Philosophy & Training Program
Though Gary Gilchrist was initially trained as a technical teacher, he quickly realized to take golfers to the next level, they needed to master more than just technique - they also needed a comprehensive training program that incorporated every aspect of being a champion.
The goal of the training program at GGGA is to develop students in every area: strategically, mentally, technically, physically and as a person (school, family socially, college preparation), so that they can reach their full potential in golf and in life.
It is the foundation for all of the GGGA programs:
- Full Time Junior Program
- Post Graduate Program
- Summer Golf Camps
- Winter Golf Camps
- Adult Program
- Professional Training
The consistent cycle of learning, preparing and performing is the foundation of the program. Students will learn to approach every aspect of their development looking at the goal, hurdle and solution — building confidence through the process and focusing energy on the plan for improvement.
Gilchrist's mission was to simply accelerate player development, and prepare golfers to peak at the right time by utilizing a training regimen known as "periodization." This type of training, now embraced by competitive players at all levels of the game, refers to a rotating cycle of optimal training plans that coincides with a player's performance goals.
The Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy also places a strong emphasis on academics. Montverde Academy, GGGA's educational partner, is a private college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from GGGA's training facilities. Partnering with MVA ensures that GGGA College Assistance can help find the best fit for all students academically and athletically.
Gilchrist's signature systematic training program separates training into phased segments, ultimately helping golfers build themselves toward achieving optimal performance at specific times of the year. At GGGA, our periodized training program encompasses the following phases:
- Technical Training
- Pre-Competition
- Tournament Competition
- Active Rest
- Game Assessment
Technical
The technical phase is critical because it is the foundation of training. Our program utilizes the latest in 3-D and 2-D swing analysis technologies to identify any technical weaknesses in the swing and short game. Students target problem areas and build confidence through a series of proven drills and strategies.
All training sessions are carried out at our world-class facilities, and each athlete's level of progress and performance are closely monitored by our team of certified instructors. Technical phase specifics will vary depending on each student's individual needs, and focuses on all areas of the game.
Pre-Competition
During the pre-competition segment, students prepare for competitive play and work on preparation and feel. We focus on topics ranging from warm up routine and course management to mastering different shots for tournament play. Mental training also plays a vital role in this phase. More time is spent on the course, and students' scores and statistics are recorded and analyzed.
Tournament Competition
Competition is what we are training the players toward. Our ultimate goal is peak performance. We focus on competition during this phase, as this is where strength of character is tested. Students attending tournaments are accompanied by their coach who spends time evaluating each student's overall performance.
Active Rest
Active rest and evaluation mark the final working phase in the cycle. In this stage we focus on allowing the players to slow down, let their bodies and minds rejuvenate, and prepare for the start of another cycle.
Game Assessment
Peak performance is achieved by understanding the relationship of the Technical, Mental and Physical elements of the game, all of which are vital parts of our comprehensive training program. As part of this phase, our players routinely analyze their tournament performances by drafting post-tournament reports and reviewing them with their respective coaches.
In addition to being exposed to this systematic training regimen, GGGA students receive daily world-class fitness training and regular mental coaching.
Fitness Training
GGGA's fitness program is an important component to training future champions. Modern golf is a game of power and it demands stronger, more athletic players. The Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy is committed to providing students with comprehensive golf-specific fitness training, including but not limited to state-of-the-art Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) techniques. The concept of 'golf fitness' revolves around understanding specific physical strengths and weaknesses for individual players, and the potential for improvement. As stability, strength, power and flexibility are developed, so are the overall strengths of each player. Physical fitness enables players to develop sounder swing mechanics and more efficient, powerful and consistent swings.
Mental Training
Mental conditioning is what separates good players from the great players. Mental training is a critical element in the development of a champion because the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors of an athlete impact performance. In this area, using the Unlocking Your Potential mental program, we provide the tools to help players set realistic goals and benchmarks which aid in the learning process. The goal of mental training is to be able to evaluate the strengths in one's game and develop a plan of improvement for the weaker areas.
