Jack Major
Staff Writer
They say practice makes perfect, but that is only partly true: only purposeful practice makes perfect.
Mira Costa’s boys golf team had this in mind when they decided to implement an offseason training program from September 15th, until the start of the season in mid-March. The program was founded by Paul Major and Jim Robinson.
“We wanted to bring the Mira Costa Boys’ golf program to another level,” said Robinson. “We felt we had the ability and the resources to do that.”
The program utilizes some of the best teachers in Southern California and a structured training program to maximize the potential of the boys’ golf team. Josh Alpert, the coach of Varsity, has had over 20 years of teaching experience.
“We found those leaders in Tom Cox and Josh Alpert, a class “A” PGA professional. Working together, they are leading what is likely the best training program for high school golf in Southern California,” said Robinson.
When compared to all the other golf offseason programs in the South Bay area, not one has as intricate of a program as Mira Costa. Freshman Jack Robinson has felt that he has improved because of the offseason program.
“This program has helped me improve my game by giving me more time to practice hitting the ball long and straight, as well as my chipping and putting” said Robinson. “The coaches have helped prepare me for matches by simulating real situations within our practices.”
The program has practice schedules designed for each of the divisions of the team, from the developmental team, up to Varsity. According to junior Connor Bergin, there have been many benefits of this program.
“I think it’s great for the program to have constructive offseason instruction from the professional coaches in the area,” said Bergin. “It’s helps us as a team to be prepared to play well starting from the beginning of the season. It also helps develop the younger players who just joined the program.”
One of the main components of the program that is not typically associated with golf, is fitness. Despite the common belief that even out-of-shape people can be just as good at golf, the more flexible, strong, and fit you are, the better you will play. The golf team has hired Logan Erickson, a golf-oriented physical trainer. According to Erickson, his main goal is to maximize each player’s utility of their body.
“My role is to maximize the body’s performance and bring each athlete to their greatest potential to compete,” said Erickson.
The fitness aspect focuses on strengthening core and leg muscles as well as improving flexibility and mobility. According to Erickson, flexibility and strength are essential to swinging healthily.
“If your body is stiff as a board you can’t expect to bend and twist like the professionals. If you expect your body to do extraordinary things, you need to train it rather than expect it.”
Junior Connor Bergin sees vast potential in this program and already is seeing results in the skills of the enrolled player. According to Bergin, the program is just beginning.
“The program is really well run but still has room for improvement. As we continue to progress, we will shift around the routines to maximize the benefits of the program.”
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