Golf Programme
St Leonards Golf Academy
St Andrews is known the world over as the ‘Home of Golf’. The game was first played in St Andrews in the 15th century, and today the town boasts seven beautiful courses which together form the Links Trust. Pupils enrolled on the St Leonards Golf Programme are eligible to apply for a Links Ticket.
This gives them unique access to the aforementioned courses, including the world-famous, major championship venue the Old Course, which recently hosted the 150th Open Championship. Other renowned Scottish championship courses, namely Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Kingsbarns and Muirfield, are also easily accessible.
Together with personalised expert coaching, indoor floodlit bays, and worldclass practice equipment at the Golf Academy - including the Digital V1 Pro Coaching Platform, K-Motion 3D, Upgame Golf by Trackman, Sam PuttLab, BodiTrak, AMM 3D Biomechanics, and Toptracer - St Leonards offers one of the largest and most prestigious school golf programmes in the UK, attracting golfers from all over the world.
I very much hope that you will enrol on the St Leonards Golf Programme, and would be delighted to work with you as you seek to refine your golfing game.
Fintan Bonner Director of Golf
Pupils at St Leonards aspire to be: Inquirers • Knowledgeable • Thinkers • Communicators • Principled Open-minded
Caring
Fintan Bonner oversees the Golf Programme at St Leonards. In addition to his role at St Leonards, he is a Senior Instructor at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy and one of four Scottish Regional Performance coaches. Fintan is a PGA Level 3 certified practitioner, a UKCC Level 3 qualified professional, and a Class AA PGA Professional. He is also certified in AimPoint, Trackman, BodiTrak, and K-Motion 3D. As a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, Fintan delivers world-class instruction through a blend of strategic analysis, cutting-edge technology, and effective communication. His coaching career has taken him to tournaments worldwide, including the US Open, DP World Tour, PGA Tour, Challenge Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and the Jack Bunny Tour Finals in Japan.
In addition to being a highly regarded instructor, Fintan is a Customisation Specialist, having trained with some of the world’s top custom fitters, and he has also appeared on Sky Sports.
Golf Programme Structure
All pupils have the opportunity to play golf, regardless of age or ability. There are eight tiers of the Golf Programme, detailed on the following pages.
St Leonards Cadets
The St Leonards Cadets Golf Programme is designed for pupils in Years 1-3 who are just beginning their golfing journey. Starting from a grassroots level, the programme focuses on introducing the fundamental movements and techniques essential for golf. Cadets benefit from expert coaching both on school grounds and at the renowned St Andrews Links Golf Academy. This tier is perfect for young golfers taking their first steps on the course.
What’s included:
• A session every other week, with group coaching tailored for each ability level.
• The programme is divided into two classes: Beginners and Developers, ensuring each pupil receives appropriate instruction for their stage of learning.
• Cadets play with SNAG (Starting New at Golf) equipment and progress to using U.S. Kids Golf clubs during sessions at the Golf Academy.
• Once a month, pupils travel to the St Andrews Links Golf Academy to practise their techniques.
• Sessions take place during lunchtime, and the programme runs on a termly basis.
St Leonards Minis
The St Leonards Minis Golf Programme has been specially designed for pupils aged 8-12 who are looking to gain, or continue to build on, an understanding of golf, including basic skills and techniques. Our ‘Minis’ train at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy under expert instructors, with some players progressing to compete in the annual Sir Michael Bonallack U9, U11 and U13 Golf Championships, hosted by St Leonards here in the ‘Home of Golf’. This tier is ideal for pupils in Years 4-6 who are just starting out on the golf course.
Cost: £375
What’s included:
• 8 weeks of group coaching over the course of the academic year.
• Each session is 90 minutes in length and lessons are held on Saturday mornings with an instructor from the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.
• Group lessons are carefully tailored and will include no more than 8 pupils in each session, to ensure each player receives time with the instructor.
• 4 x 1-hour individual lessons.
• A St Leonards crested hat.
Introduction to Golf
‘Introduction to Golf’ is tailored for Years 7-13 pupils who are new to the game, and who are looking to develop their skills in the driving range and on the golf course. The aim of this tier is to support players as they are starting out, with the ultimate goal of achieving their first handicap. Each student will receive a personal development plan, to encourage improvement in their individual technical lessons, as well as in the weekend group training sessions, and to encourage participation in internal competitions. The professional coach will help to set individual targets and goals for the player to ensure their game improves, with the aim of rising to the next tier of the St Leonards Golf Programme with continued monitored progress.
Players in all tiers of the programme have the opportunity to be Links Ticket holders. The St Leonards Golf Programme enables our pupils to apply, providing open access to all St Andrews Links courses.
Cost: £700
What’s included:
• A personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests including Scottish Golf short game tests, Trackman Combine test, Sam PuttLab;
- On course performance;
- Nutrition and lifestyle;
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• 4 x individual technical lessons.
• Weekly group training sessions working on skill development, motivation and performance golf. Sessions take place on a Sunday for 16 weeks of the year, and last for 2 hours each.
• Driving range ball card and short game access for personal practice.
• Online Trackman video analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• Monthly internal competitions.
• A St Leonards crested hat.
Q School Programme
The St Leonards ‘Q School’ Golf Programme serves as an ideal stepping stone for players coming up from our ‘Introduction to Golf’ tier and is open to pupils with handicaps of 18 and above, who want to focus on developing the game. Pupils enrolled at this level benefit from weekend group coaching at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, as well as individual tuition and a bespoke player development plan. The professional coach will help to set individual targets and goals for the player to ensure their game improves, with the aim of rising to the next tier of the St Leonards Golf Programme with continued monitored progress.
Cost: £975
What’s included:
• A personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests including Scottish Golf short game tests, Trackman Combine test, Sam PuttLab;
- On course performance;
- Nutrition and lifestyle;
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• 8 x individual technical lessons.
• Weekly group coaching delivered on Sundays at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy – 3-hour sessions for 16 weeks of the year.
• Driving range ball card and short game access for personal practice.
• Online Trackman video analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• Eligibility to apply for a Links Ticket, allowing open access to St Andrews Links Courses.
• Access to competitions and opportunities to represent St Leonards in tournaments across the country.
• A St Leonards crested hat.
Development Programme
The St Leonards Development Programme is designed for pupils who have some experience playing golf and are interested in developing their game, improving their handicap, and increasing their confidence on the course. It caters for pupils with handicaps between 8 and 17 who are looking to broaden their experience of the game. Each student will receive a personal development plan and attend weekly weekend group training sessions to work on the techniques learned in individual lessons. The professional coach will help to set personal targets and goals to ensure that their game goes from strength to strength. Pupils enrolled on the Development Programme will have the opportunity to play in the St Leonards Monthly Medal competitions which are held over five of the courses in St Andrews, and also represent the School at other annual championships.
Cost: £1,450
What’s included:
• Personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests including Scottish Golf short game tests, Trackman Combine test, Sam PuttLab;
- On-course performance;
- Nutrition and lifestyle;
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• 8 x individual technical lessons.
• Weekly group training sessions held on Sundays to work on skill development, motivation and performance golf.
• Eligibility to apply for a Links Ticket, allowing open access to St Andrews Links Courses.
• Online Trackman analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• Driving range ball card and short game access for personal practice.
• Complimentary St Leonards Golf Club kit: Callaway Windstopper and a St Leonards Crested Hat.
• Representing the School at Independent Schools Golf Association competitions.
• Monthly internal competitions.
Performance Squad
The St Leonards Performance Squad is for experienced, skilled golfers who are looking to develop and perfect their golf game alongside their academic studies at St Leonards. Pupils in the Performance Squad must have a handicap between 3 and 7. Each student will receive a player development plan, carefully tailored to the individual, helping the student to achieve their golfing goals. Elements of the pupil’s detailed personalised programme will be intended to test and improve their time management skills, and also help to develop their overall game. The players in the Performance Squad represent St Leonards at national events and golf tours abroad, and also have the opportunity to play tournaments and practice rounds on the championship golf courses at St Andrews Links.
Cost: £2,095
What’s included:
• Personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests including Scottish Golf short game tests, Trackman Combine test, Sam Puttlab and Golf data lab statistics;
- On-course performance;
- Nutrition and lifestyle;
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• 8 x individual technical lessons.
• Sunday group training sessions working on skill development, motivation and performance golf (5 hours on a Sunday).
• Eligibility to apply for a Links Ticket, allowing open access to St Andrews Links Courses.
• 1,000 balls credit issued on a driving range ball card, as well as short game access for personal practice.
• Online Trackman analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• St Leonards Golf Club kit:
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Golf Bag;
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Waterproof Jacket;
- Callaway Crested Windstopper;
- Callaway Crested Shirt; and
- St Leonards Crested Hat.
• Independent Schools Golf Association competitions.
• Monthly internal and external competitions.
• Practice at the world-renowned St Andrews Links Golf Academy and access to the latest teaching technology.
High Performance Squad
The High Performance Squad is a distinguished tier within the St Leonards Golf Programme, designed for advanced players with handicaps between +5 and 2. The High Performance Squad is an elite group of 15 players who are striving for golf scholarships at prestigious institutions across the globe and have aspirations to play the game professionally. The pupils receive individual coaching sessions which are carefully tailored to help them improve their range, hone their putting, and perfect their swing, utilising the world-class facilities and tracking devices which are in each of the bays at the Links Golf Academy. There is an expectation that players in the High Performance Squad will spend a considerable amount of time up at the Golf Academy, and will be disciplined with their time and focused in their practice. Players enrolled on the High Performance tier of the Golf Programme represent St Leonards at national events and golf tours abroad, and also have the opportunity to play tournaments and practice rounds on the championship golf courses at St Andrews Links.
Cost: £2,095
What’s included:
• Personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests including Scottish Golf short game tests, Trackman Combine test, Sam PuttLab and Golf data lab statistics;
- On course performance;
- Nutrition and lifestyle;
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• 8 x individual technical lessons.
• Sunday group training sessions working on skill development, motivation and performance golf (5 hours on a Sunday).
• Eligibility to apply for a Links Ticket, allowing open access to St Andrews Links Courses.
• 1,000 balls credit issued on a driving range ball card, as well as short game access for personal practice.
• Online Trackman analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• St Leonards Golf Club kit:
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Golf Bag;
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Waterproof Jacket;
- Callaway Crested Windstopper;
- Callaway Crested Shirt; and
- St Leonards Crested Hat.
• Independent Schools Golf Association competitions.
• Monthly internal and external competitions.
• Practice at the world-renowned St Andrews Links Golf Academy and access to the latest teaching technology.
Performance Elite Programme
The Performance Elite Programme is exclusively available to pupils enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) who hold a handicap of 2 or lower. Limited to just 16 exceptional golfers, this prestigious programme selects candidates aiming for scholarships at leading institutions worldwide, with the ambition of pursuing a professional golfing career. Each student benefits from highly personalised coaching, tailored precisely to their needs and goals, covering every aspect of the game. Players will have access to the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology at the world-renowned St Andrews Links Golf Academy. Performance Elite golfers dedicate 25-40 hours per week to training and playing, while continuing their academic studies at St Leonards, ensuring comprehensive development both on and off the course.
Cost: £7,500
What’s included:
• Personalised training programme based upon:
- Initial in-depth discussion;
- Setting a development plan to understand long-term goals;
- Objective skills tests, using the facilities at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy including, Trackman, Sam PuttLab, K-Motion 3D, BodiTrak, Upgame Golf Stats Programme;
- On-course performance;
- Access to a nutritionist and lifestyle coach;
- Sports psychologist workshops;
- Strength and conditioning coaching sessions (twice weekly);
- Time commitments and constraints; and
- Attainable goal setting and practice strategy.
• An individual lesson each week.
• Group training sessions working on skill development, motivation and performance golf.
• Upgame Golf Stats Programme subscription.
• Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA), SWIFTS Golf, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and European Amateur Golf Ranking
events, including travelling as a team to the Scottish Boys/Girls and the English Boys/Girls tournaments.
• Warm weather training camp at the 5-Star La Manga resort in Spain (additional cost).
• Eligibility to apply for a Links Ticket, allowing open access to St Andrews Links Courses.
• 10,000 balls credit issued on a driving range card, as well as unlimited short game practice for personal use.
• Online Trackman analysis account allowing pupils to access filmed swings at any time.
• St Leonards Golf Club kit including:
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Golf Bag;
- Callaway Crested St Leonards Waterproof Jacket;
- Callaway Crested Windstopper;
- Callaway Crested Shirt; and
- St Leonards Crested Hat.
• Monthly internal and external competitions.
• Practise at the world renowned St Andrews Links Golf Academy and access to the latest teaching technologies.
Golf Scholarships
Golf scholarships at St Leonards are exclusively awarded at the discretion of the Director of Golf and the Head. They are awarded to exceptional players who demonstrate both outstanding talent and an ability to balance the pressures of training and academic workload. Those awarded a scholarship are granted free access to the Golf Programme. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team at registrar@stleonards-fife.org to find out what is currently available.
A number of St Leonards golfers go on to secure prestigious Golf Scholarships at US universities, with recent destinations including Furman University in South Carolina, the University of Oregon, Houston Baptist University in Texas, Wingate in North Carolina and the University of Indianapolis.
The Director of Golf and fellow Links instructors are experienced in supporting and preparing young golfers for scholarship applications when considering further study after St Leonards.
