EXPERIENCE: Illawarra Academy of Sport Golf Squad Manager Ralph Stevenson
Young golfers from around New South Wales will tackle some of the best and toughest golf courses in the Illawarra as part of the ClubsNSW Academy Games.
The competition begins on Friday (April 13) when competitors tee off at Kembla Grange. On Saturday they tackle the difficult Shellharbour Links Course, followed by the Wollongong Golf Club on Sunday.
The golf competition represents young male and female golfers from 10 NSW Academies of Sport, with their handicaps ranging from the low single figures to 12 (for males) and 16 (for females).
Ralph Stevenson, the manager of the Illawarra Academy of Sports golf squad, described how the athletes from his squad have been preparing from the games.
He said that the standard coaching sessions that enabled the golfers to build their skill levels were coupled with psychology sessions that helped them analyse situations, sports fitness and nutrition lessons.
This enabled then to prepare both on and off the course for the pressures of competition.
Mr Stevenson also talked about how exciting it is for the Illawara region to host such a prestigious event..
Golf is just one of the seven sport taking part in the Clubs NSW Academy Games. Other sports include Basketball, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Union and Cycling. They will play all through out sporting venues around the Wollongong and Shellharbour council facilities.
Words: KATE NEALON