SAGDB coaching plan sets new standards

The SA Golf Development Board, the official body recognised for developing golf in South Africa, has adopted a new coaching plan to improve the standards of its programmes across the country.

“It’s important for us to keep looking at how we do things and keep improving on the way we operate,” said SAGDB media liaison Patrick Cairns. “We owe it to the children in our programmes to be giving them the best assistance we can, and that’s why we’ve taken this step.”

The new coaching plan, which was put together by the development board’s national manager for coaching and education, Johan Steyn, outlines a clear model for the progression of athletes by providing day-to-day lesson plans. It sets definite standards and ensures the consistent evaluation of all players in the programme.

“After seven years of the SAGDB operating, the reality was that a lot of coaching took place, but not enough talent came through,” said Steyn. “That’s why this new coaching plan was necessary.”

“It will assist our coaches to plan ahead,” Steyn explained. “It’s also a management tool that concerns the work being done by everyone in the organisation.”

Steyn emphasises that the new coaching structure also provides a much clearer outline for coaches as to what they can expect players to achieve.

“This means it also assists the athletes to monitor themselves,” Steyn said, “since skill levels are standardised across the country.”

All of the SAGDB’s regions are now implementing the revised coaching plan, and the board hopes to see an improvement in standards in the near future.