RAFGA Winter Coaching 2011

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Fortunately a change in airport did not cause any navigational problems for the 19 RAF golfers who had been selected for the 3^rd warm-weather overseas coaching camp at Costa Ballena in Spain. Along with our friendly and highly regarded RAFGA PGA Professional, Al Currie from Brampton Park all members congregated in the early hours of the 20 March at Birmingham airport. The choice of Birmingham, as opposed to Gatwick, ensured that travelling times were reduced for many of the participants – a change which was much appreciated. A late withdrawal of the Sponsor, Paul Goddard from Chemring Countermeasures, due to work commitments was greeted with much disappointment. Paul had attended the 2010 camp and his company and comradeship would be sorely missed during the intensive week. Without the significant financial contributions from Chemring and the RAF Sports Lottery, individual personal contributions would have been too high to make the camp feasible.

It could be argued that last year’s event was more reflective of an autumn in the UK as opposed to the warm-weather conditions normally expected in Spain. With this in mind the 2011 camp was pushed back by a couple of weeks to enhance the chances of warmer weather and improved course conditions. On arrival at Malaga it soon became apparent that the decision was justified as we were greeted by clear skies and a temperature approaching 20 degrees. A relatively painless, if a little long, coach transfer took the group to the Costa Ballena golf resort on the Cadiz coastline of Southern Spain. The facilities at the Costa Ballena golf resort, designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, included three 9-hole courses of differing styles and length, a range with space for almost 100 golfers, two short-game areas and a large, undulating putting green; in addition, there was an outstanding 9-hole Par 3 course available. It was testimony to the quality of the facilities that a variety of the national and junior squads from both the Finnish and Danish Golf Federations were present during our stay. The dedication and talent of these individuals provided our group with an excellent backdrop and source of inspiration for the entire week.

Analysis and evaluation of the previous 2 coaching camps shaped the programme and ensured that we maximised the opportunities. The meetings and subsequent discussions held by a number of the RAFGA committee, including Wg Cdr Ian Robinson (Det Cdr) and Al Currie, prior to the camp ensured that a comprehensive and first-class coaching programme awaited the group. Therefore, with just enough time to check-in to the hotel and place luggage in our rooms it was off to the testing 9-hole Par 3 course for a team competition. Considering the lack of sleep and long journey the standard of golf was remarkably high and set the bar for the remaining four days. Furthermore, the strong and often gusting wind proved a real challenge; these testing conditions would prevail for the entire week.

Devising an effective coaching programme for 19 golfers with differing abilities and aims is a tough challenge. With this in mind Al had devised a series of intensive activities to ensure that each and every player received direction and guidance tailored specifically to their requirements. Whilst the main focus of the week was on the short-game there was ample opportunity for individuals to work on their long-game. The first 2 mornings were spent on the practice areas, followed by an 18-hole team competition encompassing on-course advice and course strategy. The inclusion of a competitive edge to the practice was introduced to try and create a pressurised environment which the individuals would encounter during forthcoming RAF fixtures. The final 2-days continued to build upon this as team competitions were arranged on both the main 18-hole course and 9-hole Par 3 course. In essence the programme provided sufficient group coaching sessions whilst retaining a degree of flexibility to allow each individual the opportunity to work on a particular area of their choice.

The ever present strong wind provided a stiffer than usual challenge, with each player’s course strategy and ball-striking being severely tested on every shot. Add this to the fact that many of the group were trying to cement some swing changes from the morning practice sessions and you ended up with a severe mental and physical challenge. There is little doubt that these experiences will yield results as the season progresses back in the UK. In fact as we go to press, the RAF Representative Team on return from the camp have beaten Norfolk County, the first time since 2007.

In light of these testing conditions scoring was extremely difficult; however, the standard of play was excellent with a number of notable performances during the week. However, for the 3^rd year running 99 Sqn co-pilot Alex Stones performed admirably in keeping a tally on any golfing faux-pas during the week…..for which there were many. Of particular note was SAC Sam Whittle-Tanner’s tee-shot on the 13^th hole which cleared the fairway, rough, perimeter fence, scrub land, bushes and beach to land somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean…to be fair to Sam there was a strong cross-wind! Contributions were added to a welfare fund which was used on the final evening to fund a few drinks.

The Costa Ballena golf resort continues to provide a perfect setting for the warm-weather coaching week. The outstanding golf facilities coupled with the splendid clubhouse, exceptional accommodation, superb food and warm Spanish hospitality and you can see why every player thoroughly appreciated the chance to participate. The camp is part of the RAFGA’s building-block approach which culminates in the Inter-Services event at the end of the season. It is hoped that the players have now created a solid foundation for the pending season allowing the RAFGA to develop a talented and capable squad.

Selection for the coaching week is based on the performance in the various RAFGA competitions such as the Regional qualifiers, the Inter-Region Matchplay, the Inter-Station finals or, and most importantly, the RAF Championships. That is exactly what a number of golfers did during 2010 as 9 of the attendees at this year’s coaching were attending for the first-time; furthermore, over 40 individuals have now attended the warm-weather coaching over the 3 years. This suggests that the RAFGA is continuing to attract new golfers and providing the right surroundings for them to develop and ultimately play Inter-Service golf.

In sum, the weather and course conditions were much improved from the previous year and ensured that another successful winter coaching camp was completed. Thanks must go to the RAFGA committee for the organization of another outstanding event and in particular Sqn Ldr Dean Lewis for his pre-camp organisation and Wg Cdr Ian Robinson who performed admirably as the Det Cdr during the intensive week.

Words: Jason Parr, Dep Det Cdr