High-tech approach to golf tuition

Times have changed, perhaps a reflection of the roaring Celtic tiger economy as much as anything to do with a shift in emphasis in golf tuition. Needless to say, the emergence of golfing academies has brought teaching to a new level - with residential stays and hi-tech video analysis the norm now rather than the exception - and there are now three such facilities in Ireland.

The Leadbetter Academy, based on the formula that proved so successful in the United States and other European locations, was the first to hit these shores when it was established at Mount Juliet. However, the MacGregor Academy in Citywest Golf Course in west Dublin and, most recently, the Cobra Academy, based at St Margaret's in north county Dublin, followed suit and all offer tailor-made programmes designed to suit the beginner and advanced golfer alike.

Intriguingly, it is a further indication of the way that golf tuition has advanced that fitness consultants - Helen Lennon at MacGregor and Brian Jennings at Cobra - are seen as integral parts of the programmes.

One of the mottos at Citywest is "different strokes for different folks," and that really encapsulates what the different academies, in their own ways, are trying to achieve.

It can be as expensive, or as inexpensive, as the potential pupil wishes. For example, a five-day residential retreat to Mount Juliet could put you out of pocket to the tune of £1,385 (you get what you pay for), while generally a one-hour individual lesson at any of the establishments is in the range of £30 to £50.

Although the local club professional remains the most likely "fixit" person for most players, the respective academies have established a niche in the market (most notably at the quality end of things) and this is reflected in the wide range of programmes on offer.

Patrick Bradshaw, who is the Director of Golf at the MacGregor Academy, has a team that includes Howard Bennett, the national coach to the GUI and the ILGU, as consultant coach, Helen Lennon, one of Europe's top sports scientists who includes Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington in her client list, as consultant fitness coach and Gary McNeill as head professional. McNeill is also backed up by two staff professionals, Martin Leung and George Henry.

"The aim of the MacGregor Academy is to offer the finest learning experience available," insists Bradshaw, "and is designed to produce long-term improvements. We attempt to raise the level of a golfer's play, not by reinventing the swing but by focusing on the strengths they already have."

Increasingly, the schools are proving to be a popular option, with three-day courses (residential and commuter) that seek to give personal instruction in long game, short game, bunker play, mental approach and course strategy. Video analysis is used in tuition, and a personalised golf-specific exercise programme is an important element of the course.

An indication of the way that the academy at Citywest has influenced teaching is that it is the base for the GUI's junior and senior panels. Early success came last year when Ireland won the Boys' Home International Championships for the first time.

Similarly, the approach in the Cobra Academy centres around hi-tech analysis and a comprehensive approach to fitness where former international athlete Brian Jennings is the fitness consultant. An interesting aspect of the approach at St Margaret's is that all lessons will be given off real turf on the course's two practice ranges.

The Leadbetter Academy was the first to introduce video analysis to Irish golf - and, indeed, many club professionals have invested heavily in similar equipment in an awareness that it is increasingly necessary to teaching - and the head professional there, Mark Reid, was the first to devise residential schools (or, to be specific, golf retreats) where golfers can indulge in some luxury on the estate as well as improving their game. So far, the formula has been a winning one. . . and the Irish fascination with golf, allied to the booming economy, suggests that there is indeed room for all these academies.