The first of the South Devon College Golf Academy's new intake was revealed at the academy's champagne launch in partnership with Churston Golf Club this week.
 
Fifteen-year old Nikki Kedge, a junior member and 5-handicap player at Stover, is the only female to have been accepted on the two year course up to now (there's still time for others to apply!).  And she will be joined by 17-year old Jack Johnson, also a member at Stover, who plays off 18, and 15-year old 12-handicapper Joe Jones, from Churston Golf Club where the students - eight in all - will spend two of their five day week from next September.

The Academy is for 16 to 18 years olds, and follows on from the successful South Devon College football and tennis academies run in association with Coca Cola Championship club Plymouth Argyle and Torquay Tennis Club respectively.

It's also the first in Devon, and designed for aspiring young golfers to improve their skills to professional level while undertaking the BTEC National Diploma in Sport which could open the door for a career in the ever-expanding sport and leisure industry.

In charge of the golf programme will be Sam Stephens, head assistant professional at Churston, and one of the first PGA professionals to have graduated from the University of Birmingham with the PGA's revolutionary BA Honours Degree in Applied Management Studies.

The South Devon College stress that vacancies still exist to join the first intake after the summer holidays.

Applicants must be under the age of 18 and have a minimum of five GCSE's at grade C or above.

They must also supply a letter of recommendation from a club professional based on ability and attitude, while there will be formal trials organised by the College and Churston Golf Club.

The plan is to take eight students each year, so anyone wanting more information should contact Helpzone on 08000 380 123 or visit www.southdevon.ac.uk

REPRODUCED FROM DEVON HERALD WITH PERMISSION