First SAGA Squad session in 2009 a success

The first South African Golf Association (SAGA) Squad session, held over two days last week, at the Vodacom World of Golf in Sandton, was a great success by all accounts.

17 of the countries top amateur golfers make up the SAGA squad.

The squad session was conducted by the Gary Player Golf Experience team using some of the most advanced equipment to analyze golf swings, check for club fitment, physical assessments (fitness, strength, etc) and provide first class practice facilities.

“The first session went extremely well, barring the odd bit of bad weather experienced,” said Neil Homann, Assistant Executive Director of the SAGA and coordinator of the SAGA Squad. “The purpose of the session was to help our top players identify their strengths and weaknesses which they can hopefully work on and in so doing improve their results. We intend doing this periodically. If they work on the areas of weaknesses, identified through this process, then they should see the benefits in their results. When they are tested again later in the year the tests should indicate their level of improvement,” said Homann.

Jake Redman, 21 year old Fancourt based player, and recent winner of the KZN Open, attend the squad session, he said: “It was very useful exercise for me. The equipment is so advanced providing a lot of useful information. I certainly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot.”

The old man in the SAGA Squad is 47 year old Steve Williams. He was similarly impressed. “It was a very good experience. One thinks one knows it all. Some of the equipment used and the information it provides was both fascinating and useful. I think the younger players can take a lot out of this,” he explained. “This service that SAGA offers the top players is most commendable,” he concluded.

The next squad session is scheduled to run from 30 June to 2 July 2009.