Golf Hits its way into New Year

Written on the 25 January 2022 by The District Reporter

Athletes were taken through a series of pre-match stretching and preparation techniques as a part of the two-day camp.

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has hit its way into 2022, with Golf the first squad back in action, taking part in a two-day combined training camp with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport and the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation’s (JNJGF) talent squad over January 17-18.

The annual camp, held at the Twin Creek’s Golf Course in western Sydney, saw the athletes undertake a wide variety of education and skills development in Golf, as well as the opportunity to develop a friendly rivalry amongst the three represented programs.  

JNJGF Talent Pathway Manager Heath Canning led attending athletes through a comprehensive program that included on course skills in putting, chipping and driving, along with classroom sessions in cyber safety, athlete pathways, and correct stretching and preparation techniques. Followed by the opportunity for a somewhat competitive match play on Twin Creeks Golf Course itself.

“There has already been some nice banter between the Academy’s, however its this banter that leads to them creating new friendships,” said Academy Head Golf Coach Scott Martyn. 

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport features ten up and coming junior Golfers from throughout the region. 

“The match play was very competitive. Golf is a great game that can see the hardest of competitors on the course, but as this camp has showed, golfers can be the best of friends off the course.” Said Martyn. 

Incoming SWSAS athlete Archie Branks enjoyed the opportunity, commenting that, “Spending time on the driving range and practicing shots helped to build my confidence in areas of my game that I was not happy with.” “I was able to work on improving my game on a new course, and focus on my down swing and concentration” said Branks. 

Fellow SWSAS athlete Priya Singh commented that, “I really enjoyed spending two days with other golfers who have the same interests that I do.” “It was really cool to find a whole ‘golfer girls’ community and meet other girls who play golf, and make new friends”. Said Singh. 

“I would usually be really competitive when playing golf, but over the last few days I was able to meet new people and play with them, making the game so much more fun and exciting” said Singh. 

The squad, selected last December, will continue their training program, hosted by Academy Golf Partner Campbelltown Golf Club, in preparation for competition at the Regional Academy Games, where they will renew the competitive rivalry with fellow regional academies. The Games are scheduled to be held in Wagga Wagga during April 8-10 later this year. 

The Academy’s 2022 Golf squad includes; Archie Branks (Elderslie), Noah Graham (Cobbitty), Ayden Kokcek (Wilton), Braxton Reynolds (Spring Farm), Joey Eason (Wilton), Cameron Hodsdon (Rosemeadow), Zackie Kadir (Harrington Park), Zain Kadir (Harrington Park), Priya Singh (Minto) and Megan Henry (Glen Alpine). 

Staying on course, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport is also in the thick of planning to host it’s Corporate Golf Day in May. Whilst a specific date is yet to be finalised, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Academy staff are keen to get back into the swing of things in what will be a year of celebratory activities, with the Academy celebrating its 25^th year of operation throughout 2022. 

The Academy’s Operations and Media Coordinator, Stephen Craig, said, “There are a number of key events and activities that we are planning for this year for not only our athletes, but our local community and most importantly our sporting and corporate partner network.”  “It will be a special year for the Academy, both in and out of the sporting arena.”, said Craig.

For more information on the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, head to www.swsas.org.au or email sport@swsas.org.au