Rated the top Scottish school for golf by the ISGA, Merchiston has a strong reputation for golfing success. Our Golf Academy, launched in 2011, has catalysed the careers of many top golfing talent, including professionals Calum Hill, and Luis Masaveu Roncal.
We spoke to Golf Academy Director Fraser Hutchison, himself a seasoned golf player and former NCAA Division 1 Golf Championship winner, about what sets the Academy apart as a world-leading golf programme for young men.
Q: In your opinion, what sets Merchiston’s Golf Academy apart from other coaching programmes?
Mr Hutchison: Merchiston’s Golf Academy is unique. It is more personable than most academy programmes with strong and positive relationships established as a result. This also allows for a strong camaraderie and culture amongst the players. All members of the Golf Academy will get the opportunity for competitive golf.
Q: How do you balance a player’s rigorous training programme with his academic studies?
Mr Hutchison: Merchiston has a strong community of staff and this, in turn, benefits the support structure around each boy. The Golf Academy embeds much of the US college golf system ethos in so far as student-athletes are students first, and athletes second. That said, they are mutually reinforcing with much of the discipline, organisation and self-management required to be successful in golf also positively influencing the boys’ behaviours academically.
Q: Can you share some more information about the different player pathways and how these set boys up for success?
Mr Hutchison: There are two tiers within the Golf Academy: The Development Squad and the Elite Performance Squad. The Development Squad provides opportunities for boys to develop their skills and work towards progressing to the next level. This is achieved through a network of coaches supporting the Golf Academy from a technical side as well as a performance psychology side. Development squad players will have the opportunity to represent the school in golf tournaments, and experience tournament travel and competition whilst accessing daily training and coaching support.
The Elite Performance Squad receive more high-performance training, utilising wider technologies and indoor facilities, and competing in World Amateur ranking golf events locally and nationally. Further, this squad also receives one-to-one coaching support in-house as well as support from specialist external coaches and performance psychologists. The Development Squad can be a feeder into the Elite Performance Squad, with the Elite Squad members being set up for opportunities in the USA upon graduation from Merchiston Castle School.
Q: We have seen some exceptional talent come out of the Golf Academy, with boys competing overseas in international cups. How does Merchiston help to prepare boys for these challenges?
Mr Hutchison: The Golf Academy calendar of tournaments can number in the region of 20 in an academic year. While there is always a balance and rotation of teams around academic commitments, this schedule of tournament competition is vital in the players’ development and sets them up for additional tournaments during the season, externally out of school.
Many of the Golf Academy alumni have won National level tournaments, one Merchistonian is currently on the LIV League tour with several enjoying success at various universities across America. The Golf Academy lays a strong foundation for the boys to move forward in the game. Merchiston’s schedule and timetable build resilience and discipline in the boys, and this is a huge factor in their long-term success.
Q: Many aspiring golfers will look to US Universities for scholarships. Does Merchiston’s Golf Academy help with the application process?
Mr Hutchison: Yes! There is a direct pathway into the US College system for players of that level, with the knowledge, experience and research carried out by the Director of Golf. Six players from Merchiston’s Golf Academy have progressed to American universities on scholarships in as many years. Furthermore, over the past decade, we have supported over 70 young student-athletes from around the world in the US system.
Q: What makes a truly great golfer in your opinion?
Mr Hutchison: Multiple factors! Being coachable with a growth mindset is key. The greatest players in the game have always embraced opportunities to learn and develop. Additionally, ‘plain old’ simple hard work, discipline and appropriate sacrifices/making good decisions are factors.
Interested in finding out more about Golf at Merchiston? Visit our Golf Academy page.