We took a huge step forward this week with the reintroduction of some students back to our Study Centre (see below). On the golf side, we’re disappointed with the announcement this past weekend that non-contact sports are still not being allowed in South Africa. Even if professionals are in theory allowed to train, few facilities will open for such a small portion of the total golfers. However, we are hopeful that the delegation from the golf industry who are in extensive talks with government will prevail soon.
It's good to be back!
We are delighted to welcome back an initial group of students to our Study Centre this week, under strict health and safety guidelines. It is wonderful to see them in person and interact face to face again, all be it with a mask or shield on at this stage. We’re proud of the staff who have done a sterling job to meet all of the guidelines for us to safely open our campus at Huddle Park and also our boarding facility.
The students have been first-class throughout. All students continue to use our online learning system, along with scheduled and on-call remote tutoring, that has been working so well during lockdown.
With all current scholars and their families having now experienced distance learning in some form or other, many are now viewing it as a viable solution for their education. We’ve had plenty of enquiries over the last few weeks, as families start to plan beyond the current situation.
Our Study Centre follows the Cambridge curriculum, and is exclusively for student-athletes (in any sport). Our structure allows more time and flexibility for training and competing, so is an ideal choice for those who wish to give everything they have to their sport, while still receiving a quality education with expert academic supervision and management.
The Study Centre is a key component of our full-time Junior Golf Academy. Email info@bsisports.com to find out more.
The foundation to a successful career in golf
Coenie Stoop joined our academy in 2009, and graduated with the PGA Diploma in our class of 2011. Coenie won our Order of Merit in all three years that he was a student, the first to achieve that feat. He also gained his Sunshine Tour card in his second year of study, and decided to turn Pro whilst still finishing his qualification. In total he spent six years on the tour.
After leaving the tour, Coenie worked for a spell as Assistant Golf Director at Killarney Country Club. In January 2016, he returned to the academy as a full-time Coach and has become an integral part of the coaching staff since then. Looking to emulate his hat-trick as a player, Coenie has coached the winners of both our Premier and Junior Order of Merits for the last two years.
Here’s what Coenie had to say about his time as a student and coach with us;
“I’m proud to have won the Order of Merit three times in a row while playing on the Sunshine Tour with the help of my coach and the whole BSI Team. BSI has always had top-class PGA coaches who have shown significant passion for the game throughout my years. The whole structure of day to day tasks to improve and learn in a particular area and the Order of Merit system helps you identify key areas and makes it a more competitive environment. The nurturing and care we all felt from the BSI Staff has truly made us a family.
BSI has helped me to display a positive attitude. Showing up at work with a positive attitude is most important to me. It is okay to not know everything, but it is essential to have an open mindset and show continuous effort in learning and also learning by making mistakes. Lastly to establish a strong work ethic shows that you take your job and organization seriously, it’s about quality and commitment and I can only thank BSI for guiding me on this journey.
BSI will help you in finding your true potential, whether it is making a living playing on tour or finding your passion in other regards. It’s an awesome, engaging experience. Balderstone Sports Institute will surely set out your foundation in life.”
If you dream of pursuing a career in golf with international opportunities, then the PGA Diploma or Greenkeeping Programmes at BSI are the perfect college options for you. Spaces are limited. Contact us to start your journey.
Three questions about golf
PGA Master Professional Michael Balderstone answers questions on how to prepare for a round when you can't hit balls, long game vs short game, and more.
Your questions answered
Fire in your questions to us on training or performance related to golf, fitness, mental game, football (we run a football academy too) or youth development.
Swing your game into action from home
BSI Sport Scientist, Renee Reinecke, shows some exercises you can do at home to improve your ability to separate your upper and lower body, which is vital for an effective golf swing.
You can contact Renee at reneer@bsisports.com to book a private assessment or training sessions, which she is conducting remotely at the moment.
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