05 GOLF GUIDE 2017 M A N I T O B A
enjoy the rise of Canadian golfers on various tours around the world. To the contrary, they’re committed to taking their long-term development program to the next level to develop even more elite-level players. “Even more than before, our goal is to develop even more players who’re capable of winning at the highest level,” says Golf Canada’s newly-appointed director of next generation performance, Matt Wilson. “We will be in pursuit of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence.” Wilson – who just assumed the position in February – says while the program is even more ambitious than its predecessor, it’s still in its early stages of development. “I’m in the process of getting my finger on the pulse of programs across the country in each province – who the coaches are, who the up-and-coming players are. My job is to identify promising players, get an earlier line of sight on what they’re doing, and then connect with coaches to provide them with the help they need in developing the players.” Garth Goodbrandson, Golf Manitoba’s director of player development, said Golf Canada’s new Long-Term Player Development Guide (2.0) is going to help funnel even more promising youngsters into the development pipeline. “Even though player development was started years ago, this new guide is a fantastic tool that’s really going to help players, parents and
coaches,” he says. “It’s going to give everyone a better understanding of what youngsters are going to need to do to become elite- level players.”
The big thing is to really keep open lines with coaches, starting with provincial associations,” Wilson says. “We’ll be asking them, ‘How can we support you?’ and, ‘What can we do to support you better?’ We’ll also be present at events across Canada to support and evaluate players.” Winnipeg’s Derek Ingram – Golf Canada’s men’s head coach and pro/amateur team coach – says Golf Canada’s move to intensify long-term player development is a good one. “We recognized that while we were doing a good job, there was a lot more work to do. To be honest, I think we’ve missed some players,” he says. “The new long-term development program will cast a wider blanket, enabling us to identify promising players sooner. We’ll be able to give kids more support when they need it.” He adds that making the new Long-Term Player Development Guide so accessible and user-friendly will be a huge help to everyone. “It can be accessed online, and there’s even an app for it – it’s a wicked tool for kids, parents and coaches. It’s all part of us doing our best to provide good young players with a roadmap that will show them how to get to the elite level of the game if they want to put in the hard work.” For more information on the new Long- Term Player Development Guide, visit Golf Canada at golfcanada.ca.
In a nutshell, the guide outlines eight key stages: • Active Start (ages 0-6) ª Fundamentals (Ages 6-9) • Learn to Golf • Introduction to Competition
• Learn to Compete • Train to Compete • Compete to Win • Golf for Life.
“Basically, it sets out a framework of what needs to be done to get to the highest level of the game,” Goodbrandson says. “It provides everyone with proper direction right from the word go. If their child is interested in golf, parents will know where to go and what to do right away. There’s tons of good information.” The hope is that a more defined – and refined – program will do an even better job of developing elite-level players in the long run. “Right now, we’re brainstorming possibilities.
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