Youngsters swing in to join golf academy

But now impoverished students are being given access to the fairways, tees and greens as the Tettenhall club combines forces with Wolverhampton College.

The college is creating a golfing academy in the hope of attracting students who are hoping to be the next Tiger Woods.

Brothers Reece and Jordan Ford-Jones from Coven are both keen golfers who are interested in the course.

Jordan, aged 15, says: "It would be good to become a professional golfer and have a lifestyle like Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods.

"The course sounds really interesting and it would help you leave school feeling confident about becoming a golfer."

Reece, 13, who is a pupil at Bridgnorth Endowed School added: "I started playing golf when I was young.

"The golfing academy would not only teach you how to play golf but would get you in good condition for any other sport."

Students on the course, which starts in September, will have one day a week at South Staffordshire Golf Club while spending the rest of the time in the classroom.

Howard Percival who is a committee member says they are looking forward to welcoming the students in September.

"We already have a junior section and in 2007 we achieved the Golf Mark Accreditation," says Howard, aged 54, who has been at the club for 20 years.

"For that we had to meet high standards in coaching, playing, protection and care of youngsters.

"Three months ago the college approached us to ask if we would like to have the students here for the delivery of the golf programme."

Howard says Shaun Ball, who is their teaching professional, and Peter Baker, their director of golf and ex-Ryder Cup star, will be working with students.

"They will deliver the golf side of the course and cover everything from swing, putting and driving to short game and long game," he says.

"It is a misconception that the club is just for those people with money – it was like that a few years ago, but times have changed.

"We are a premier course and the committee are very enthusiastic about this development – all the students will also become junior members of the club."

The 34-week course will see 16-18-year- olds working towards the BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Performance and Excellence).

They will be based at Wellington Road campus and the course will run alongside the football and basketball academies.

In the classroom students will learn the theory behind their sporting activities including health and safety in sport, body in action as well as coaching and development.

One of the organisers behind the course is Paul Darby, 53, who runs the European Golf Performance Institute in Armitage, Staffordshire. Paul, 53, used to be a Wolves physiotherapist before he switched to golf and went on tour with the professionals.

"Over the 34 weeks students will learn all aspects of golf from a technical and physical standpoint and will also play against students from other colleges," he says.

Paul says that as well as the eight hours of tuition a week at the club there will the service of a sport psychologist as well.

"At the end of the course they will also have their level one PGA Coaching Qualification." Guy Nixon, 18, from Little Haywood is already training as a golfer at St Thomas Priory Golf Club in Armitage.

"It is wonderful to have the opportunity to become a professional golfer," he says.

"The bonuses of a course like the one at Wolverhampton College are fantastic.

"It is all about reaching you full potential and being the best you can."

Anyone interested can contact school leader of leisure sport and tourism Debbie Illidge on 01902 821348.