Lions Golf

The only school in Singapore with an indoor Golf Academy, Stamford American International School’s Lions Golf Academy comprises of 2 teams: Stamford Cubs and Stamford Lions; The Stamford Cubs is represented by students from Grade 2 to 5 and undergo training to obtain their Proficiency Certificate (PC) and be ready for course play. On the other hand, the Stamford Lions is represented by students from Grade 6 to 12 and their main goal is to compete at both local and international sports competitions representing the school. All sports training sessions are geared towards performance. The Golf Academy is coordinated and coached by PGA Professional Nigel Bark. Nigel as well as having a degree in Professional Golf Coaching Studies, he also has a degree in Psychology and Sports Science.

The goal for the Cubs team is to start grooming the future stars of tomorrow, today! They will not be included in the SEASAC tournament but we will develop their skills so that they can obtain their PC (Proficiency Certificate), and then be ready for course play. This program will serve as the fundamental starting base and will take place at the Stamford Golf Studio (Tuesday and Thursday) and at the Laguna National Golf & Country Club (weekends). These little Cubs will eventually turn into Lions and represent Stamford to the best of their ability. We will use several different teaching/training aids to assist in their learning of the golf swing. V1 Golf will be used to provide video feedback of their swings, whilst devices like Trackman (a state of the art launch monitor) will be used for numerical feedback on swing performance. Students will be put to the test using many fun skill challenges, designed to help their understanding of specific shots and how to execute them to achieve great results.

The goal for the Lions is to put forward the best possible team Stamford can produce. Our first target is to compete in local and international competition. All of the training sessions at the indoor Stamford Golf Studio (weekdays) and green-grass facilities at Laguna National Golf & Country Club (weekends) will be geared towards performance. The weekend sessions will be a mixture of short-game practice, skills development on the range, and 9 hole lessons. V1 Golf will be used to provide video feedback of their swings, whilst devices like Trackman (a state of the art launch monitor) will be used for numerical feedback on swing performance. A combination of these training tools and on course practice/play will enable them to learn and progress as much as possible.

Nigel has been coaching golf since the age of 19. As well as having a degree in Professional Golf Coaching Studies, he also has a degree in Psychology and Sports Science. His coaching experience has covered all playing levels, including tour professionals, but he has always had a focus on Junior development. During his time in England, Nigel run the golf academy at his local club, where he helped nurture the talent of the junior section, where five of his students went on to represent England at adult level over a 5-year period (previously no one from the club had represented the country).

Nigel has been teaching in Singapore for 3 years, where he has headed up the Junior Coaching at Heartland Golf, before moving into the position of Director of Golf of Heartland and relocating Heartland to Sembawang Country Club to work with SingaGolf Academy. He is now with Leadbetter Golf Academy.