St George’s Golf ‘Wie’ Out in Front

16th May, 2007

St George’s College, Weybridge is following the lead of American protégé Michelle Wie in helping to find and develop golfing talent at a younger age. The initiative, it is hoped, will produce future role models similar to Wie, who is scheduled to study at Stamford University.

Tremendous results have already been achieved by the College in the recent National Foursomes and the British Heart Foundation Tournament - while student Tom Berry now plays for the England U16 team. However, the real goal of the initiative is to produce well rounded individuals who are prepared for adulthood, both socially and academically.

The golf has united the school and brought students of all age groups, both boys and girls, teachers and parents closer together - with each competing against each other in three annual events. At this stressful time of year students have commented that golf has helped them maintain a calm persona when under pressure.

The College, who introduced the scheme over 12 years ago, offers first and second year students’ classes to improve play. While for older students there is an opportunity to be coached in groups professionally during games lessons. For those with a real interest and promise in the sport, the School now accommodates private golfing lessons, allowing a select few of students to visit their golf clubs during games.

Head of Golf at St George’s, Melvin Tiley commented: “The golf classes have been great successes in both sporting terms and in helping the students develop valuable life skills such as patience, self control and creative thinking. Girl players are now on the increase and Michelle Wie is seen as a role model both on and off the field.”