The project is the brain child of former English Golf Union Performance Director, Nigel Furniss, who has worked with many leading English golfers who have played and competed nationally, internationally and on the world’s professional tours. Students who enrol on the programme will be trained to develop their golfing skills to the highest level possible equipping them with all the necessary tools for those who wish to pursue a possible career as a professional golfer.

The new and innovative Performance Golf Academy - Derby will commence this September in partnership with Performance Golf, Derby College and Morley Hayes Golf Complex.  Students will receive world class training and support through individually tailored golf specific training programmes which will include technical, tactical, physiological, psychological, lifestyle planning and competitive aspects of the game drawing on the vast knowledge and experience of the highly acclaimed team at Performance Golf.

As well as receiving a tailored golf coaching programme, students will also study for two sporting qualifications to complement their sporting ability.  The BTEC National Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence is the equivalent of four A-levels and a route to university or employment.  This will be delivered at the College’s Prince Charles Avenue and Broomfield Hall sites in Derby. 

The NVQ in Golf will provide students with specific experience in the sport including individual and group coaching, structured training, practice and competition opportunities.  The programme will have access to first class facilities at Morley Hayes Golf Complex, including the 18 hole championship course, nine hole Manor Course and fully equipped driving range and will benefit from the expertise and golf specific training delivered by the team at the Performance Golf. 

The team at the Performance Golf which includes PGA Master professional, former European Tour player and England National Coach Keith Williams, Golf Conditioning Physio Bob Wood and lead England Golf Psychologist Brian Hemmings who has worked extensively with leading English golfers, focussing on improving performance and achieving players’ goals 

Nigel explained: “This is a most exciting and fantastic opportunity for any young golfer who has aspirations to take their game to the highest level and pursue a career in golf. To be able to work with such a high calibre team of coaches with a successful proven track record is quite unique here in the East Midlands. I only wish I could have had this opportunity when I was 16.”

The new Performance Golf Academy – Derby will become one of 10 Academy Centres that will form the National Academy Structure and player development pathway for Golf in England, in partnership with England Golf.

Derby College lecturer Dominic Taylor has been instrumental in developing this partnership and is looking forward to the launch of the programme in September:  “The Performance Golf Academy – Derby is an ideal programme and exciting opportunity for young golfers in the region to further their education whilst accessing an internationally renowned team of performance coaches and personnel.”

“With this support and high level of delivery, the programme has the expertise and experience that will be passed on to students, helping them to further their skills and a career in the sport.”

Anyone interested in more information about the programme can call Nigel Furniss 07871 260430 or visit the web site www.performance-golf.co.uk or call Dominic Taylor 01332 520200 at Derby College.