The country's most sophisticated, hi-tech golf academy is now open at the Crete Golf Course in Hersonissos, it was announced today by Dimitris Kollaros, the club's managing director.

Mr. Kollaros

 "With the input of our golf pro, Henrik Engdahl of Sweden, the planning of this academy began more than a year ago," Mr. Kollaros said. "And there's nothing else like it in all of Greece. We’re very proud of this accomplishment."

Known as the Aegean Golf Academy, the facility includes a training centre, driving range and putting green on the grounds of the golf course. But the heart of the academy is its state-of-the-art equipment, which includes a comprehensive computer system, two video cameras and a video monitor.

"With this camera system we are able to film each swing from two different angles at the same time, each one appearing on the TV monitor and the computer, and then, together with the student, we do a complete analysis," Henrik explained. "This is really hi-tech stuff, which allows us to see each swing, frame by frame, so we can easily spot the student's good traits, as well as what he or she is doing wrong . . . where the training needs to be concentrated."

Henrik said that in this way the student gets a double-barreled impact with an instant visual feedback and verbal instruction at the same time, enabling the student to learn at a much more efficient pace. Also, he pointed out that the academy also features a special putting lab.

"I want to make it clear," he added, "that this academy is for everyone, from beginner to pro, and is designed to improve all aspects of the game, from driving to putting. The beginner learns faster, and the amateurs or pros are able to continually improve their game. Even Tiger Woods has a trainer."

As if to emphasize his last point, Henrik's current "student" was John Kakakis of Hersonissos, Crete's only golf pro and a member of Greece's 2016 Olympic team, who was working to improve his drive.

Henrik (left) works  with John's swing

"I'm fortunate that my local golf club has such hi-tech equipment," John said. "With its help and Henrik's input, I'll be at the top of my game for the Olympics."

Speaking of the Olympics, the news last year that golf would be re-introduced to the games in 2016 after an absence of more than 50 years was cheered by the sport's enthusiasts throughout the world, and Mr. Kollaros feels it will give the game the support it deserves.

"Unfortunately, many people think of golf as a hobby, or something retired people do," he said. "Now, with golf as an official Olympic sport, the game, and our new academy, will take on a much more positive direction. People here will learn to love it once we begin turning out Olympic winners."

Henrik checks computer analysis