Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
46 The GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View is making a strong commitment to getting juniors fired up about the game of golf with a multi-faceted, community based approach. In 2013 the Olympic View Golf Club adopted three local schools and implemented golf programs in the school gymnasiums and fields, delivering a golf curriculum to over 2500 students. This year the GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View added Dunsmuir Middle School and is working on the program for students of that West Shore educational Institute. Jeff Palmer, the Director of Instruction of the GBC Golf Academy, is enthusiastic about the direction the club is taking as he states, "This has been a very rewarding experience and it has fueled our junior program at the club. Now we are ready to take it to the next level as we have just revamped the junior development system at our club." The revamping involves a 'Belt System' like in martial arts, where the ultimate goal is to take a beginner junior at the age of 12 and have them move through each colour belt so that they may become competitive players that have a legitimate chance of playing golf at the US collegiate level. "Our coaches have vast experience playing competitive and collegiate golf. Our Head Professional, Kevin Maxwell, played at the University of New Orleans and our GBC Academy Instructors, Matt Matheson and Gord Scutt, also attended US Division 1 schools on scholarship. We have the resources to develop competitive golf skills but also to help kids understand what kind of grades they need, how to apply for a scholarship and how to handle themselves once away from home' (for more on Palmer, see pg 12) Cole Daniel, a ten year old is the first student and has just attained 'White Belt' status. The GBC Academy 'Belt System' Development Program is typically for players from ages to 12 to 18 years of age but they will accept younger prospects that show advanced ability as in the case of Cole . The GBC Academy has development programs for younger children as well. The GBC Academy 'Little Bogeys' program is for kids aged 3-6 and the GBC Academy Future Links Program is for youngsters from ages 7-11. For more information contact Jeff Palmer, Director of Instruction, at 250-474-3691 or by email at jpalmer@golfbc.com. COMPILED BY iG EDITORS VANCOUVER ISLAND NEWS GBC Academy At OV Launches New Junior Program