SGS College | Be Outstanding

Covid Update

On Tuesday 29 March, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, set out the next steps for living with COVID-19 in England from Friday 1 April.

Updated guidance advises:

  • Adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and no longer have a high temperature.
  • Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can return to college when they no longer have a high temperature, and are well enough to attend.
  • Adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice is 3 days.

For education and childcare settings from Friday 1 April:

  • Regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education or childcare setting, including in SEND, alternative provision and children’s social care settings. Therefore, we will no longer be able to order test kits .

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24/25 Full-time Courses

New Full-time study options will be available soon for those wanting to apply for September 2024.

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    Our Philosophy 
  
  
    Player Inspiration 
  
  
    The Golf Programme 
  
  
    Facilities 
  
  
    Success Stories 
  
  
    Academy Achievements 
  
  
    Individual Successes 
  
  
    The Coaching Team 
  ',
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Our Philosophy

      
Being part of the Golf Academy offers a wonderful, supportive, and competitive environment, to talented young golfers. The perfect blend of continual guidance and mentoring from highly experienced PGA coaches, alongside numerous elite level competitions, across the UK and beyond, equips the golfers with the skills and knowledge they need to reach the highest levels in the game.

      
Our philosophy puts the student in control of their learning. We aim to build resilience, commitment, and acceptance in our students, giving them the life skills that will help them to maximise their golf performance and enhance their abilities to succeed in the modern world.

      
They will not only be a better golfer when they leave us, but a better person.

    

  




  

    

      
Player Inspiration

      
It has to be said that golf is a solitary game, but we believe that we have the best of both worlds here at SGS, with high levels of competition between talented youngsters combined with a collaborative approach to their practice sessions.

    

    

      

        
      

    

  




  

    

      
The Golf Programme

      
The extensive programme has been refined over the past 20 years to encompass every detail of the game, and together with the continual professional development of the coaches, continues to be at the forefront of UK College golf.

      
    
        
  • Academy training sessions 3 days per week, every week, at either of our golf clubs (approx. 120 days contact time each year).
    • 
        
  • Weekly Academy Order of Merit Competitions.
    • 
        
  • Golf specific Strength and Conditioning sessions and Physio support.
    • 
        
  • Unlimited use of the onsite facilities (putting green and driving nets) and coach-led indoor range sessions.
    • 
        
  • Liaison with the players coaching team for enhanced mentoring and guidance.
    • 
        
  • Highly recommended Trips to Tenerife, Portugal, St Andrews, and Wentworth, to see European Tour stars in action, compete abroad and gain excellent work experience.
    • 
        
  • Academy Winter Tour across the Southwest.
    • 
        
  • Intercollegiate Tour events, including WAGR rated national finals.
    • 
        
  • Schools golf tournaments.
    • 
        
  • Friendly matches with local college teams.
    • 
      

      
Every aspect of the game is covered during the training sessions, from technical coaching of the golf swing through to putting (where applicable), to mental skills on and off the course, the physical and even lifestyle, so academy golfers can make the most of every day.

      
Each student is encouraged to utilise technology to assist in the planning and reviewing of training sessions, along with test results to monitor practice effectiveness and guide areas for improvement.

      
By regularly profiling each player with testing and on-course assessments, goals are discussed and set, producing a personalised plan for maximum progression.

    

  



  

    

      
Facilities

      
Golf Clubs

      
Our first years are based at Thornbury Golf centre, a short drive from the College, which has a wealth of facilities, including large floodlit driving range, 18-hole main course, and an excellent 18-hole Par 3 course.

      
Our second years use the wonderful Players GC, also a short drive from the College. They have two 18-hole courses. The Codrington main course has held many professional events, including the West Region Championships and the European Tour School. This course is a real challenge for any golfer. The second course, Stranahan, is a shorter course, but it requires excellent short-game skills and has fantastic putting surfaces. Other facilities include a grass driving range and the exceptional Watergarden par-3 course, a short-game area and three putting greens.

      
These two facilities are among the best in the area, and we are delighted to have developed mutually beneficial long-term relationships with both clubs.

      
On-site Facilities at the WISE Campus

      
The newly refurbished indoor driving range is a unique practice facility, where 12 plus golfers can practice their long game independently of the British weather, utilising the academies own Flightscope for swing analysis and feedback, under the guidance of the PGA staff.

      
Next to the Sports Academy building is the state-of-the-art, all-weather putting green and two outdoor nets - a great place to sit and eat lunch while practicing your putting or full swing skills.

    

  




  

    

      
Success Stories

      
With numerous PGA-qualified professionals among our alumni, university graduates and more than a dozen scholarships to American colleges, our students have a proven track record of success. There are many exit route options, including greenkeeping, club and resort management and retail, the PGA and, of course, playing professionally.

    

  




  

    

      
Academy Achievements

      
    
        
  • Intercollegiate Tour (ICT) National team champions (2009, 2014, 2020, 2022) and multiple runners-up
    • 
        
  • Jordan Smith, Milan Reed & Craig Passmore (ICT National Individual Champions)
    • 
        
  • Jake Bolton (England Schools National champion)
    • 
        
  • Numerous England Schools and England junior internationals
    • 
      

    

  




  

    

      
Individual Successes

      
    
        
  • Jordan Smith (European Tour winner)
    • 
        
  • Mitch Waite (England Men\'s Order of Merit winner)
    • 
        
  • Jake Bolton (Walker Cup)
    • 
        
  • Ben Amor (PGA West region multiple winner)
    • 
        
  • Olly Huggins (England Men\'s team)
    • 
        
  • Ai Balcombe (The Open qualifier)
    • 
        
  • Ashley Mansell (PGA West region OOM winner)
    • 
        
  • Leon Fricker (PGA EuroPro Tour)
    • 
        
  • And many more PGA Professionals, collegiate scholars, and county golfers.
    • 
      

    

  




  

    

      
The Coaching Team

    

    

      

        
Peter Langford - PGA - Head of Golf - Level 3 Coach

        
Peter has been developing the Golf Academy for over 20 years, working with over 300 young golfers through the programme, to success in numerous fields within and outside of golf.

        
A former England Golf Assessor, England Schools team manager, and Chairman of the Intercollegiate Tour, Peter has a vast experience and knowledge of collegiate golf, through coaching and administration, which the young golfers are able to access daily.

      

    

    

      

        
Kelvin Aitken - PGA - Level 3 Coach

        
With a wealth of coaching expertise, Kelvin has spent all his life within professional golf.

        
From playing European Tour golf as a young man, to coaching Professional golfers, along with 15years coaching with the academy, and then returning to win the PGA West region at Senior level (twice), Kelvin\'s knowledge of how to compete at the highest level, and provide coaching support to elite golfers, is second to none.

      

    

  

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SGS Sport

Golf

The Golf Academy is now recruiting student athletes for the upcoming academic year.

Our Philosophy

Being part of the Golf Academy offers a wonderful, supportive, and competitive environment, to talented young golfers. The perfect blend of continual guidance and mentoring from highly experienced PGA coaches, alongside numerous elite level competitions, across the UK and beyond, equips the golfers with the skills and knowledge they need to reach the highest levels in the game.

Our philosophy puts the student in control of their learning. We aim to build resilience, commitment, and acceptance in our students, giving them the life skills that will help them to maximise their golf performance and enhance their abilities to succeed in the modern world.

They will not only be a better golfer when they leave us, but a better person.

Player Inspiration

It has to be said that golf is a solitary game, but we believe that we have the best of both worlds here at SGS, with high levels of competition between talented youngsters combined with a collaborative approach to their practice sessions.

The Golf Programme

The extensive programme has been refined over the past 20 years to encompass every detail of the game, and together with the continual professional development of the coaches, continues to be at the forefront of UK College golf.

  • Academy training sessions 3 days per week, every week, at either of our golf clubs (approx. 120 days contact time each year).
  • Weekly Academy Order of Merit Competitions.
  • Golf specific Strength and Conditioning sessions and Physio support.
  • Unlimited use of the onsite facilities (putting green and driving nets) and coach-led indoor range sessions.
  • Liaison with the players coaching team for enhanced mentoring and guidance.
  • Highly recommended Trips to Tenerife, Portugal, St Andrews, and Wentworth, to see European Tour stars in action, compete abroad and gain excellent work experience.
  • Academy Winter Tour across the Southwest.
  • Intercollegiate Tour events, including WAGR rated national finals.
  • Schools golf tournaments.
  • Friendly matches with local college teams.

Every aspect of the game is covered during the training sessions, from technical coaching of the golf swing through to putting (where applicable), to mental skills on and off the course, the physical and even lifestyle, so academy golfers can make the most of every day.

Each student is encouraged to utilise technology to assist in the planning and reviewing of training sessions, along with test results to monitor practice effectiveness and guide areas for improvement.

By regularly profiling each player with testing and on-course assessments, goals are discussed and set, producing a personalised plan for maximum progression.

Facilities

Golf Clubs

Our first years are based at Thornbury Golf centre, a short drive from the College, which has a wealth of facilities, including large floodlit driving range, 18-hole main course, and an excellent 18-hole Par 3 course.

Our second years use the wonderful Players GC, also a short drive from the College. They have two 18-hole courses. The Codrington main course has held many professional events, including the West Region Championships and the European Tour School. This course is a real challenge for any golfer. The second course, Stranahan, is a shorter course, but it requires excellent short-game skills and has fantastic putting surfaces. Other facilities include a grass driving range and the exceptional Watergarden par-3 course, a short-game area and three putting greens.

These two facilities are among the best in the area, and we are delighted to have developed mutually beneficial long-term relationships with both clubs.

On-site Facilities at the WISE Campus

The newly refurbished indoor driving range is a unique practice facility, where 12 plus golfers can practice their long game independently of the British weather, utilising the academies own Flightscope for swing analysis and feedback, under the guidance of the PGA staff.

Next to the Sports Academy building is the state-of-the-art, all-weather putting green and two outdoor nets - a great place to sit and eat lunch while practicing your putting or full swing skills.

Success Stories

With numerous PGA-qualified professionals among our alumni, university graduates and more than a dozen scholarships to American colleges, our students have a proven track record of success. There are many exit route options, including greenkeeping, club and resort management and retail, the PGA and, of course, playing professionally.

Academy Achievements

  • Intercollegiate Tour (ICT) National team champions (2009, 2014, 2020, 2022) and multiple runners-up
  • Jordan Smith, Milan Reed & Craig Passmore (ICT National Individual Champions)
  • Jake Bolton (England Schools National champion)
  • Numerous England Schools and England junior internationals

Individual Successes

  • Jordan Smith (European Tour winner)
  • Mitch Waite (England Men's Order of Merit winner)
  • Jake Bolton (Walker Cup)
  • Ben Amor (PGA West region multiple winner)
  • Olly Huggins (England Men's team)
  • Ai Balcombe (The Open qualifier)
  • Ashley Mansell (PGA West region OOM winner)
  • Leon Fricker (PGA EuroPro Tour)
  • And many more PGA Professionals, collegiate scholars, and county golfers.

The Coaching Team

Peter Langford - PGA - Head of Golf - Level 3 Coach

Peter has been developing the Golf Academy for over 20 years, working with over 300 young golfers through the programme, to success in numerous fields within and outside of golf.

A former England Golf Assessor, England Schools team manager, and Chairman of the Intercollegiate Tour, Peter has a vast experience and knowledge of collegiate golf, through coaching and administration, which the young golfers are able to access daily.

Kelvin Aitken - PGA - Level 3 Coach

With a wealth of coaching expertise, Kelvin has spent all his life within professional golf.

From playing European Tour golf as a young man, to coaching Professional golfers, along with 15years coaching with the academy, and then returning to win the PGA West region at Senior level (twice), Kelvin's knowledge of how to compete at the highest level, and provide coaching support to elite golfers, is second to none.

How to Apply

If you are looking to join our College Academy on a full time Level 1-3 course on either a BTEC or A-Level program then please apply online for the course you want below.

Full-Time Application Form Applying Online Full-Time Courses

Degree Program and UCAS

If it is our degree program you are interested in then please click below to see the full list of courses we offer. Then for help with applying through UCAS please email Bev Awre ([email protected]).

University Courses

Meet Our Staff

Choisze To

Choisze To

Finance and Business Coordinator
View Bio

Choisze To

Finance and Business Coordinator

-Former Hong Kong international player
-International coach and team manager
-National Championship Gold medal winning coach
-Provides expert insight into Chinese training and elite performance
-Master Degree in Sports Management and Bachelor Degree in Business Administration

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Connor Sidley-Adams

Connor Sidley-Adams

Learning Area Manager, Extra Curricular Programmes
View Bio

Connor Sidley-Adams

Learning Area Manager, Extra Curricular Programmes

Coming soon.

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Pete Langford

Pete Langford

Head Coach - Golf
View Bio

Pete Langford

Head Coach - Golf

Peter has over 20 years experience as a PGA Professional, coaching and mentoring close to 300 student golfers at the college golf academy, since its inception in 2002. He has developed the academy to what it is today, amongst the top golfing colleges in the country. His passion for golf has lead to opportunities within England Golf and he also starting the renowned Intercollegiate Tour. He has managed the England Schools boys team, and is still involved with Avon Schools Golf.

Married with two children, Peter’s other interests include cycling, running and inventing, with a number of projects in the pipeline – golf based and otherwise.

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Kelvin Aitken

Kelvin Aitken

Coach - Golf
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Kelvin Aitken

Coach - Golf

Kelvin has a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. He has been a qualified PGA level 3 coach for over 30 years and has been immersed in the world of golf since birth; his father is also a PGA professional.

His tournament experience includes playing on the European Tour, the highlight of which was qualification for the PGA Championships at Wentworth along with numerous successes on the West Region circuit. Lately Kelvin had back to back victories in the West Region PGA Seniors Championship.

However coaching is and has been the backbone of his career. Kelvin is a great believer in continual development and has attended many conferences and seminars, predominately based around coaching performance golf. He has now worked as a Coach for the increasingly successful SGS College Golf Academy for over 12 years and in his own words “enjoyed every minute”.

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Dr Craig Barden

Dr Craig Barden

Head of Strength, Conditioning and Sports Therapy
View Bio

Dr Craig Barden

Head of Strength, Conditioning and Sports Therapy

Craig has worked in the SGS injury clinic since 2010 when he graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. Craig is responsible the sports injury clinic where, alongside 4 other therapists, he ensures sports students are receiving a good level of care for their injuries ensuring they can return to activities as quickly and safely as possible. He also oversees the strength and conditioning provision, where 3 qualified coaches support the various academies to aid physical development and team performance. Outside of the academy, Craig works with the Bristol’s only professional basketball team, the Bristol Flyers, whilst lecturing at the University of Gloucestershire. He has also completed a PhD in injury prevention in youth rugby at the University of Bath, publishing in various peer-reviewed journals.

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Lily Millard

Lily Millard

Sports Rehabiliator
View Bio

Lily Millard

Sports Rehabiliator

Lily joins the college having recently graduated from UWE Bristol with a degree in Sports Rehabilitation. Lily also has additional qualifications such as Pre-Hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS), which is accredited by the RFU. As well was Sports massage, Sports Taping, Kinesiology taping and Medical Acupuncture. In addition to her work at SGS, Lily also works for Bristol Bears as a Sports therapist for the Under 18’s Academy. She has also previously worked with Bristol City Women’s academy, Bath Rugby, Somerset County Cricket Club, Western Storm, Bedminster Cricket Club and England LX Hockey.

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Tom Riddell

Tom Riddell

Sports Rehabiliator
View Bio

Tom Riddell

Sports Rehabiliator

Tom has a degree in Sport Rehabilitation and is a BASRaT registered therapist. He works in private clinical practices as well as working with Nailsea & Tickenham FC. He has now joined the sports academy team supporting the student athletes in their injury management. Tom will primarily use tailored exercise programs, but also some manual therapy techniques, to help facilitate better movement, reduce pain and, help people return to their activity stronger than they were before. Outside of work, Tom plays two instruments with a band as well as keeping fit with his main sport of swimming.

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Will Crowfoot

Will Crowfoot

Strength and Conditioning Coach
View Bio

Will Crowfoot

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Will started working at the college in 2018 but he is also an ex-student attending the college from 2010-2012 where he studied a Level 3 BTEC in Sports performance and excellence and was a member of the American Football academy. After graduating from SGS, Will spent 6 months in Canada at a Prep school playing against some top high schools in America before coming back to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he graduated with a BCs (Hons) degree in Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage. Whilst completing his degree he also interned with the Cardiff Met performance sports teams during his third year and gained experience within multiple sports.

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Pip Dickin

Pip Dickin

Sports Therapist
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Pip Dickin

Sports Therapist

Pip started in the sports injury clinic at SGS in 2022 after graduating from the university of Worcester with a degree in Sports Therapy, where she gained skills in sports massage, injury assessment and rehabilitation and electrotherapy modalities. Pip is also qualified in RFU accredited Pre-hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS) first aid.

Outside of the college, Pip also works for National League 2 rugby team Dings Crusaders and for private clinic Top to Toe Physiotherapy in their clinics across Bristol and Bath. Pip also has experience working in the BBL and alongside university sports teams.

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Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman

Strength and Conditioning Coach
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Daniel Newman

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Dan is an experienced strength and conditioning coach working with top level athletes and individuals at all fitness levels. Having been involved developing athlete’s physical qualities in an abundance of sports, Dan has previously worked within multiple Professional Sports Clubs, National Governing Bodies, and University and College sport teams. Holding MSc Strength and Conditioning, and BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science qualifications, he is also a BASES Supervised Sport and Exercise Scientist. Dan’s strong passion and experience in sport and exercise aspires to support the student athlete to reach their true potential and help develop the strength and conditioning programme at the College.

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Dominic Williams

Dominic Williams

Sports Rehabilitator
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Dominic Williams

Sports Rehabilitator

I graduated from UWE in 2022 with a degree in Sport Rehabilitation. Additional qualifications include the RFU-accredited Pre-Hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS) and myofascial cupping. Alongside SGS I currently work as the Lead Academy Sports Therapist for Chippenham Town FC, and as a Sports Therapist at Philgood Rehabilitation. Previous experience includes working with UWE Sport teams (Football, Rugby, and Lacrosse) and within the UWE Injury Clinic. As well as this I spent 6 months working for Southwest Pitch-Side Trauma Care, which involved first aid support for rugby teams around Bristol. Outside of the college, I play drums in a rock band and have competed in football and kickboxing.

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Max Cooper

Max Cooper

Strength and Conditioning Coach
View Bio

Max Cooper

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Max started working at the college in 2022. He completed his BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Strength and conditioning and is currently undertaking his MSc (Hons) in Spots Strength and Conditioning, from the university of Gloucestershire. Max has had experience with a multitude of different teams from Bristol Bears woman’s to Bristol City u21 woman’s yet his most recent position was with Severn Stars netball. Here he was head of the academy’s strength and conditioning programme, while also working extensively with the first team. Alongside his role within SGS he also works with the university of Gloucestershire carrying out strength and conditioning sessions for the university teams.

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