Andy McCormick, Director of Qatar Golf Academy, with schoolchildren who visited the Qatar Golf Academy facilities at the Qafco Family Zone, one of the many popular attractions at this week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Spectators at the ongoing Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club can enjoy free lessons by PGA professionals at the Qatar Golf Academy booth in the Qafco Family Zone, as well as special discounts on Academy membership.
The Academy aims to promote the game to newcomers and amateurs. While operating as a division of Doha Golf Club, the Academy is open to the public and offers both lessons and its own membership scheme.
In September, the Qatar Golf Academy teamed up with world-renowned coaches Peter Cowen and Mike Walker, whose current stable of star students includes Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington.
All four full-time coaches at the Qatar Golf Academy have been trained in Cowen’s coaching methods and this week the PGA Master Professional has been spending more time with the quartet, as well as looking after some of his star pupils at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Andy McCormick, Director of Qatar Golf Academy, says the Academy is targeting newcomers and intermediate golfers of all ages and backgrounds, but that its coaching methods are world-class.
“We want our coaching to be of the highest level,” said McCormick, a former employee of Cowen’s. “Having worked with Pete before, I was excited that we were able to team up with him and Mike, and ensure all our coaches have been taught by arguably the best coach in the sport.
“Results wise, I think a lot of people would say Pete is the best coach in the world and Mike is certainly not far behind. Pete has been working with our coaches again this week and some of his students—European Tour players—are likely to come down and help out in the Family Zone and the booth.”
McCormick is keen to stress that although the Academy is based at Doha Golf Club, its lessons are available to non-members of the country’s only course, who can still use the facilities.
“This week, we’re introducing people to the Academy and offering free lessons to encourage as many people as possible to try out the game,” McCormick said.
“We offer memberships where they can get discounts off lessons and the practice range. We do clinics throughout the year and run tournaments on the Academy Course. There’s demand because there’s a lot of non-golfers or developing golfers and we’re catering to them. We’re encouraging ladies to play, children to play, families to play.”
The Qatar Golf Academy booth also has a covered area where spectators can sit and watch the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters live on television.
