GOLF
Athlete pathways
Athletes are selected from local Northern Inland golf clubs and in partnership with Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG). Athletes may be approached directly due to knowledge of performance from JNJG. This program is supported and endorsed by both JNJG and Golf NSW.
Athletes wishing to advance on the golf athlete performance pathway are strongly encouraged to apply and if selected attend this program. The NIAS Golf program is seen as a critical step in the Golf pathway.
Athlete benefits
NIAS Golf Athletes will receive the following benefits:
- Regional training sessions, technical and tactical golf skill development
- Access to RuralFit Training Hubs around the region for strength and conditioning
- Access to a network of specialised coaches and guest coaches
- Access to purchase NIAS merchandise pack
- Athlete education in topics such as nutrition, sports psychology, motivation, leadership and load management, drugs in sport, media training, and social media
- Fitness testing
- Functional movement screening
- Personal development
- Playing opportunities to represent NIAS at Your Local Club Academy Games in Tamworth in April 2026, Inter Academy Camps and competitions.
Eligibility
The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Golf Program is open to male and female junior golfers aged 12 to 17 years (2008 to 2013) for the 2025-2026 Program, who are permanent residents or attend school in the NIAS catchment area, and are a registered member of a local Golf Club (or be prepared to join). Applicants must have a valid golf link number.
Preferred Handicap for males is 12 or under and for females is 18 and under.
NB. this is preferred not an absolute number to limit applicants.
All applicants will be considered on merit and potential, noting athletes who are genuinely committed to the program and their individual development will be considered closely. There will be no physical selection trial.
Applications open 29 August 2025 and close on 10 October 2025.
Program Information
Program Costs
- Program levy includes strength and conditioning, all venue hires, education and training sessions.
- Academy Challenges, Academy Games and any specific Sports Tours are additional to the Athlete Levy.
Program Staff
Head Coach – Tom Major
Squad
To be announced Friday 17 October 2025
Schedule & Flyer
* Induction Day at Lake Keepit, Gunnedah – Sunday 9 November, 2025.
* NIAS Squad regional training sessions including face to face on course skills, strength & conditioning, and education.
* Your Local Club Academy Games in Tamworth 17-19 April, 2026.
* North v South Cup – May 2026.
Scholarship Opportunities
Active Champions – HealthWISE Scholarship – applications open soon.
Partners
ATHLETE BENEFITS & COMMITMENT
- Intensive coaching from accredited regional, guest and state level coaches.
- Regional training sessions – technical and tactical skill development.
- Performance Support including Sport Psychology, Nutrition, Fitness Assessments, Strength & Conditioning and more.
- Complimentary invitation to the annual Academy Awards.
- Access to RuralFit Training Hubs across the region- Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri & Glen Innes.
- Opportunities to participate in higher level competitions and challenges.
- Be committed to a holistic approach to their development, both on and off the field.
- Attend RuralFit Training Hubs.
- Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any feedback.
- Maintain an appropriate performance standard to continue to receive opportunities.
- Behave and dress in an appropriate manner when representing NIAS and its sponsors.
Wear NIAS apparel when representing the Academy at events. - Be available to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes.
- Adhere to NIAS Athlete Code of Conduct and policies including anti-doping policy.
- Maintain regular communication with NIAS and coaching staff as required.
$250 includes: training sessions, coaching and performance support activities, and invitations to special events such as the annual Academy Awards Night.
- Academy Challenges, Academy Games and any specific Sports Tours are additional to the Athlete Levy. Costs differ from sport to sport.
- Athlete Uniform. Uniform requirements vary from sport to sport.
Past Squad Archives
Will Aitken
Nixon Bird
Ryan McKinnon
Matthew Reece
Oliver Thomas
Harley Tickle
Jayden Budda-Deen
Brock Galvin
Elly Petrie
Harry Purvis
Oliver Thomas
Squad
Brock Galvin
Jayden Budda-Deen
Lang Toakley