Regional Talent Identification is the entry point into the JNJG Talent Pathway, designed to identify and support emerging junior golfers across New South Wales.
This stage focuses on broad talent discovery, regional accessibility, and early development, ensuring players from both metropolitan and regional areas are provided with equitable opportunities to be recognised and developed.
Progression through this level occurs via two key programs:
Regional Talent Assessment Days
Delivered by: GolfNSW/JNJG Regional Managers and JNJG Development Coaches
Timing: October – December
Regional Talent Assessment Days are the first formal step in the identification process, providing a consistent and structured environment to assess developing players.
Talent Assessment Days will be conducted in:
Riverina/Murray –
Illawarra/South Coast –
ACT –
Central West –
Hunter/Central Coast –
North Coast –
Northern Inland –
Western Sydney –
South West Sydney –
Sydney South –
Sydney North –
Player Invitation
Players may be invited based on:
- Results and performance trends in JNJG Junior Masters Series events
- Participation and results in Regional Junior Opens
- Ongoing observation through regional competition
This ensures a balance between objective data (competition performance) and regional visibility.
Nominations will also be accepted, advertised through JNJG and Golf NSW Social Media.
Program Goals
- Identify emerging talent using performance evidence and coach observation
- Provide equal access to identification opportunities across all regions
- Establish early benchmarks for skill, athleticism, and development readiness
- Build an initial player profile to inform future pathway progression
What the Days Include
Assessment Days provide a blend of testing, observation, and education, including:
- Skill Assessments
- Short game and putting performance
- Ball striking and dispersion patterns
- On-Course and “Coach’s Eye” Evaluation
- Decision-making and Golf IQ
- Behaviour under pressure
- Player Profiling
- Training age and participation history
Outcome
- Creation of a centralised player performance profile
- Identification of players for Regional Talent Camps (Level 1C)
Regional Talent Camps
Delivered across 6 Regional Talent Hubs
Timing: January – April
Following Assessment Days, selected players are invited to attend Regional Talent Camps, which provide a deeper level of development and evaluation.
Regional Hubs
Players attend camps within one of six hubs:
- Northern NSW
- Hunter / Central Coast
- Central and Far West NSW
- Murray / Riverina
- South Coast / Illawarra
- ACT
This hub-based model ensures localised delivery while maintaining program consistency across the state.
Program Partners
Regional Camps are supported in partnership with leading athlete development organisations, including:
- Regional Academies of Sport (RAS)
- Illawarra Academy of Sport / South East Sports Academy (IAS/SESA)
- Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS)
These partnerships enhance the program through multi-sport expertise and high-performance resources.
Program Goals
- Further assess players in a training-based environment
- Identify athletes with strong trainability and development behaviours
- Introduce high-performance expectations and standards
- Support the development of well-rounded athletes (technical, physical, and behavioural)
What the Camps Include
Regional Camps expand on Assessment Day insights, with a stronger emphasis on development and progression:
Performance & Skill Development
- Continued monitoring of technical skills and scoring ability
- Advanced Golf IQ and on-course decision-making
Physical & Athletic Development
- Functional movement screening and athletic assessments
- Introduction to strength, conditioning, and injury prevention principles
Behavioural & Psychosocial Assessment
- Coachability, engagement, and learning mindset
- Training habits and commitment to improvement
Education – Elite Athlete Practices
Delivered in collaboration with academy partners, including:
- Nutrition for performance
- Mental skills and competition preparation
- Recovery, lifestyle, and time management
- Understanding training environments and expectations
Outcome
Regional Talent Camps provide critical input into:
- Selection for representative matchplay events (North v South / East v West)
- Identification of players progressing to Level 2 – Talent Verification (JNJG Development Squad)
Summary
Level 1 – Regional TID establishes a strong, inclusive foundation for the NSW talent pathway by:
- Identifying players through competition and regional engagement
- Providing structured opportunities for assessment and development
- Supporting athletes within localised, high-quality environments
- Preparing players for higher-level competition and squad selection
This stage ensures that talent is recognised early, supported locally, and developed systematically as players begin their journey through the JNJG pathway.
