The Australian Institute of Sport Golf Program

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Golf Program is a program of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). The ASC is the umbrella body for a number of programs including the Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Coaching Council and the Active Australia program

The AIS Golf Program commenced as an AIS residential sport in February 1992 based in Melbourne, using facilities established at the Sandringham Golf Driving Range and top golf courses in the local area. In 2004 the program relocated to Moonah Links, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. The AIS Golf Program is a cooperative effort involving the ASC/AIS, the Australian Golf Union, and Women's Golf Australia.

The AIS Golf Program is primarily a full-time residential program and is designed specifically to develop 17-19 year old golfers who have already exhibited the potential to succeed at the senior level of golf.

SCHOLARSHIPS:
There are generally 14 residential Scholarships awarded annually (subject to change depending on funding) - 8 male amateurs, 6 female amateurs, consisting of five 1st year males, three 2nd year males, four 1st year females and two 2nd year females. There is also a possibility for a 3rd year non-residential female.
AIS golf athletes are provided with coaching, access to facilities, equipment, sports medicine and science, fitness training, travel, personal and career development, tertiary education, accommodation and meals. In addition AIS Golf amateur scholarship holders have access to membership with a Melbourne Sandbelt Golf Club and golfing equipment supplied by the sponsors of the program.

SPORTS SCIENCE:
The Sports Science area includes:

  • psychological profiles
  • nutrition profiles
  • physiological testing
  • muscular skeletal screening
  • medical assessments
  • strength & conditioning training
  • gym membership
  • Biomechanics testing include 3D Swing analysis

The AIS Golf Program has now established protocols in each of these sports science areas.

GOLF FACILITIES:
AIS facilities include:

  • Self contained wedge lay up area
  • Whale backs
  • Rough areas and wastelands - for practicing trouble shots
  • Rope Matrix - to provide windows in the sky for shot shaping
  • Large putting green
  • Large chipping/pitching green - including a range of bunker shot options
  • Teaching stations - to enable course simulation
  • Fairway bunkers for long shots
  • Multi-directional hitting - tee placement hitting into prevailing winds for a variety of wind shots
  • Augusta style 18th hole - tee shot through the trees to improve take off line awareness
  • Accommodation for up to 24 people on-site in three separate houses.
  • Biomechanical facility - undercover research area to house cameras and 3D swing analysis system

Improved academy facilities to include:

  • Villa style accommodation for athletes
  • Increased office space for staff
  • Office space for visitors
  • Upgraded IT facilities for coaches and athletes
  • Gymnasium training area
  • Lecture and seminar facilities

COACHING:
Mark Holland was appointed to the Head Coach position in March 2000, Mark commenced with the Program as Scholarship Coach in 1997 and was then appointed to Assistant Coach in 1999. Coaching staff also consists of an Assistant Coach and a Scholarship Coach (appointed for 1-2 years).

A network of golf specific service providers are strongly connected with the program and include:

  • Physiotherapy - Ramsay McMaster (consultant to PGA, AIS, VIS, WGA)
  • Nutrition - Sally Girvin
  • Psychology - John Crampton
  • Strength and Conditioning - Russell Jarrett
  • Athlete Career and Education - Peter Brown
  • Education/Professional Developement - John Stafford

MEN'S PROGRAM:
AIS Golf Scholarships for the men's program are 1 year in duration with a possible 2nd year offer (both years residential).

Minimum objective requirements are:
Handicap: 3 or less
Education: Year 12 Certificate/VCE/HSC
Age: 17,or 18 as at 1st January 2004

WOMEN'S PROGRAM:
AIS Golf Scholarships for the women's program are 1 year in duration (residential) with a possible 2nd year (residential) followed by the possibility of a 3rd year (non-residential) offer.
Minimum objective requirements are:
Handicap: 7 or less
Education: Year 12 Certificate/VCE/HSC - preferred but not essential
Age: 17 years or above as at 1st January 2004
Women's scholarships are subject to a medical and physiotherapy screening. The age limit may be varied on an individual basis with AIS and WGA approval.

GENERAL:
Scholarship holders will reside at the residences provided at Moonah Links staffed by AIS Houseparents. All successful applicants during the period of their scholarship will be required to undertake basic domestic duties, such as: making of bed; keeping rooms tidy; washing of own clothes; basic cooking and cleaning skills.
The new venue at Moonah Links on the Mornington Penninsula will include both the training and residential aspects of the program.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
For further information, please visit www.ais.org.au/golf/