Golf

Cardiff University currently offers a specialist programme to elite student golfers as part of the University's Bursary Award Programme. The main aim of the programme is to provide structured support to individuals enabling them to excel in both their academic and golfing careers whilst raising the profile and standard of sport at Cardiff University.

Over the last 10 years the Golf Society has continued to show that it is one of the strongest Athletic Union Clubs within Cardiff University. The 1^st team have consolidated their position in the BUCS Premier League South which has made Cardiff University the Premier Golfing University in Wales. This is highlighted by the fact that Cardiff University students have made up the majority of the Welsh Universities team in recent years, in 2009 four members of our Golf Society were selected. 

What does the Golf Bursary Programme package include? 

• Possible financial reward - Bursars may be awarded with a financial award if they can demonstrate the necessary sporting achievements at international/national level as well as a handicap of 2.5 or below for men and 5 for women. Please note we have a limited budget so competition for financial bursaries can be very high and as such you must be able to provide evidence of your achievements and handicap. Further information is outlined below.
• Professional coaching - Provided by The Vale Club Professional – Mr. Keith Williams.
• Planning for Success - Bursars can meet with the Sports Development Co-ordinator to discuss all issues relating to their sport. Areas including performance profiling, nutrition, fitness testing, time management and personal development can be discussed. Also, the Sports Development Co-coordinator will assist bursars with any academic issues they may have such as major competitions taking place during term-time etc.
• Free Gym/Fitness Suite Membership - All Bursars will be entitled to free Membership of both the University Fitness and Squash Centre - Park Place and the University Sports Centre - Talybont.
• Sport Science Support - Fitness testing/assessments and Sport Specific Conditioning Programmes can be provided by staff within the University’s Sport and Exercise Department.
• Sport Psychology - Sports Psychologists will visit the University throughout the year to provide presentations and workshops for all athletes.
• Workshops - Bursars will have free access to guest speakers and workshops which cover topics designed to assist with training and personal development such as strength and conditioning, SAQ training etc.
• Core Stability Screening - Core stability is the ability of your trunk to support the effort and forces from your arms and legs, so that muscles and joints can perform in their safest, strongest and most effective positions. An assessment will help you to optimise your core stability.                                                                                        
• Physiotherapy - The programme has links to specialist sports physiotherapists.
• Media promotion and experience - Cardiff University is continually striving to raise the profile of sport. As such, there are regular opportunities for bursars to participate in interviews for the University newspapers, website, alumni magazines as well as local/national press.

What is expected from a Cardiff University Golf Bursar?

The programme is seen as a partnership between the athlete and the university. As such there are certain expectations of the athletes once they have been accepted as part of the programme:

• Bursars must make every effort to compete/represent Cardiff University in BUCS competition at any appropriate time during the year. 
• Regular meetings (one per semester) are arranged with the Sports Development Co-ordinator to discuss individual needs and progress.
• All competition dates/reports/photographs are submitted during the meetings and updated at frequent intervals via email so we can publicise the bursars career both within the University and the local/national press.
• Bursars must make every effort to attend the Sports Bursary Induction Event and the Sports Bursary Award Ceremony at dates to be confirmed by the Sports Development Co-ordinator.
• Academic performances of Bursars must sustain standards set out to normal University regulations.
• Bursars must make themselves available for any Cardiff University PR & press opportunities whenever possible.
•  All relevant information e.g. term-time address, contact numbers, are kept up to date for all correspondence.
• Collections of Bursary Awards are made in person from the Sports Development Co-ordinator.
• Any breach of these conditions may result in the Bursary Award being suspended. 

Who can apply for a Cardiff University Golf Bursary?

Anyone can apply for an award as long as they have met the academic requirements for a course and subsequently been given a confirmed place at Cardiff University for the academic year 2009/10. 

As main criteria, all applicants must be able to demonstrate a low handicap (typically 2-3 for men and 4-6 for women)  and current achievements at a high Junior level (international or equivalent) at least. Players with more Senior level achievements and experience will be given priority above Juniors. 

To be considered for a financial award handicaps must be 2.5 or below for men and 5 for women.

Cardiff University is judged and judges itself on its BUCS ranking and as such priority will be given to those athletes who are willing to commit to representing Cardiff University Golf Society in BUCS matches/events throughout the year. 

Please note that competition for bursaries can be very high so nothing is guaranteed and it is essential all applicants must be able to show evidence of their golfing achievements.

How to apply to become part of the Cardiff University Golf Bursary Programme

In order to apply for a place on the Cardiff University Golf Bursary Programme 2009-2010 please download a copy of the application form (from the right hand side of this page) and complete it in accordance with the guidance for applicant’s booklet (can also be downloaded from the right hand side of this page).

Completed application forms should either be posted or emailed to:

Please note the deadline for applications for the academic year 2009-2010 is Tuesday 29^th September 2009 at 12:00. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee any applications received after this date will be considered.

Please remember to include a copy of your handicap certificate as well as one fully completed reference and the details of one more referee who may be contacted if you are selected for interview. 

If you have any further queries regarding the Sports Bursary Programme please contact the Sports Development Co-ordinator.