Golf

Course Factsheet

FdSc Golf Performance

About the Course

The Foundation Degree Golf Performance course offers students a wonderful insight into the world of elite golf. It covers all the main areas of performance enhancement that are the focus of the sports top players and that will shape the development of golf in coming years. The course provides students with a plethora of game improvement ideas and concepts which they can adopt as part of their own Individual Performance Plans. The Foundation Degree provides the essential base knowledge and skills necessary for any aspiring golfer who wishes to work in the Golf Performance sector of the industry.

The course focuses on developing the skills, coaching techniques and sports science support elements necessary to improve golf performance. This course is designed for the elite golfer who may currently be just outside the EGU's World Class Performer status and National Elite Squads. It is an extremely specialist course which places high demands on the player's performance.

Although the programme does not apply a handicap restriction, the compulsory components would usually require a Category 1 handicap or below.

Entry Criteria / Additional Information

Students will normally have gained one or more ‘A’ level passes with a minimum of 80 points or BTEC National Diploma or BTEC National Certificate or NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will be considered positively - please enquire at the College. Transferable/Key Skills and AS levels may be used to contribute to the entry requirement but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis. Whilst not a pre-requisite it is strongly recommended that some scientific knowledge / understanding is gained prior to starting the course.

List of Modules

Level 1 Modules

• Work Skills Development - This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use a relevant work environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology - The module will introduce students to fundamental anatomy and physiology, applied to sport and exercise performance contexts.
• Introduction to Golf Biomechanics - This module will use a theoretical base to develop an understanding of essential terminology and, importantly, the application of biomechanical and technological principles to the performance and analysis of golf.
• Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription for Golf - Introduces the scientific basis of fitness testing and subsequent prescription of training for golf and exercise.
• Introduction to Sports Psychology for Golf - This module is designed to introduce the student to the relationship between psychological factors and performance in golf.
• Introduction to Golf Coaching - The focus of this module is to provide the theory of the coaching process. It outlines the knowledge required for a coach to be able to operate in different and safe environments within Golf.

Level 2 Modules

• Work Project - This module aims to build on the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development module and provide a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, work with their supervisor in developing the project and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships.
• Research Development - The aim of this module is to develop the ability of students to undertake investigative research and underpin dissertation and double project work at Level 3. The module will focus upon information-related academic and market research skills, research methodology, data collection techniques, data analysis and writing skills.
• Sports Science Support and Consultancy for Golf - This module will help the student to develop the skills necessary to operate in a sports science support role. The key element of support is through the use of physiological testing and psychological interventions.
• Essentials of Training and Conditioning for Golf - The module applies specific conditioning practices to the enhancement of performance, and utilises the key performance indicators outlined by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
• Sports Psychology and Golf Coaching - The aim of this module is to equip students with the basic theoretical modules inherent within the process of sport psychology with a view to enhancing golf performance. It will enable students to develop the capability to evaluate coaching practice and performance.
• Skill Development for Golf - This module aims to introduce theoretical concepts of movement control and skill development and apply them to the coaching process.

Industrial / Work Experience

The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will use a relevant working environment to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area. Students will gain first hand work experience which may involve regular work each week, in blocks or a combination of the two. There is also the option to intercalate and take a gap year to work in the industry anywhere in the world. This enables students to gain experience in a real working environment as well as increasing employment prospects.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their sport science skills working with the College's Golf Academy members and fellow students. In addition golf coaching skills may be delivered in schools as part of the Schools Development Programme. Please note that in order to do this, a CRB check will be required for all applicants who subsequently enrol onto this course, and that, in the event of CRB clearance not be obtained, it would be necessary to transfer to another course which did not require CRB clearance.

Assessments

Students will face a variety of assessments including workbooks; laboratory and field based testing; essays; reports, group and individual presentations, student led practical sessions and personal development files.

Possible Careers / Jobs

This Foundation Degree in Golf Performance leads to employment opportunities in the following fields:

• Golf sport science consultant
• Golf development programmes
• Golf retail industry
• Golf professional

Progression

On successful completion of this Foundation Degree, students will be able to progress onto the BA (Hons) Golf Coaching and Performance (Top-up)

Special Requirements

Equipment and/or Clothing: Standard golf equipment, golf clubs, waterproofs etc. Sports and fitness clothing.

How To Apply - Applying through UCAS

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice.

Myerscough College - general contact details

Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone: 01995 642211 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk

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