Lakhana Didyasarin Tavedikul
Bangkok, Thailand: Asia’s first one-stop junior golf academy has been launched as the International Preparatory Golf Academy (IPGA).
Operating out of Bangkok, the primary thrust of the IPGA is to create a well-rounded junior golfer with the perfect mix of academic grounding and a strong foundation in how to play the game of golf at the highest level possible.
The establishment of this academy is unique in that it is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
The driving force behind this facility is the American School of Bangkok, a long established academic institution committed to providing the best in education.
The visionary behind the actualisation of this dream is
Lakhana Didyasarin Tavedikul, Founder and Director of the American School of Bangkok (ASB). She said: “The American School of Bangkok is proud of the success of its golf programme and believes the timing is right to dedicate resources to establish the International Preparatory Golf Academy.
“We want the region’s current and future junior golfers to enjoy the benefits of learning the game of golf from certified PGA of America golf professionals, so we have partnered with PGA of America golf professional
Tony Meechai, who has an extensive network around the globe”.
With its proven track record in academic studies, the school will focus on three key elements that are vital for the development of junior golfers –
• the best American school curriculum in Asia;
• the best American PGA golf instruction in Asia;
• the best American opportunities for university entrance and golf team recruitment in Asia.
Over the years, many ASB students have received scholarships at well recognised colleges and universities around the world.
Commenting on the establishment of IPGA, Meechai said, “We are excited to assist in the establishment of the IPGA at the American School of Bangkok. There are junior golfers who have a burning passion to get an education in the United States, but find it difficult to attend golf academies in the United States.”
According to Meechai, many do not want their children to leave home or to be too far away from home at such an early age. “Now with the establishment of the IPGA, this provides those families in Southeast Asia with junior golfers to have access to quality American-style education and a matching golf development programme without having to go to the United States,” Meechai said.
According to Meechai, the IPGA will be run to stringent standards designed to prepare students to excel both in scholastic work and in golf. The IPGA is a self-contained facility with a specially designed outdoor driving range, indoor simulators and full access to the 18-hole Green Valley Golf Course which is adjacent to the school.
The IPGA’s mission is to graduate well-educated student athletes who are prepared both mentally and physically to take their place in the world and succeed at the highest levels in both golf and life.
“The IPGA is working with a number of institutions in America to ensure that our students and graduates find acceptance in golf programmes at some of the finest institutions in the world,” said Tavedikul.