Stephen Deane was in Japan for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC). - Photo NT

Stephen Deane, Dubai Golf's Head International Development Coach, has been a pivotal figure in the UAE's golfing landscape for many years. Starting his career as a teaching professional at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), he has played a crucial role in helping numerous players enhance their skills on the Greg Norman-designed Fire and Earth Courses. However, in recent years, Stephen’s career has expanded beyond the UAE’s golf courses to become a Dubai Golf consultant with a global focus. Deane is leveraging his coaching expertise to elevate the sport across Asia and beyond through the AAC Academy (Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship).

Established following the 10th anniversary of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in 2018, the AAC Academy, sponsored by The R&A, is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of players from countries with limited access to top-tier facilities and advanced coaching technology. Earlier this year, the most recent camp in Tokyo, Japan, hosted 23 players, marking one of the largest gatherings since the Academy's inception five years ago with an ambitious initiative to establish golf academies that offer elite coaching to talented golfers across the Asia-Pacific region.

“The first academy was set up in Singapore, followed by a second in Thailand, with subsequent expansions to Dubai, Royal Melbourne in Australia, and most recently, Japan,” Stephen told Khaleej Times. These academies align with the mission of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), to foster bonds between member associations through golf, promoting friendly competition and development.

“The initiative has been a tremendous success,” says Stephen. “It’s allowed me to travel internationally with my team of professionals, working closely with the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour, and the AAC Academy.” This marks his third year as part of the initiative, where he collaborates with a talented group of experts.

“The team includes Andrew Welsford, a former Singapore national coach and ‘Snot Shaping & Ball Flight Specialist’ based in Australia, Ryan Lumsden, Data Scientist, Course Strategy Coach, Biomechanist, and short game specialist, Scott Barr,” he said. “We also have John Crampton, the Technical Director and a Sports Psychologist who also sets up the schedules, and Nick Shan, the Academy Coordinator and Assistant Director, who represents the R&A.” Together, they combine their expertise to form a comprehensive coaching unit, offering support in swing mechanics, mental coaching, and overall game strategy.

“The Academy's structure is holistic, with a comprehensive program that caters to the various needs of emerging golfers,” says Stephen. “Players not only receive top-tier coaching but also undergo fitness assessments and are provided with individualized fitness programs. Their technical skills, particularly their short game and putting, are meticulously refined, and by the end of each week, they are outfitted with custom-fitted equipment.”

One of the most exciting developments this year was the introduction of a follow-up camp for advanced players, giving those who showed significant progress an additional week of specialized training. “This was slightly different because we added the extra week for some of the players who were really excelling. It’s a great way to continue developing their potential,” adds Stephen.

The AAC Academy's reputation has grown rapidly, with associations from all over the Asia-Pacific region eager to participate. “During tournament weeks, I often have representatives from various associations asking if their players can join next year, and I just pass them on to Nick,” Stephen says.

The success of the AAC Academy, supported by its team of five expert coaches, lies in its adaptability. While each camp focuses on key areas such as swing analysis, sport psychology, strength and conditioning, and short-game instruction, the program is tailored to fit the specific needs of each player and country. As a result, it has become a major resource for countries with limited access to high-end golf training infrastructure.

One notable player from the UAE, Rayan Ahmed, has benefitted immensely from the program. His inclusion highlights the Academy’s commitment to developing talent not only in Asia but also in the Middle East.

Stephen’s expanding role on the wide Asia-Pacific stage has not only brought Dubai’s coaching expertise to new markets but also created opportunities for golfers worldwide to benefit from the best-in-class resources Dubai has to offer. As the Academy continues to grow, Stephen envisions a future where selected players might even come to Dubai for specialized training camps, further enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a global hub for golf development.

For Stephen, the future of golf lies in collaboration, international outreach, and nurturing the next generation of talent, wherever they may be. “The plan is to keep growing,” he says with determination. “And Dubai will continue to be at the heart of it.”

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