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Virginia Commonwealth University is proud to have a supporting cast of people and companies that help to make the Rams’ golf team such a quality program. Dr. Robert Winters serves as consultant to the team as sports psychologist and mental toughness trainer. Dr. Winters is world renowned and can be seen most nights on the Golf Channel and in Golfweek magazine. He works with some of the biggest names in professional golf, including Justin Rose and Christy Kerr. He also works with the David Leadbetter Golf Academies. His Web site is www.drbobwinters.com. “Since Dr. Winters has started working with our team last November, there has been a huge change in the belief system and approach to the game,” said VCU coach Matt Ball. “We have shown constant improvement by moving 68 places in the rankings with the same players. We were indeed underachieving, and now as always believe we can get better still.” VCU’s fitness program has moved forward with a more individualized plan. The team meets three times a week to strengthen, increase flexibility and develop endurance to meet the rigorous demands of college golf. “This is the best fitness program we have had since I got here nine years ago,” Ball said. “The kids are strong, not sore, and prepared to both handle the day-to-day demands as well as play better late into the rounds of the 36 hole days. Many of them put in extra time as well to further increase their strength and flexibility.” Since Ball started at VCU in 1999, VCU has had a strong relationship with the First Tee Richmond/Chesterfield. The Richmond site is less than a mile from campus and hosts a fantastic practice facility and practice holes. VCU golfers have unlimited use of the facility any time as part of practice or on their own. VCU is in the process of developing an indoor practice facility on site for the exclusive use of the players with technology from K-Vest for the swing and Tomi for putting. The wedge practice layout is one of the best in the country. Chesterfield also boasts 21 holes and great practice facilities. VCU players and Ball participate in the programs for the First Tee as mentors and counselors a few times a semester, giving something back to the golf community through kids. Srixon came on board with VCU golf three years ago and has since merged with Cleveland Golf and Never Compromise Putters. They have become an integral part of the equipment resources for VCU and Srixon is the Official Golf Ball of VCU Athletics. Ball said that “having an equipment supplier is crucial to a golf program as they are much more interested in your success, thus allowing for better customization of equipment and early word on the newest state of the art products. Our local representative is very hands on in making sure the players have the equipment they need to succeed.” Other supporters of our program include Golf Pride, whose black and gold grips match school colors perfectly with the #1 grip on all the tours and college golf as well. Bag Boy helps with luggage and gifts for our tournaments. Recently they have revived the putting line. Flag Stick Golf, the golf technology center of Richmond, does a great job with club fitting and club repair needs. The staff and facility are second to none. VCU golf thrives through the generosity of the local clubs and courses in the Richmond area. Since the school is located at the crossroads of Interstates 64 and 95, the team can get to 30 golf courses in 30 minutes or less. A special thanks goes out to the following clubs and courses that host the team regularly for practice and play. There would be no program without their support. Hermitage Country Club (Home of the VCU Shootout) |
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