Golf Academy

Now in its seventh year The Golf Academy is one of Loretto's unique features. It offers pupils an exceptional opportunity to develop their sporting talent in tandem with a first-class education. The academy operates from the School's practice facilities and local golf courses and is directed by the School's resident Golf Professional, Rick Valentine, and a team of top class external coaching professionals. The academy has had considerable success and is now widely recognised as one of the top golf schools in the UK.

Scotland is the birthplace of modern golf and Loretto School, perhaps because of its superb location next to the world's oldest playing course, has a strong tradition of top level golf, dating back to its founding in 1827.

The Golf Academy operates alongside the School's rigorous academic schedule and is open to girls and boys from the age of 12 years. The Academy is designed to encourage young golfers and at the same time to provide unique opportunities for those showing special talent. Those at The Golf Academy's senior level are afforded special opportunities to restructure their academic timetable to allow for extra coaching, practice and playing in tournaments.

Loretto's historic links with golf are unparalleled as is its location. Immediately next door is the famous Musselburgh Links - the oldest course in the world still in play. The surrounding area of East Lothian offers a choice of magnificient links courses. Over the years former pupils of Loretto have captained many of the best known clubs throughout Scotland and the UK. No fewer than seven Lorettonians have captained The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, whilst eleven have been captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield and at least ten have been captains at Prestwick.

The Old Lorettonian Golfing Society is a thriving organisation for former pupils and provides an extensive UK fixture list. The 1854 Loretto Medal symbolises the School's long-standing commitment to golf.

Recent Achievements

  • Winner of the individual event at the 2009 Independent Schools Golf Association Grand Final and 3rd in the team event.
  • Runner's up in the Home International of the 2009 ISGA
  • HMC Foursomes Runner's up in 2007 and National Champions 2006
  • Runner's in the Independent Schools Golf Home International 2009
  • Runner's up in the 2007 and third in the 2008 Scottish Schools Golf Championships
  • Runner's up in Independent Schools National Golf Finals in 2008
  • Borders Ladies County Champion
  • Borders Boys County Champion
  • Representative at the Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in Dubai

The Programme

The programme offered is unique in Britain and the academy attracts pupils from the UK and the rest of the world. One and two year golf programmes are popular with our international students.

  • Open to boys and girls aged 8-18 years
  • Day, weekly or full boarding options
  • Excellent in-depth golf programme combined with rigorous academic curriculum and normal school routine
  • Special timetable planning to maximise opportunities at Senior Elite level
  • On the doorstep of some of the world's best links courses
  • Historic connections with Scotland's major golf clubs
  • Extensive fixture list including matches at Muirfield and St Andrews
  • Annual golf tours
  • Formal accreditation and Merit Award Scheme
  • Golf Scholarships available from the age of 12
  • Unique residential Easter and Summer Golf Campsl Programme

The academy has strong links with Prodream USA for career advancement after leaving Loretto.

Loretto is the official sponsor of the Scottish Boys and Girls under 14 Open Amateur Stoke Play Championship in association with the d_SGU_logo_for_web.jpgScottish Golf Union (Follow this link to Scottish Golf Union website).

Director of Golf

Rick Valentine was born in Dubai and raised in England where he pursued many sports before completing a Sports Science Degree. After university he moved to the USA to attend the San Diego Golf Academy to work on his own game, as well as to achieve an Associate degree in Golf Complex Management and Golf Professional. From here he moved to Hong Kong and pursued his amateur career for three years. In 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. During this time he also won the China Amateur in 2000 as well as being the leading amateur in the Hong Kong Open for both 2001 and 2002. Having returned to the UK early in 2003 he competed in the Qualifying School for the Euro Pro Tour; he won a card and turned professional. Since joining Loretto Rick has also completed the PGA Foundation Degree through the University of Birmingham to become a fully qualified PGA professional. Along with this Rick has also completed his Level 1 and Level 2 ASQ coaching certificates for golf.

Rick shares the same passion and love for the game as his Grandmother, Jessie Valentine, who notched up a staggering 3 British Ladies Championships between 1937 and 1958 in addition to 6 Scottish Ladies Championship titles.

What they say

"Loretto encouraged me to make the most of myself in every aspect of my life, uncovering not only a competitive edge, but a love of sportsmanship that has been a guiding influence in my life ever since." Graeme Simmers, 2001/02 Captain of The Royal and Ancient Club, St Andrews.

"Loretto's ties with golf go back a long way and The Golf Academy is a most exciting initiative, linking young aspirants of the game with golf's historic origins in Musselburgh." Alex Hay, the BBC's voice of golf.

For a copy of The Golf Academy Brochure please contact Admissions on 0131 653 4455, email admissions@loretto.com.