Golf Academy

Now in its fifth year, The Golf Academy is one of Loretto's unique features. It offers pupils an exceptional opportunity to develop their sporting talent in tandem with a first-class education. Pupils benefit from our own on campus putting and driving bay facilities and a full-time golf professional.

Scotland is the birthplace of modern golf and Loretto School, perhaps because of its superb location next to the world's oldest playing course, has a strong tradition of top level golf, dating back to its founding in 1827. Golf is a game which, unlike most others, can be played throughout life. It teaches self-discipline and self-control as well as providing the basis of friendship and enjoyment wherever one travels throughout the world. All Loretto pupils are given the opportunity to acquire these skills.

The Golf Academy operates alongside the School's rigorous academic schedule and is open to girls and boys from the age of 12 years. The Academy is designed to encourage young golfers and at the same time to provide unique opportunities for those showing special talent. Those at The Golf Academy's senior level are afforded special opportunities to restructure their academic timetable to allow for extra coaching, practice and playing in tournaments.

Loretto's historic links with golf are unparalleled as is its location. Immediately next door is the famous Musselburgh Links - the oldest course in the world still in play. The surrounding area of East Lothian offers a choice of magnificient links courses. Over the years former pupils of Loretto have captained many of the best known clubs throughout Scotland and the UK. No fewer than seven Lorettonians have captained The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, whilst eleven have been captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield and at least ten have been captains at Prestwick.

The Old Lorettonian Golfing Society is a thriving organisation for former pupils and provides an extensive UK fixture list. The 1854 Loretto Medal symbolises the School's long-standing commitment to golf.

Recent Achievements

  • HMC Foursomes Runners Up in 2007 and National Champions 2006
  • Golf team were unbeaten in season 2005-2006
  • Borders Ladies County Champion
  • Borders Boys County Champion
  • Representative at the Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in Dubai

A Unique Opportunity for young Golfers

The programme offered is unique in Britain and The Academy attracts pupils from throughout the UK and Europe. We welcome international applications. Beginners of all ages are encouraged in the fundamentals of the game with weekly sessions and golf is now part of the School's PE curriculum. The intermediate and senior squads are given a broader and more intense programme of skill development and a full understanding of all aspects of the game.

Those in the senior squad are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities within the golf profession including rules and etiquette, green-keeping, caddying, course management and aspects of fitness and sports science. With a minimum of three sessions per week, the expectations placed on them by the School and the coaches are very high.

At the core of the programme is the School's belief in golf as a life skill that promotes enjoyment as well as self-discipline and commitment. Our aim is to foster golfing skills in as many pupils as possible and also to play a significant part in producing Scottish, British and World Champions.

Follow this link to the ProDream USA website Prodream USA

  • Open to boys and girls aged 8-18 years
  • Day, weekly or full boarding options
  • Excellent in-depth golf programme combined with rigorous academic curriculum and normal school routine
  • Special timetable planning to maximise opportunities at Senior Elite level
  • On the doorstep of some of the world's best links courses
  • Historic connections with Scotland's major golf clubs
  • Extensive fixture list including matches at Muirfield and St Andrews
  • Annual golf tours
  • Formal accreditation and Merit Award Scheme
  • Scholarships available from the age of 13
  • Unique residential Summer School Programme

Loretto Golf Academy Scottish Boys and Girls Under 14 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship

d_SGU_logo_for_web.jpg
Loretto is the official sponsor of the Scottish Boys and Girls under 14 Open Amateur Stoke Play Championship in association with the Scottish Golf Union (Follow this link to Scottish Golf Union website). This is an 18 hole open event being played at Brunston Castle in Ayrshire on 13 July, 2007. Past champions include: Billy Downing, 2005, Frazer Ogston 2004, Daniel Shevill 2003.

Director of Golf

Rick Valentine was born in Dubai and raised in England where he pursued many sports before completing a Sports Science Degree. After university he moved to the USA to attend the San Diego Golf Academy to work on his own game, as well as to achieve an Associate degree in Golf Complex Management and Golf Professional. From here he moved to Hong Kong and pursued his amateur career for three years. In this time he represented Hong Kong in the Eisenhower Trophy (World Amateur Team Championships), Namura Cup (Asia Pacific Team Championships) and Putra Cup (South East Asia Team Championships) as well as many other international events. During this time he also won the China Amateur in 2000 as well as being the leading amateur in the Hong Kong Open for both 2001 and 2002. Having returned to the UK early in 2003 he competed in the Qualifying School for the Euro Pro Tour; he won a card and turned professional.

Rick shares the same passion and love for the game as his Grandmother, Jessie Valentine, who notched up a staggering 3 British Ladies Championships between 1937 and 1958 in addition to 6 Scottish Ladies Championship titles.

What they say

"Loretto encouraged me to make the most of myself in every aspect of my life, uncovering not only a competitive edge, but a love of sportsmanship that has been a guiding influence in my life ever since." Graeme Simmers, 2001/02 Captain of The Royal and Ancient Club, St Andrews.

"Loretto's ties with golf go back a long way and The Golf Academy is a most exciting initiative, linking young aspirants of the game with golf's historic origins in Musselburgh." Alex Hay, the BBC's voice of golf.

For a copy of The Golf Academy Brochure please contact Admissions on 0131 653 4455, email admissions@loretto.com.