Experts Swing Into Action For Rising Golf Star
25 October 2011
Bradley Moore (right) with John Slater after winning the Midland Under-16 boys trophy this summer
As a result of the sessions at Buxton, and with his coach, Bradley feels much stronger and is as focussed and alert on the closing holes as he is on the first tee.
”John Slater, English Golf Union's Manager for junior golf in the West Midlands
A young Derbyshire golfer, tipped as the next big thing around 18 holes, has been receiving expert coaching from sport academics at the University of Derby Buxton.
Since beginning work with the Buxton sports team, Derbyshire's Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2011, Bradley Moore, who is aged just 13, has played for England under-16 boys in three international competitions in which he was undefeated. He also won the English Golf Union's Under 14s Reid Trophy in August on just 68 shots - ten shots fewer than the next best player.
Bradley, who plays at Derby's Kedleston Park Golf Club, has been working with the sports coaching, development and psychology experts Dr John Pates, Mark Cheatham and Adam Baker at the University of Derby Buxton as well as his own coach, John Cook, and nutritionist Annette Stroud on factors affecting his fitness and game.
John Slater, English Golf Union's Manager for junior golf in the West Midlands said: "It was important that Bradley improved his general level of fitness, and that we worked with experts to reduce the impact of any growth spurts on important aspects of his golf given his young age.
"The Buxton team monitored Bradley's development and made sure that any muscle imbalance which could affect his swing did not develop.
"Bradley saw the experts at Buxton just before a recent international which he was playing in, a routine that is being worked into his very busy schedule as we have seen clear benefits.
"As a result of the sessions at Buxton, and with his coach, Bradley feels much stronger and is as focussed and alert on the closing holes as he is on the first tee. He is also generally fitter without having bulked up too much as this would have been detrimental to his swing."
Dr John Pates, Lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton, said: "We have been delighted to work with Bradley, and watch him as he fares so well in national and international competitions. We know that he is an excellent hope for British golf, and we look forward to supporting him as he goes on to enter adult competitions."
John Slater added: "We chose to work with the team at Buxton as Dr John Pates and Mark Cheetham have experience of working with world class professional and amateur athletes. Bradley's coach, and myself have worked with these guys in the past, and have enjoyed considerable success in the golf environment at local, regional and national events."
For more information about Sports Coaching, Development or Psychology programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb.
