Rick Valentine Golf Schools
\nIntroduction
\nRick Valentine has been a leader within golf coaching for over 15 years. During this time, he has developed leading player development pathways and camps assisting golfers to develop their games and reach their goals. With a focus on developing the whole player both on and off the golf course, Rick\u2019s camps focus on creating the perfect environment of friendship, fun and learning to guide his players to take the next step towards their goals. Receiving expert coaching, playing amazing courses and engaging in a busy schedule of evening activities whilst being looked after by a highly experienced pastoral team, our players really will make friends for life and have an experience they will never forget.<\/p>\n
Camp Options<\/p>\n
The Ultimate Golf Camp
\nOur ultimate golf camp offers golfers of all abilities the opportunity to develop their game within a fun learning environment supported by our expert team of coaches. The players will embark on a busy schedule of coaching, on course play, internal competitions and evening activities whilst exploring the wonders of St Andrews and experiencing the ancient links courses of Scotland.
\nThe majority of the coaching will take place in a group format with a maximum of 8-10 players per group, where the coaches will cover all aspects of the game to include full swing, chipping, bunker play and putting. Each player will also receiving a 1:1 full swing and putting analysis session highlighting their key areas for development.
\nOn the Ultimate Camp the courses will vary from week to week but players will experience a variety of fantastic links and parkland courses to include the likes of the Strathtyrum and Eden courses in St Andrews, Carnoustie Buddon and the Balcomie Links at Crail. Please note not all of these courses will be available each week.
\nAccommodation full board
\n5 rounds of golf per week
\n12 hours of group coaching per week
\nVariety of daily competitions
\n1 x 1:1 swing analysis session
\n1 x 1:1 putting analysis session
\nGolf fitness plan
\nSkills Challenge
\nAirport Transfers
\nCamp prize giving
\nThis camp will be limited to 32 places per week<\/p>\n
High Performance Golf Camp
\nOur high-performance camp is aimed at the better player looking for the tour player experience. The players will embark on a busy schedule of coaching, course play and competitions whilst also linking up with the Ultimate Camp players for evening activities.
\nThis camp offers extensive 1:1 coaching using all the technology to include trackman, video analysis, SAM PuttLab, TPI physical assessment and Green Reading. Players will also receive small group sessions covering key areas of the game focusing on shot making, wedge play and putting. The coaches will also deliver sessions on course management, nutrition and practice methods, with all elements of the coaching being combined into a coaching pack ensuring players have all the tools to continue their development.
\nPlayers will also be challenged on the course with a challenging schedule of links and parkland courses to include the likes of the Castle, New, Eden and Strathtyrum in St Andrews, the Burnside at Carnoustie and the Craighead Links at Crail. Players will also have the opportunity to put their hard work into practice competing in a junior open or the St Andrews Boys or Junior Ladies Open depending on their week of stay.
\nAccommodation full board
\n5 rounds of golf per week (higher ranked golf courses for high performance players)
\n12 hours of coaching, combination of 1:1 and small group
\n1 x 1:1 full swing analysis and online report per week
\n1 x 1:1 putting coaching and online report per week
\nClassroom sessions to include, course management, goal setting, nutrition & hydration
\nGolf fitness 1:1 assessment and personal plan
\nVariety of daily competitions
\nEntry into a Scottish Junior Tournament
\nSkills challenge
\nSunday sightseeing trip
\nVisit British Golf Museum
\nAirport Transfers
\nCamp prize giving
\nThis camp is limited to 12 places<\/p>\n
The Language Camp
\nThe Language Camp is a two-week camp combining golf and English lessons aimed at golfers looking to develop their English whilst enjoying a fantastic golfing experience with coaching and on course play. Players will combine classroom time working with our English teachers with time out on the links and working on their golf game with our resident professionals.
\nThe camp will follow the Ultimate Camp coaching syllabus with a focus on group coaching covering all aspects of the game to include full swing, pitching, chipping, bunker play and putting. Each player will also receive a 1:1 full swing and putting session highlighting their key areas for development.
\nThe players will also join our Ultimate Camp members out on the links playing a variety of links and parkland courses to include the likes of the Strathtyrum and Eden courses in St Andrews, Carnoustie Buddon, and the Balcomie Links at Crail. Please note not all these courses will be available each week.
\nIn the classroom the pupils will be taught by our English teachers developing the keys areas of their English skills such as speaking and writing which will be further developed with their interactions with players and staff throughout the camp.
\n12-17 Years
\nAccommodation full board
\n10 hours of English lessons per week
\n3 rounds of golf per week
\n6 hours of group coaching per week
\nVariety of daily competitions
\n1 x 1:1 swing analysis session
\n1 x 1:1 putting analysis session
\nGolf fitness plan
\nSkills Challenge
\nAirport Transfers
\nCamp prize giving
\nThis camp is limited to 20 places<\/p>\n
College Accelerator\/School Placement Golf Camp
\nOur college accelerator\/school placement camp is a two week camp aimed at players with the goal of furthering their education playing college golf in the States or schools golf in the UK. Players will embark on a busy schedule of coaching, course play, tournaments, academic classes and college\/school guidance to further their chances of obtaining a place on a college or school golf team.
\nThis camp will follow the High Performance coaching syllabus offering extensive 1:1 coaching using all the technology to include trackman, video analysis, SAM PuttLab, TPI physical assessment and Green Reading. Players will also receive small group sessions covering key areas of the game focusing on shot making, wedge play and putting. The coaches will also deliver sessions on course management, nutrition and practice methods, with all elements of the coaching being combined into a coaching pack ensuring players have all the tools to continue their development.
\nPlayers will also be challenged in the classroom developing their skills in English and Maths preparing them for the SAT\/School entrance exams. Sessions on the college\/school application process and 1:1 guidance will also be delivered to ensure all players improve their knowledge and start the process of choosing their preferred pathway. After the camp players will have the opportunity to sign up to our college\/school placement scheme to continue working with our experienced team to make their dream a reality.
\nPlayers will also follow the High Performance golfers on the course with a challenging schedule of links and parkland courses to include the likes of the Castle, New, Eden and Strathtyrum in St Andrews, the Burnside at Carnoustie and the Craighead Links at Crail. Players will also have the opportunity to put their hard work into practice competing in a junior open or the St Andrews Boys or Junior Ladies Open depending on their week of stay.
\n14-17 years old
\nAccommodation full board
\n10 rounds of golf (higher ranked golf courses with high performance players)
\n16 hours of golf coaching, combination of 1:1 and small group
\n16 hours of academic classes to include Maths, English and College guidance
\n2 x 1:1 full swing analysis and online report
\n1 x 1:1 putting coaching and online report per week
\nClassroom sessions to include, course management, goal setting, nutrition & hydration
\nGolf fitness 1:1 assessment and personal plan
\nVariety of daily competitions
\nEntry into a Scottish Junior Tournament
\nSkills challenge
\nSunday sightseeing trip
\nVisit British Golf Museum
\nAirport Transfers
\nCamp prize giving
\nThis camp will be limited to 12 places<\/p>\n
Meet the Team
\nRick Valentine
\nRick was born in Dubai and attended school and University in England, whilst his parents moved to Hong Kong when he was twelve. Sport has played a major part of his life which started with a multi-sport background, progressing through rugby to play for the Harlequins development team, then second team as part of the first team squad. Due to injuries, he converted to golf which was the family sport with his Grandmother being a highly successful Scottish golfer.<\/p>\n
After University, he spent time in America studying at the San Diego Golf Academy before spending three years playing amateur golf across Asia. During this time, he represented Hong Kong in the Eisenhower Trophy (World Amateur Team Championships), Namura Cup (Asia Pacific Team Championships) and Putra Cup (South East Asia Team Championships), as well as many other international events; he won the China Amateur in 2000 as well as being the leading amateur in the Hong Kong Open in 2001 & 2002. Rick returned to the UK in 2003, competed in the Qualifying School for the Euro Pro Tour; won a card and turned professional.<\/p>\n
Director of Golf Loretto School
\nIn 2003, he was appointed Director of Golf by Loretto School and given the full responsibility to develop a school Golf Academy. Starting with six pupils in his first year the programme now delivers to over 200 pupils per week from the age of 5-18. The programme balances the goal of offering the opportunity of golf for all with an elite programme accommodating players from beginners to international level. The Golf Academy is now the schools USP and has become known as the leading schools golf programme in Europe. To achieve this Rick has custom built the programme and introduced the following key areas:<\/p>\n
Player development pathway from age 5-18 years
\nCoaching programmes for all levels
\nStrength and Conditioning
\nInternal tournament structure
\nExternal tournament structure
\nOverseas tours and tournaments
\nProgression to US Universities
\nNational tournament success which now includes 9 British titles and 2 European Schools Championships.<\/p>\n
Facility Development
\nTo accommodate the growing numbers participating in golf at Loretto he developed facilities at the school, starting with an outdoor practice area, comprising of a synthetic putting green, driving nets and a bunker. More recently he designed the Indoor Golf Centre which was built in the old swimming pool building. During this process he designed the conversion, whilst also being involved in the fundraising process, and then working closely with the building company to ensure his vision was realised. The Golf Centre was opened in October 2015 and has already earned the reputation as the leading indoor golf centre in Scotland if not the UK. Coinciding with the opening of the golf centre Rick negotiated partnerships with Titleist, Footjoy and IS Kids.<\/p>\n
To accommodate the schools practice and playing requirements Rick has developed partnerships with Craigielaw Golf Club, Archerfield Golf Club and Royal Musselburgh. Through these partnerships, the school has access to 3 grass driving ranges, 3 championship links courses, 1 parkland course a 6-hole par 3 course and an extensive short game practice facility.<\/p>\n
Loretto Golf Camps
\nIn 2003 Rick launched the Loretto Summer Golf Camps to offer external pupils the opportunity for residential\/non-residential golf weeks. These camps offered players the opportunity to develop their golf with a combination of coaching, course play and tournaments, with evening activities. The camps have gained an excellent reputation around the world.
\n\u2028Scottish Women\u2019s National Competition Coach
\nRick spent 2 years as the National Competition Coach for the Scottish Women\u2019s Team. During this time, he improved the teams results in two consecutive European Championships and achieved their best results in the World Amateur for 8 years. This was achieved by improving team dynamics, improving communication with American based players and developing the pre-tournament preparation. \u2028\u2028Education
\nRick has always looked to build on his education which started with a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science and Business from Brunel University before progressing to the San Diego Golf Academy to study Golf Complex Management and Golf Professional. He qualified as a PGA professional completing the foundation degree through the University of Birmingham and has progressed to become a Fellow Professional. Rick was one of the first 7 PGA Professionals to be awarded the highly coveted UKCC Level 4 coaching qualification and as part of this completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching through the University of Birmingham. He is currently completing my Masters Degree in Sports Coaching again through the University of Birmingham. <\/p>\n
Family History
\nGrandmother
\nRick shares the same passion and love for the game as his Grandmother, Jessie Valentine. She was a Scottish Amateur golfer who won the British Ladies Amateur in 1937, 1955 and 1958. In 1937, after winning the British Ladies title at Turnberry she was the world number one ranking ladies golfer. In 1959, she was the first woman golfer to be appointed as an MBE for services to golf and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.<\/p>\n
Notable Wins
\nBritish Ladies Amateur – 1937, 1955, 1958
\nScottish Ladies Amateur \u2013 1938, 1939, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956
\nNew Zealand Ladies \u2013 1935
\nFrench Ladies – 1936<\/p>\n
Team Appearances
\nCurtis Cup \u2013 1936, 1938, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958
\nVagliano Trophy \u2013 1947, 1949, 1951, 1955<\/p>\n
Father
\nIain Valentine has been a long-time member of the R&A before being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association where he guided the progress of amateur golf in Hong Kong for ten years.<\/p>\n
Great Grandfather
\nJoe Anderson was a professional and club maker. He was the professional at Craigie Hill Golf Club in Perth as well as Braemar Golf Club.<\/p>\n
Qualifications
\n2014-2018 University of Birmingham, MSc Sports Coaching
\n2013-2015 UKCC\/PGA, Level 4 Certificate in Golf Coaching
\n2012-2014 University of Birmingham, Postgraduate Diploma Sports Coaching
\n2012-2014 UKCC\/PGA, Level 3 Certificate in Golf Coaching
\n2006-2009 PGA\/University of Birmingham, Foundation Degree in Professional Golf
\n2008 UKCC\/PGA, Level 2 Certificate in Golf Coaching
\n2006 UKCC\/PGA, Level 1 Certificate in Golf Coaching
\n2005-2006 Roehampton University, SCISS\/BSA Certificate of Professional Practice in Boarding Schools
\n1998-1999 San Diego Golf Academy, Associate Degree Golf Complex Management & Golf Professional
\n1995-1998 Brunel University, BSc Sports Studies with Business Studies<\/p>\n
Certifications
\n2017 Child Protection Training
\n2017 Member of the PVG Scheme
\n2017 First Aid Qualified
\n2016 Titleist Performance Institute Level 1
\n2016 Trackman Level 1
\n2015 US Kids Certified Coach Level 1
\n2015 PCA Double Goal Coach<\/p>\n
Iain Valentine
\nChief Executive
\nAfter a successful career in business working around the world, Iain took on the role of Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association in 2003. Over the next 10 years Iain was at the forefront of amateur golf in Asia growing the game at both junior and adult level. He oversaw the progression of junior golf in Hong Kong expanding both the coaching provision, development pathway and tournament opportunities. He worked closely with The Faldo Series to bring the finals to Hong Kong, the European Tour in the growth of the Hong Kong Open and the R&A & Augusta National in the launch of the Asian Amateur.
\nSince retiring from the Golf Association Iain has run his own business where he has been carrying out work for the European Tour, The United States Golf Association and the R&A, assisting in the running of Golf tournaments in Asia and the UK, and conducting course rating work in Asia. In addition to the running of tournaments Iain is also a qualified Rules official working at events on the Asian and European Tours.
\nGolf is in Iain\u2019s blood playing to a high level of amateur golf in his youth and has been a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for over 50 years. Iain\u2019s mother Jessie Valentine, who notched up a staggering 3 British Ladies Championships between 1937 and 1958 and 6 Scottish Ladies Championship titles, followed in the footsteps of her father Iain\u2019s grandfather Joe Anderson who was a professional and clubmaker in Perth, Scotland<\/p>\n
Ryan Scott
\nHead of Coaching
\nAdvanced PGA Fellow Professional
\nUKCC Level 3 Coach
\nHaving played at an elite amateur level, Ryan joined the Professional Golfers Association in 2004. Since this time, he has coached at several venues across Scotland, and accumulated thousands of hours coaching golfers of all abilities, including Professional golfer\u2019s competing on the EuroPro and Challenge Tours. He was successfully awarded \u2018PGA Fellow Professional\u2019 status in June 2-17 by the British PGA due primarily to his achievements and experiences in golf coaching and his commitment to professional learning.
\nAs part of his coaching qualifications and professional development, Ryan completed the Golfing Machines Golf Stroke Engineering Master\u2019s qualification becoming one of only a handful of coaches in Scotland to achieve this status. In addition, in September 2014, he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching at the University of Birmingham, as well as completing the UKCC Level 3 qualification. Ryan also works within coach education as a tutor for the PGA and Sport Scotland and a coach developer for Scottish Golf.<\/p>\n
Phil Calvert
\nCamp Director
\nMaster Trainer, Tutor and Assessor UK & Ireland
\nLife Fitness Academy
\nPhil specializes in golf strength and flexibility, exercise and management for lower back pain and nutrition and weight management. He has several qualifications through the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), the professional body for the health and fitness industry in the United Kingdom. Along with certifications for lower back pain management, nutrition, and weight loss, he holds certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute, advanced personal training and gym management. Phil has combined his knowledge of training for the development of golfers through training as a TPI instructor and working with tour professionals.<\/p>\n
Oli Leet
\nPutting Expert
\nOli has been a PGA professional for 11 years and specialised in coaching putting for 8 of those years.\u2028During this time he has worked with all level of golfers from beginners to European Tour winners but his real passion is helping dedicated golfers who have a strong desire to improve. \u2028\u2028Oli has an awesome mentor in Phil Kenyon and is proud to be part of his team of Coaches. He has learnt so much from Phil over the past three years and is always hungry to learn and improve as a coach.\u2028\u2028Oli is also the only AimPoint Level 3 instructor in the UK; As well as Aimpoint sessions he will offer a range of services, including SAM Putt Lab and Capto analysis, putter fittings. Oli is based at Tickenham.<\/p>\n
Accommodation
\nSt Andrews University \u2013 McIntosh Hall
\nSt Andrews University was founded in 1410 and is ranked as the third best university in the United Kingdom. With its excellent location in the centre of town golfers will be able to fully experience the St Andrews experience. Situated within beautiful grounds pupils will have space to relax when not on the golf course and participate in some evening activities. We have a games room with PS4 as well as running a tuck shop selling drinks and snacks.
\nThe house is well appointed with single and twin sharing rooms, dining room as well as communal rooms for relaxing after a busy day on the golf course. Players can request to room with a friend when signing up for the camp or can choose a single room for a small additional cost.<\/p>\n
Golf Courses
\nSt Andrews \u2013 Castle Course (High Performance)
\nThe newest addition to St Andrews Links, The Castle Course opened in 2008 becoming the seventh course at the Home of Golf and part of the largest public golfing complex in Europe. Set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews, The Castle Course offers a memorable golfing experience.
\nSt Andrews \u2013 New Course (High Performance)
\nThe oldest \u2018new\u2019 course in the world, the second course at the Home of Golf was built by the Keeper of the Green, Tom Morris in 1895 and it was imaginatively named to differentiate from its famous neighbour. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of links golf.<\/p>\n
St Andrews \u2013 Jubilee Course (High Performance)
\nThe third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988.<\/p>\n
Crail \u2013 Craighead Links (High Performance)
\nWith spectacular views \u2013 the sea is visible from every hole \u2013 Craighead Links achieved fame in the 2001 Guiness Book of Records for the most nationalities playing in an international tournament.This challenging, cliff-top course was designed by world-renowned, golf course architect Gil Hanse to provide golfing aficionados with a true test of their shotmaking skills in a links environment.
\nSt Andrews \u2013 Eden Course (High Performance & Ultimate Camp)
\nOnly slightly more forgiving than its contemporaries on the seaward side of the Links, the Eden Course was built in 1914 by Harry S. Colt whose use of natural boundaries and severe bunkers provides a course full of character.<\/p>\n
St Andrews \u2013 Strathtyrum (High Performance & Ultimate Camp)
\nDesigned to complement the tougher championship layouts at the Home of Golf, the Strathtyrum was opened in 1993. Although few in number (15), the bunkers are cunningly placed and there is considerable emphasis on iron play accuracy. The greens themselves are large and have slopes and borrows which can test even the most confident putters.<\/p>\n
Carnoustie \u2013 Buddon Links (High Performance & Ultimate Camp)
\nBuddon Links is a relatively new golf course having been opened in 1979.
\nIt was designed by Peter Allis and Davis Thomas, although there have been significant changes since, including the addition of 2 new holes. It has been brought up to a very testing Par 68.
\nThe Buddon Links is a fine complement to the Championship course and it is worth a player considering 18 holes over the Buddon Links as an introduction to links golf prior to tackling the more demanding Championship course.<\/p>\n
Carnoustie \u2013 Burnside Links (High Performance)
\nBen Hogan shot 70 here in a qualifying round for the 1953 Open Championship. Although often overshadowed by its famous big brother, the Championship Course, the Burnside has many holes which would not be out of place on any championship course. The 158 yard par 3 5th, and the long par 4 17th are two fine examples.<\/p>\n
Crail \u2013 Balcomie Links (High Performance & Ultimate Camp)
\nA combination of stunning coastal views, centuries of history and hugely enjoyable golf is what makes Balcomie Links one of Scotland\u2019s most finely polished, golfing gems.This traditional, classic links course was laid out by the old master himself, Tom Morris, and opened in 1895. Created in the days when course design was governed by the natural lie of the land and not the mechanical earth mover, Balcomie has the unusual combination of three par fives, six par threes and nine par fours, producing a tough par of 69. Extraordinary holes abound, along with those which seriously challenge and those which are more comfortable. The sum total is a layout which both enchants and delights, but which also demands and punishes, testing all the skills in a golfer\u2019s armoury \u2013 as well as his nerve. Those length seekers who believe Balcomie will be a soft touch, do so at their peril.<\/p>\n
Practice Facilities \u2013 Elmwood Golf Club
\nThe coaching will take place at Elmwood Golf Club on their practice facilities which are ranked as one of the best in Scotland. The practice facility covers almost 19 acres and is set to USG standards with 3 practice chipping greens, 2 putting greens, 7 bunkers and driving range.<\/p>\n
Travel Arrangements
\nAll our camps include transfers to and from St Andrews. Players will be met by one of the RV Golf Schools Team at Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh Waverly Train Station and then transported in our vehicles to St Andrews where they will be checked into the accommodation.
\nMonday is our arrival day and transfers will operate throughout the day and into the evening. Once players have arrived and settled into the accommodation they will be introduced to the staff and will have an afternoon of settling in activities.
\nOur week\u2019s finish on the Sunday with a short course challenge in the morning on the Balgove links with transfers running throughout the day to the airport and train station.
\nFor 2022 we will be offering a chaperone service from London Kings Cross for parents looking for that extra piece of mind. For more information please get in touch.<\/p>\n
Evening Activities
\nAfter the days golf the players are entertained with a wide variety of evening activities to include beach football, putting competitions and walks to explore the history around St Andrews.
\nOver the weekend, we go further afield and visit Edinburgh for some sightseeing and culture visiting the museum of Scotland and taking a walk down the Royal Mile.
\nTestimonials
\n” I made many new friends from around the world while really improving my golf game … the pro’s were highly skilled and fun to be with – will be back next year” Kimi (Luxemburg)
\n\u201cBringing a group of junior players from Dubai to join the camp at the home of golf was a great experience for myself as a coach and for all the players.
\nThe students had the opportunity to learn and develop technically in all aspects of their game. This helped become more rounded players and gave the knowledge of how to develop to the next level.
\nThe playing experience on the St Andrews golf courses gave my players a lot of confidence and produced great results. All players shot personal best scores and where able to maintain that level when returning home.
\nThe experience that Rick has running golf camps brings a camp experience that is hard to find. It was great to see the kids develop new friendships and gain experiences that last a lifetime.\u201d Dave (PGA Professional The Address Montgomerie Dubai)<\/p>\n","url":"https:\/\/www.rvgs.golf\/","url_text":"rvgs.golf","main_services":"Golf Coaching , Golf Camp , Summer Golf Camp , Junior Golf Coaching , Golf Tournaments , Residential Golf Camp , Junior Golf Camp , Golf Summer Camp , Kids Golf Camp , Kids Golf Summer Camp","image_1":"https:\/\/diib.com\/featuredmembers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rvgolf2.jpg","client_review":"Clear explanation and process as to how to improve your website rating","why_we":"","history":"","image_2":false,"image_3":false},"yoast_head":"\n