The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has hit its way into 2022, with golf the first squad back in action.
They took part in a two-day combined training camp with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport and the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation’s talent squad over January 17-18.
The annual camp, held at the Twin Creek golf resort at Luddenham, included education and skills development in golf, as well as the opportunity to develop a friendly rivalry amongst the three represented programs.
Jack Newton foundation talent pathway manager Heath Canning led athletes through a comprehensive program that included on course skills in putting, chipping and driving.
Classroom sessions focused on cyber safety, athlete pathways, and correct stretching and preparation techniques.
A competitive match play was also part of the camp (pictured below).
“The match play was very competitive, says Scott Martyn, head golf coach for the South West academy.
“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.”
Incoming SWSAS athlete Archie Branks certainly enjoyed the opportunity.
“Spending time on the driving range and practising shots helped to build my confidence in areas of my game that I was not happy with,’’ says Archie.
“I was able to work on improving my game on a new course, and focus on my down swing and concentration.’’
Fellow SWSAS athlete Priya Singh enjoyed spending two days with other female golfers.
“It was really cool to find a whole ‘golfer girls’ community and meet other girls who play golf, and make new friends,’’ Priya said.
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport features 10 up and coming junior golfers from throughout the region.
The squad, selected last December, will continue their training program, hosted by academy partner Campbelltown Golf Club, in preparation for the Regional Academy Games in Wagga Wagga during April.
The Academy’s 2022 Golf squad (pictured top) 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).
For more information on the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, head to www.swsas.org.au or email sport@swsas.org.au
