Greg Norman's Plans for New Golf Academy creates stir in Myrtle Beach

Long known for his larger than life persona, Greg Norman has increased his scope of business success and has entered the arena of golf academies. On Thursday, August 19, Greg Norman and his business team came to Myrtle Beach to announce plans with CEO Jose Fernandez of the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy. Greg Norman is an advocate of growing the game and expanding junior golf across the world. Norman plans to give back his knowledge and winning characteristics to all of those that attend the academies. He simply embodies success and commitment through all of his ventures. Through his vast travels, Greg Norman has witnessed that golf is growing all over the world, particularly the Far East. He realizes that there are welcomed cultural differences. However, there is also an opportunity for young golfers to learn life lessons and skills and to communicate through golf and competition. The existing golf school at Long Bay Club became the first Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy this spring. Jose Fernandez, the CEO of GNCGA, has dreamt up the ultimate golf academy and learning center. His dream will become reality as an estimated 10,000-square-foot facility will be built and opened as early as July 2011 at Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It will serve as the United States Headquarters for GNCGA. Taylor Made and Adidas have also joined hands with the GNCGA and will be the exclusive equipment provider for all staff and students. Through Greg’s years of competing, he worked with many instructors including Charlie Earp, Jim McLean, Butch Harmon, and David Leadbetter. "With all those wonderful instructors I've worked with in the past ... I'm in a position now where I can give a lot of those experiences and advice back to other people," Norman said. The Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy will offer elite golf instruction, academic schooling in on-site classrooms and housing for high school age students, gap-year programs for golfers before they enter college, and a heightened level of training for college players and budding professional golfers. Golf Schools and hourly lessons are also offered. Norman quipped, "When your name goes on the door, the only thing you can do is put your blood, sweat and tears into it.” He said, "There's a template that's got to be built. ... I will set the standards and create the values of each academy, but I'll also have respect for the instructors." Norman plans to take an active role in establishing the general teaching philosophy and the academies’ methodology, but he'll leave the instruction and coaching to the experienced staff. Scott Shobe is the head of instruction at Long Bay and will be spearheading the efforts at the brand new Barefoot facility. Along with Scott, Dale Ketola and I, both PGA members, make up the core of the instructional team. Kelly Fisher is also on staff as a fitness and nutrition expert. Along with Greg Norman, we will be traveling to the Sandals Resort in the Bahamas in November to do a week of instruction of clinics and golf schools. As a world class player, Greg Norman has a unique insight into modern instruction. Instead of being bogged down by robotic mechanics, GNCGA will focus on shot making and a sense of feel. Through creativity and a commitment to scoring, Greg’s vision will help infuse today’s golfer with the confidence necessary to become a champion. The academies embrace the future of the game and focus on fitness and the importance of nutrition. There is also an emphasis on the mental game to assist in the training of a well rounded Champion. Greg Norman feels that a player that has spent time in his academies should be equally good off the golf course as they are on it. Deciding to become a champion is the easy part. Committing to the process and the training is where the separation begins. At GNCGA, we will guide you to your destination.