My Systematic Training Program has been highly effective over the years of my career in developing golfers into world class players. The program involves dividing training into segments with the ultimate goal of achieving peak performance at specific times of the year.

The Systematic Training Program is the means of applying the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of training on a yearly basis and is implemented in several cycles and mini cycles.

Training segments are as follows:

1. Technical Training
2. Pre-Competition
3. Tournament Competition
4. Evaluation and Active Rest

The technical phase of training is critical because it is the foundation of training. This cycle is used to identify weakness in the technical areas of the swing and the short game and to make corrections in technique. We help the athlete slow down and work on specific areas that need improvement. An athlete’s level of progress and performance are dependent upon the student’s commitment and adaptation to training.

This stage will vary for each student and is broken down into the long and short game.

During the swing analysis in this phase, the primary objective is to build confidence in the student’s swing. Any change or suggestions that are made are to become a more consistent player. The drills are done at a slow and deliberate manner around the student’s style of play.

The 3 main goals are: To give players a clearer understanding of their swing; create the right feel for their improvement; and visually see a difference through video analysis.

During the technical phase, students are not result-oriented. They are only focused on improving their swing or short game techniques.

Playing golf during technical training, students are advised not to keep score. The main focus is to feel their new changes and put them to the test. The student is allowed to play more then one ball at a time.

The right equipment also plays a vital role in creating the correct technique and feel for improving ones game

During the pre-competition segment, the player is preparing for competitive play and will work on preparation and feel. Course management plays an important role; how to warm up before a round, developing different shots for tournament play and learning to work the ball plays and important part in improving scores. The short game, feel for distance and sharpening the feel around the greens will definitely improve scores.

When going to the course, mental and physical routines keep a golfer focused on what they need to control. Each student needs to be aware of his or her personality styles on the course.

During this period, mental conditioning starts to play a more vital role. Relaxation techniques are very important because they help the students handle the pressure of tournament play. Visualization though control and staying in the present can help each student improves on an attitude that builds a champion.

Competition is what we are building the players up for; peak performance. This phase is all competition. Match play or medal play will develop tournament toughness. This is where strength of character is tested. The instructor spends a lot of time on the course evaluating each student. Each student will take his or her statistics during this week and make sure they stick to their plan and strategy on the course. Techniques and results need to be put completely out of the student’s mind. Their preparation will be closely monitored.

Evaluation and Active Rest is the final phase in the cycle. It is very important that we slow the player down and let their bodies and minds rejuvenate to the start of another cycle.

We cannot continue to push the players past or into another cycle without allowing them to rest. The breakdown physically and mentally will slow the overall development of the player.

The term active rest still means we are being active physically minus a lot of the stress of competition. We will play a lot of games; catch up on schoolwork. Days off are optional at this time.

If you are not in a full time training program and have limited time to practice, you are still able to apply the principles of systematic training.

Peak Performance is achieved by understanding the relationship of the Technical, Mental and Physical elements of the game.

Mental Conditioning

The mental game separates good players from the great players. Mental Conditioning is a critical element in the development of a champion because the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors of an athlete impact performance. In the area of sports psychology we provide the tools for the player to be able to set realistic goals and milestones which aid in the learning process. The goal of mental conditioning is to be able to evaluate the strengths in your game and develop a plan of improvement for the weaker areas of your game. You need to put in as much time and energy into your mental game as you do with your technical game. Through the consistent use of the mental game you will gain a competitive edge.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is an important component to training a champion. Modern golf is a game of power and it demands stronger more athletic players. Gary has partnered with Fitness For Golf, a company on the cutting edge of providing golf training for juniors. The concept of ‘golf fitness’ revolves around understanding specific physical strengths and weaknesses for individual players and uncovering swing faults and potential for improvement. As stability, strength, power and flexibility are developed, so are the overall strengths of each player. With physical fitness they have an opportunity to develop more sound swing mechanics and more efficient, powerful and consistent swings.