The Academy

Facilities
The St Andrews Links Golf Academy is a centre of excellence at the Home of Golf and is one of the most advanced golf teaching facilities in the world.

Its combination of superb facilities, state of the art technology and specialist expertise make it a leader in its field and guarantees a unique and memorable experience for the participants of the IGC Junior Golf School

Facilities include three spacious swing analysis studios, a custom fit studio, a club customisation workshop and a conference and reception room. All are designed to provide the best possible instruction and custom fitting experience

Technology
The golf instructors and custom fit specialists use video analysis equipment and launch monitor technology to study the golf swing, measure shot performance and provide instant feedback to the player.

The academy has gathered together a collection of cutting edge equipment from Switzerland, Denmark, Germany and Japan to equip the academy with the world's best systems to provide golfers with the best possible instructional and club fitting experience.

Some technologies used are Dartfish, Trackman, Sam PuttLab and the Htec system

E-COACHING
Once your swing has been analyzed using video computer analysis it is posted into your locker in a media book form. Click here to see an example of the media book.

When you are back home you can remind yourself of what and why certain things are happening in your swing / short game. A corrective video with tips / drills (video) will be attached to your account. These tips and drills will also have print out sheets and performance parameters to ensure you are working not only on the right drills but to ensure you work the correct amount of time. The tips and drills will be integrated into an online diary / journal based around a structure put together by your instructor – you simply open your account each day to see what part of the game to work on.

Skype call: You will have access to 1 personal one-on-one time with your instructor. Use this call to grill your instructor on any issues you have in your game. The call is limited to 15 minutes’ duration.

Email support: You can send 2 emails to your instructor addressing any golfing issues you may have. He will reply to all correspondence within 24 hours.

THE GOLF INSTRUCTORS

Steve North - Director of Instruction
Steve North is the PGAGM Director of Instruction and is responsible for the delivery of the world class coaching at St Andrews Links Golf Academy. Steve is currently one of the Top 25 Instructors in the UK as voted by Golf Monthly magazine. He joins after four successful years as David Leadbetter’s Director of Instruction at one of Asia’s top golf resorts, Saujana Golf and Country Club.

After becoming one of the youngest golf professionals to complete the rigorous David Leadbetter training, Steve went on to conduct golf clinics all over Asia for some of the world’s leading corporations and is still writing instructional articles for a number of publications including Asian Golf Monthly.

Steve is an expert in the use of video analysis technology and currently is working with golfers at all levels of the game including successful tournament professionals, nationally ranked junior players (including the National Scottish U/16 & U12 Champions), county level players to complete beginners.

Kevin Hale - Academy Instructor
Kevin comes to the Academy from The Belfry, a facility famous for playing host to European tour events and the Ryder Cup. Kevin was a key member of The Belfry’s Professional staff and its PGA National Golf Academy where he was mentored by some of the best instructors in the industry.

During his seven years at The Belfry, Kevin acquired a vast knowledge of teaching the game and is recognized for his coaching expertise. He has enabled international players to achieve greater levels of performance, and helped to strengthen the competitiveness of county squads. Kevin’s extensive and well-rounded background includes working with beginner golfers, helping them realize their potential, and running successful corporate clinics.

Mike Kinloch - Academy Instructor
Mike joins the St Andrews Links Golf Academy from the celebrated Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Dubai Creek’s Academy is recognized as one of the best golf facilities in the Middle East where Mike taught players of all ages and levels of proficiency.

In1999 he became a member of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland, and he was named the Scottish Trainee Professional of the Year. During his tenure at the Old Course Mike’s vocation as a teacher became apparent.

Mike continued to hone his teaching skills and broadened his business experience in the industry as a Golf Professional at the Sahara Golf & Country Club in Kuwait. Mike was instrumental in establishing the club’s academy, and was responsible for overseeing the creation of Kuwait’s first Junior Development Program. As a lead instructor, he mentored and coached elite players, including members of the Kuwait national golf team.

Glenn Sayer - Academy Instructor
Glenn Sayer joins St Andrews Links Golf Academy from the prestigious Cape Kidnappers Golf Club in New Zealand.

As a youth Glenn’s game developed in the Wairarapa district in New Zealand where he competed as one of the area’s top amateurs. Glenn moved on to be trained as a PGA certified teaching professional at Manor Park; a club known throughout New Zealand for its progressive teaching programmes and the model used for the country’s “Junior Plus” development programme. The seven years that Glenn spent at ManorPark awarded him with the opportunity to observe and participate in the development of many of New Zealand’s elite amateurs and professional players, and acclaimed predecessor Michael Campbell, U.S. Open Champion and honorary member of ManorPark.