WELLINGTON MĀORI GOLF ASSOCIATION

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

We also convey our appreciation to the squad's coach, Kevin Smith, golf professional (NZPGA) based at Manor Park, for providing an excellent coaching programme this year.

This year's programme commenced in January 2002 with Zane Gray appointed as Convenor and Kevin Smith as Coach. A squad of 10 players were selected - criteria based on age (under 19 years), handicap (less than 10 for boys and less than for 13 for girls), current member of WMGA and playing in a Wellington interclub competition.

Squad members were expected to meet a number of requirements - support the goals of the WMGA Development Squad, demonstrate a strong desire to be the best golfer they can be, be prepared to attend all coaching sessions, be prepared to play in all WMGA tournaments, maintain a good dress standard at all golfing events, and to set personal goals at the beginning of the year.

Having reviewed this year's programme (with Kevin Smith and squad members) we feel we have achieved the Development Squad's goals for the year. As you would expect, we have identified some areas where improvements and enhancements can be made. Kevin has reviewed personal goals with individual squad members.

The whānaungatanga amongst squad members has grown over the year, and their commitment to the programme has been outstanding. The list of squad members' achievements for the year is impressive (see link below) and will set a "benchmark" for all future years' squads.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the whānau of squad members for their aroha and support during the year. Also, a special thank you to Selwyn Kahui for helping out during the year. Kia ora.

2003 Development Squad Programme
WMGA members voted overwhelmingly at the AGM on 24 November 2002 to continue with the Development Squad programme in 2003.

The 2003 programme will comprise:

• "Elite" squad - Similar to last year's format, age group (under 19 years) and handicaps (less than 10 for boys and less than 13 for girls). Squad members will be selected for a 3 month period and receive individual and group coaching. At the end of each 3 month period, each squad member's progress will be reviewed and a re-selection process will take place for squad members for the next 3 months.

• "Development" squad - Age group (14 to 16 years) and handicaps (from single figures to 20 for both boys and girls). This squad will be selected on the basis of young golfers with potential who will possibly be receiving formal coaching for the first time. This squad will be selected for a 3 month period and receive individual and group coaching. At the end of each 3 month period, each squad member's progress will be reviewed and a re-selection process will take place for squad members for the next 3 months.

• "Young Warriors" squad - Age (12 years and under) and handicaps (from 21 to 36 for both boys and girls). This squad will be selected on the basis of giving much younger golfers formal coaching for the first time. This squad will be selected for a 2 month period and receive one group coaching session each month. There will be a one month break at the end of each two months, then a re-selection process will take place for squad members for the next 2 months.

2003 Development Squads
All applications received by the closing date of 1 February 2003 have been reviewed and squad members are currently being selected. They will be announced shortly.

All young māori golfers (under the age of 19 years) wishing to apply for the next squad re-selection process (for the May to July 2003 period), please contact one of the Junior sub-committee members for more details and an Application form (see Committee page for contact details).



to go to Development Squad - Achievements for 2002 page

to go to Development Squad - Photos page