GOLF ASSESSMENTS : GOALSETTING + COACHING = SUCCESS
While improving the overall score might seem like the obvious goal of a golfer , that ’ s just where goalsetting begins . Students might aim to improve their putting , or perhaps focus on their mental performance or their nutrition . Some golfers might have a goal to simply break 80 on a regular basis , whereas advanced players might have goals about specific rankings . Goals are fluid ; the beauty of having players at different levels is that their goals are reflective of where they currently are and where they wish to be .
The goalsetting process can be individualistic or collaborative , but no matter the approach , one thing is clear : goals only come to fruition once they are put into action . For IJGA students , that ’ s exactly where the coaches come in .
Director of Golf Operations , Chris Tremblay explains the importance of assessing the student from the moment they set foot on campus . “ The initial assessment looks at where the studentathlete is with their golf game , skills on the golf course , physical fitness , and mental performance . Basically , we look at the individual through a prism , examining a number of components to determine how the body and mind work together to perform out on the range and during competition . It is a complete picture .” which coaches use to provide pinpointed , tailored weekly training plans . Even more important is that the blueprint is not static ; if players are struggling to improve , the blueprint is adjusted .
In many ways , the application of the blueprint can be likened to a racecar . When it comes to creating the ultimate racecar , it ’ s important to build the engine , to combine the engine with the frame , the drivetrain , and the wheels in order to see how it performs on the track . But the most important indicator of success is how the racecar responds in traffic , in the midst of competition .
Coach Tremblay uses this same analogy to liken the overall coaching approach at IJGA . “ When it comes to golf , we use swing technology and video to assess clubhead speed , swing path , weight transfer , and more . We also assess their game chipping and putting . However , the ultimate tell-all is the golf course . We spend a fair amount of time watching how they play and make their way around the golf course .”
Although the coaching methodologies used are proven and applied at the highest level of the game , coaching doesn ’ t stop there . Tremblay notes that it ’ s imperative coaches deliver any and all feedback in a positive manner . After all , the goal is to get players to embrace the coaching process .
One of Tremblay ’ s favorite parts of being a coach is when a student has the “ ah-ha ” moment . Coaching support , coupled with a tried-andtrue training methodology , sets students up for achieving their golf goals across the board .
From left , Drake Edmonds and Chris Tremblay assess the golf swing of Takato Imoto
All that is required of them is — as Coach Tremblay puts it —” hunger ”. Those that truly get “ hungry ” and seek to build the mindset of a winner become unstoppable .
This well-rounded assessment , coupled with students ’ individual goals , provides a solid blueprint which players use to improve , and from
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