Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed outside for much of the year (who knows when snow will fall in Alberta), from warm summer days to crisp October mornings.

At Calgary Academy, the golf season officially lasts two weeks, but their preparation begins much earlier in the spring of the previous school year, something coaches and teachers Sophie Bresciani and Markus Gierl recently developed.

Senior School golfers played at their year-end tournament on Sept. 17, capping off a short but sweet season. Unlike other CA sports, the golfers complete most of their training over the summer—demonstrating a lesson in dedication and self-motivation for improvement.

Messengers of Fundamentals

Golf can be a truly relaxing experience—if your swing is working well. The sport seems easy until you try it.

The shoulders, knees, hands, hips, and feet must work together from the backswing to follow through to help send the ball flying hundreds of yards away or gently nudge a putt into the hole. You may need some support when something isn’t working with the swing.

Anyone interested in golf is encouraged to participate at Calgary Academy, meaning there can be many skill levels on the team. Some golfers are newer, while others have played for years, so the coaches divide and conquer at practice.

Ms. Bresciani focuses on fundamentals, and Mr. Gierl helps students with their technical skills.

“Just like our golfers have various skill levels, the coaches do too… I typically work more closely with our newer golfers or ones looking for basic improvement. Mr. Gierl works with golfers looking to fine-tune their skills.” – Ms. Bresciani

Everyone’s golf game is like a snowflake—a combination of different strengths. When coaching, Mr. Gierl acknowledges that each athlete has something that makes them unique. The goal of improvement in the golf program is to work on fundamental skills while playing to someone’s strengths.

“We see ourselves as good messengers of fundamentals while balancing what makes people unique and successful.”

Golf is played on the course, but improvement happens at the driving range. CA golfers spend several after-school sessions preparing for their tournament—however, it’s vital to hit the range with a goal.

During practices, the coaches ask students what they want to improve on that day and find unique and fun ways to train, such as playing imaginary holes or using different clubs.

Mr. Gierl is passionate about the “gamification” of practice because someone may not notice their improvements as they enjoy themselves.

Your Only Opponent is Yourself

A new aspect of the golf program at CA is spring training. Students interested in joining golf in the fall connect with the coaches to begin practicing at the driving range. Then, in the summer, students work on their skills independently, tracking their scorecards to present in September.

Ms. Bresciani and Mr. Gierl first decided to add spring training to bring more connection to the golf program and give athletes more time to improve with such a short fall season.

“We wanted to add spring training to have a little bit more continuity between spring and the beginning of September because we only have two weeks from when the kids return to the tournament.” – Mr. Gierl

Students play as a team when they enter the tournament, but golf is traditionally an individual sport. Ms. Bresciani always stresses to students that the only opponent that matters in golf is themselves. When the students work together, they can support and encourage each other as a team.

“You don’t golf alone. You golf with a group of friends, so it is a team sport in that way. However, you’re only ever competing against yourself. I always recommend students find a golf buddy and work to improve together.”

A summer of improvement has worked wonders for many CA golfers. The coaches note that some students played golfing the entire summer together, and their skills showcase their hard work.

The senior golf program finished on Sept. 17, and Calgary Academy had a strong showing among solid competition. Ms. Bresciani notes that the four golfers representing the school played well while encouraging and supporting each other.