Introduction
In 1998 after several years of traveling around the world
trying to establish myself as a touring professional, the position of club professional at Pretoria Golf Club
was offered to me. I
already had a good reputation as a coach and was well on the way to developing
my unique style of coaching.
The WTS or Weight Transfer System assisted me in my personal playing career and seemed to have a
positive effect on all the players I coached. The essence of the system is this: two scientific
principles affect the quality of strike on a golf ball,
namely the speed and the weight of the club striking the ball. The speed with
which we swing the club ranges from about 70mph to 140mph
for the exceptional long hitters. The weight of the golf club is limited to
around 500 grams in total. Now to swing a club much faster than your personal
average probably requires a lot of force, is generally high risk, gains very
little extra speed and the results are often disastrous. To increase the actual weight
of the club is also not practical. But we can increase the effective weight of
the club by shifting our body weight behind the ball and driving this weight
through the ball at the same time as the golf club strikes the ball. We see this
move in all sports, a tennis player shifting into the ball, a soccer or rugby
player kicking the ball and a javelin thrower leaning back and then shifting all
his weight onto his front foot as he throws his javelin. The amount of effective
weight behind the ball can be increased a great deal and the net result is
effortless power.
The WTS method of coaching thus focuses on setting
players up in the correct position to allow them to shift their body weight while maintaining
perfect balance. Balance being crucial as a lack of balance leads to a lack of
control or direction. This system enables all golfers regardless of natural
ability or ball sense to strike a golf ball solidly.
As my reputation grew and more and more top golfers came to me
for coaching I realized that there was a need for an Academy based on the WTS
method of coaching and in 2002 the first David Riddle Golf Academy was
opened at Pretoria Golf Club.
History
Established in 2002 with only two full time students the academy is now limited to 14 full time students. The growth and success of the academy has been due to the unique system used for coaching the students. The Weight Transfer System (WTS) developed by David Riddle.
Since 2002 the academy has helped no less than ten players achieve provincial colours. The academy students have won more than fifteen tournaments including the Northern Gauteng Closed, Silver Salver and the Witbank Open. Pretoria Golf Club has won the Northern Gauteng First League for a record three years in a row. The Academy has had a runner up in the SA Amateur as well as a quarter finalist.
On the professional circuit 3 David Riddle Golf Academy graduates are currently on the Sunshine Tour. Two current students have had success as apprentices on the PGA Happy Appy Tour and both rank high on the order of merit. The David Riddle Golf Academy has also been contracted by The Ernie Els foundation to coach Springbok golfer Bettie Moekena.
Facilities and Coaching
Based at Pretoria Golf Club, the oldest golf club in Pretoria. Facilities include a 300m driving range, chipping green, putting green and of course access to the Pretoria Golf Club course. All the students rounds are being analyzes and their is records of everything they do from stroke averages to number of hours that they practise each week.
David Riddle personally coaches the academy students with the help of assistant coaches.
Rates & General Information
The 2008 year will start on the 22nd January with the first semester ending on the 29th June. Second semester will commence on the 2nd July and end on the 7th December 2007. Students will be limited to 15 for the 2008 intake.
The fees for 2008 include membership of Pretoria Golf Club, membership of PGC Driving Range including as many balls as you can hit, forty rounds of golf including four away rounds, club fitting, swing analysis, fitness program, game analysis, three shirts, 1 caps and coaching at least once a week.
Fees: First Semester R6 000.00
Second Semester R6 000.00
Private Lessons
Currently there are two David Riddle Golf Academies: Pretoria Golf Club and Services Golf Club; the latter currently only offers short game lessons. All academy coaches are registered with the PGA and are qualified to coach the WTS developed by David Riddle. Short game lessons are based on a modified Dave Pelz system.
Rates
1. Basic half hour lesson with David Riddle R200.00.
2. Basic half hour lesson with PGA assistant Coach R130.00.
4. Packages are available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT:
Pretoria Golf Club 012 386 6805
Services Golf Club 012 651 4089
|
|
