Dec 14, 2008 - TGA visits Swiss GBD Team, Swiss PGA and Amateur Golf Association - TGA Seminar & Testing in 2009?
After the hectic schedule in the USA. England and Denmark the last stop for the TGA Team was Zurich in Switzerland. Recently licensed Golf Biodynamics Team members, Paul Dougan and Garry Malia, invited Michael, Rob and Karen for some preliminary meetings with some leading Swiss Golf representatives and leading members of the Swiss Sports Science/Medicine support team for golf in Zurich.
The Team arrived late and were greeted by Paul at the international airport before being taken to dinner in downtown Zurich for some authentic Swiss cuisine at a well known restaurant. Garry arrived later and lively discussions ensued exploring the possible ways to assist the Swiss authorities to embrace the philosophies of The Golf Athlete and Golf Biodynamics. As is the case, in many centres and countries around the world, the establishment of a world class development programme is a priority for the authorities but how exactly is it to be done, what content is valuable and, most importantly, how to discern what is credible information are the common challenges facing many leading National Golf Administrations. After dinner and the curing of the "problems of the World of Golf" was complete, Paul took the Team home to his house to meet his lovely family in the hills over looking the lake of Zurich.
The next day started early. The first commitment was a meeting with Connie Albrecht, the Chief Physiotherapist at the Schulthess Klinik that runs a Swiss renowned golf education and treatment facility within the hospital. In addition, the Team was fortunate to meet the Captain of the Swiss PGA, Andre Bossert - an former elite tour player and expatriot South African, who has lived in Zurich for many years. The conversation revolved around the services provided by the Schulthess Klinik and how that they were working to support the Swiss PGA and the Association Swiss Golf (ASG). Rob and Michael provided an insight into the type of services and education possibilities that could be provided by The Golf Athlete and Golf Biodynamics.
Andre was then put through a thorough physical examination by Michael and a comprehensive report provided concerning the key physical priorities for his future training and technical improvement.
After lunch the Team with Garry and Paul, met with a local physiotherapist and golf enthusiast, Nicole Steinmann-Gartenmann to discuss the possibility of convening and running a TGA seminar in Switzerland in 2009. Nicole was very confident that a venue could be found and that there would be keen interest from the local Sport Science and Medicine staff. The decision being made, Nicole decided to stay for the afternoon and observe the Team at work.
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Paul, Ken Benz, Andre Bossert, Rob and Garry - indoor 3D Testing at Zumikon Golf Club, Zurich |
Paul, Nicole Steinmann-Gartenmann and Garry - the backdrop the beautiful grounds of the Zumikon Golf Club, Zurich |
The Team, with Paul and Garry, were joined by Ken Benz one of the country's leading amateur players and Andre at the indoor training facility at the prestigous Zumikon Golf Club. Ken was tested by Michael, and then both he and Andre were able to experience first hand the benefits of the objective measurement afforded by the GBD technology and the biofeedback drills that are the hallmark of the Intellectual Property of the GBD licensees around the world.
The end of the day drew rapidly to a close and the Team made a hasty exit for their international connection to Heathrow and then Australia. Discussions during the afternoon were fruitful and Andre provided an assurance that he would speak personally to both the National Team Coach, Graham Kaye and Paris Buckingham (Education Director at the Swiss PGA) in support of some presence for the Team in Switzerland. This was a very positive outcome and the Team would like to extend their gratification to Andre and Connie for their time and valuable advice that will benefit the Team as well as Paul and Garry in 2009.
A thank you to Nicole who enthusiastically embraced the concept of convening a TGA Seminar after this first initial meeting. The Team looks forward to working closely with Nicole and the Swiss GBD Team to promote improved coaching outcomes through "scientifc support for better golf performance" in 2009 and beyond.
Finally a very big thank you to our hosts Garry and, particularly, Paul and his family for their hospitality and generosity during the short stay. TGA and GBD look forward to a long and fruitful association with these two quality coaches and to the betterment of Golf in Switzerland.
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The Swiss GBD and TGA Teams - Paul, Michael, Karen, Rob and Garry at Zumikon Golf Club, Zurich, Switzerland. |
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