Aspiring coaches shocked by GASP award

Posted on 13/05/09. By Kelly Lewis

The next generation of top PGA coaches have been given a step up the ladder by leading swing technology innovator GASP Systems.

The company, founded by PGA Fellow Professional Steve Gould, head professional at Fingle Glen Golf Hotel near Exeter, has rewarded five aspiring PGA professionals with equipment totalling more than £5,000 on the back of their performances in their end-of-year coaching exams.

GASP Systems acknowledged the highest performers from each year of the PGA's three-year foundation degree.

Ireland's James Kane-Nash, formerly of Old Conna GC in Bray, Co. Wicklow, was revealed as the top third year student with a pass mark of 98 per cent, securing him a state-of-the-art system from GASP worth almost £3,000.

Fellow Irishman Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) was second with West Midlander Jack Raison, a former assistant at Shirley Golf Club third.

Yorkshire's Jonathan Shipstone, who was top second-year PGA Assistant, also claimed the GASP award, while Leicester-born Rookie of the Year Sarah-Jane Eaves, now based in Portugal, was also the first year's top coaching student.

Gould, who congratulated the winners at the PGA's graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham, was delighted to support the awards which recognised coaching excellence.
"GASP Systems were invited to back this initiative and as PGA Official Supplier we were very happy to contribute," said Gould.

"I have a strong interest in coaching and the opportunity to recognise these aspiring professionals was something I wanted to support.

"They are all in the early stages of their careers and I'm aware that they probably could not afford this equipment, so I hope this will help give them a step up."

David Colclough, technical lead for coach education at the PGA, welcomed GASP Systems support.

"The PGA is very grateful to Steve Gould and GASP for donating prizes to the top performing assistants in the golf coaching modules," he said.

"I'm sure they will provide these professionals with a superb tool to further develop their coaching knowledge.

"GASP systems consistently provide quality products for the coach serious about player development.

"The range of products from high tech cameras to simple training aids allow a coach to choose a product from any price bracket, which is why we value them as a PGA Official Supplier."

Pictured; GASP founder and PGA professional Steve Gould (left) with James Kane-Nash (right) courtesy of Jamie Jones Photography.