GOLF PROGRAM

The South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) Golf program is proudly supported by Golf Australia, The Victorian Golf Foundation, and the Western District Golf Association.  The SWAS Golf Program has the specific objective of identifying talented junior golfers and providing them with a level of coaching and athlete education that will assist them in taking the next step in the sport of Golf.  Athletes in this program are considered as having entered Golf Australia's High Performance Pathway.

The program is designed to provide competitive training and play opportunities, readying athletes for tournaments.

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2025/26 Program Structure

SWAS will conduct 6x training opportunities throughout the region under the supervision of its appointed coach and two sessions with Golf Australia.  Due to the variance in ages and handicaps, these sessions may be divided between development and advanced squads.

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Coaches

2025/26 Head Coach - Michael Bainbridge  PGA

Golf Australia High Performance Coach - Travis Harrison

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Inclusions:

• Tournament support across the program at identified junior tournaments (subject to funding)

• Golf Australia High Performance Training Day (2026).

• Golf Australia High Performance Experience (October 3rd 2025)

• At home or in gym training program  (please note SWAS does not provide a trainer or gym access)

• Access to "The Athlete Blueprint" with access to education and training resources, including golf specific resources

• SWAS Polo to be worn at all SWAS related events

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Exclusions:

• Travel to and from events

• SWAS merchandise (hoodies, caps, etc)

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SWAS Golf Program Selection Criteria

The SWAS Golf program caters for emerging golfers who must;

1. Be an existing member of a Golf Victoria affiliated club in the South West.

2. Reside in the South West region within the defined Local Government boundaries; Moyne, Corangamite, Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool.

3. Have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

4. Have reached a satisfactory standard of play based on current player rankings and/or performance at local tournaments and regional events.

5. Meet handicap requirements (please note this figure may vary year to year and must be submitted with an application).

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Note on Tournaments:

There are a number of local tournaments that athletes are expected to compete in. 

Athletes are expected to attend any High Performance camps or tournaments that are nominated by SWAS, Golf Australia or the Victorian Regional Academy of Sport (VRAS) Network.

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Indicative Associated Costs:

SWAS Squad - $250 inc GST