to the Coaching Chairman, David Hares:

2024 Men's County Coaching Programme Application Form (Word Version)

2024 Men's County Coaching Programme Application Form (PDF Version)

Please email your completed application to coaching@gloucestershiregolfunion.co.uk or post it to David Hares, GGU Coaching, 11 Gore Road, Ashton, Bristol, BS3 2LX.

All applications will be reviewed by Dave Hares and Captain Gary Ward, and we will then be back in touch with details of the support we can offer.