The Sussex College of Golf (SCG) moves to Lindfield Golf Club in September in the quest to give their students the best possible chance to become top amateurs and professionals. Much more than that, however, the College provides an academic as well as golfing education for their wards and an environment that promises to change their lives.

The relocation to Lindfield Golf Club near Haywards Heath has been accompanied by a huge financial investment in the course and practice facilities, allowing the College to offer a unique opportunity for ambitious players aged 16 to 19 to dramatically improve their game over the two year course.

Denis Pugh lends one student a hand

The brainchild of former European Tour star Paul Lyons and part of the Golf College Group, the SCG brings together some of the game’s most respected coaches. Amongst those regularly teaching the college’s students alongside Lyons are Sky TV’s coaching guru Denis Pugh and sports psychologist Pete Cohen. The trio have combined to incredible effect, helping the College’s pupils slash their handicaps and earn county as well national recognition.

“I see the College not just as the future of English golf, but also as the future for golf going in to Europe,” claims Pugh, who is in an excellent position to judge as the coach of Europe’s biggest star over the past decade, Colin Montgomerie.

“What’s happening with the sport is that so many young players want to be professional, and it’s so hard to find out who are going to be the chosen ones between the ages of 16 and 20. Being able to educate the players means that if they don’t become people who make a living out of the game, they still get an education so they can enjoy the real world.”

The academic element of the SCG is integral to the complete package it offers. With ten hours a week spent in the classroom in association with the Sussex Downs College, the students complete an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence that combines an NVQ in golf as well as the BTEC in General Sport which provides the equivalent of two A-levels. With the aim for many of the students to then go on the further education and golfing scholarships in the US, the College also provides crucial SAT tuition. The results have been remarkable, with a number of current students having been snapped up by American universities for next year.

The current crop of pupils

The atmosphere at Lindfield is fantastic, with the students forming a close bond as they practice together and compete against each other. They provide the best example of all of the unbelievable success the SCG has enjoyed since opening in 2005.

“I don’t think I could have achieved the academic levels I’ve reached here or got to the same golfing ability anywhere else,” enthuses second-year student Alex Swainsbury, who has come down from a handicap of seven to scratch and earned a place at Oklahoma City University.

The Sussex College of Golf has produced countless other success stories, including an England Boys international and a Surrey Girls champion. With the move to Lindfield to look forward to for the new intake, there is no doubt that the College offers the best start for its boys and girls in life and in golf.

If you are a talented young golfer aged 16 to 19 and would like to become part of the phenomena that is set to dominate the future of golf – and give yourself the best possible chance of reaching the highest levels of the sport – simply contact Louise Marks on 01444 484467 or visit www.thegolfcollege.com. You can also contact the College if you would like to attend one of their Open Days on the 26^th and 27^th June.