Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy Reaching New Academic Heights

It's no secret Hilton Head Island, S.C. is one of the world's iconic golf destinations. Championship and resort courses, and breathtaking backdrops of the Atlantic Ocean, Calibogue Sound, and lush palmetto groves lure golfers to this Lowcountry golf paradise.

On an island full of single-digit handicaps and true golf aficionados, some of the most promising golfers are also the youngest. They're students at the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA), a full-time school blending golf with premier academics.

Students from more than 25 countries and 30 U.S. states receive daily instruction from some of the game's best teachers including two PGA National Teachers of the Year, Peter Krause (2005) and Hank Haney (1993).

When students aren't on the golf course, they're in the classroom. All Hank Haney IJGA students are enrolled at Heritage Academy (grades 5-12), a leading academic institution for students with a passion such as golf, tennis or equestrian.

Opening in 1993, Heritage Academy is the top choice for serious scholar-athletes needing flexible course scheduling and individualized programming to accommodate a busy extra-curricular calendar. It is the only internationally-accredited school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Offering a unique culture and diverse learning environment, Heritage Academy also boasts the latest in classroom technology with Promethium boards and online education through EdLine. Academic offerings include College Preparatory, Advanced Placement, Honors and English as a Second Language courses.

Students dedicate half the day to a strict academic schedule and the second half is focused on an intensive program in their area of interest. Passions include golf at Hank Haney IJGA, tennis, equestrian, swimming, performing arts, crew, motor cross, film making, math, volunteering and conservation.

"There are thousands of private schools across the U.S. but we separate ourselves from the pack by offering a positive and transformational experience through golf and other passion areas," says Peter Orrell, Chief Executive Officer of Junior Sports Corporation, owner and operator of Hank Haney IJGA. "It's a unique opportunity to study and train in a diverse learning environment with students from five continents."

Last year, 100 percent of graduating students were accepted to a college or university. Up to 94 percent of past graduating classes have received college golf scholarships. The mix of academics and golf is crucial in preparing students for the next step, whatever that might be.

"Our goal is to help students succeed in golf and in life," says Orrell. "Past valedictorians now attend Princeton and Yale University and believe this exudes the caliber of our education."

Another point of distinction for Hank Haney IJGA is its Director of College Placement, the only academy to offer this full-time service. Each week, high school students discuss their competition schedule, playing resume and communication plan. The process is constantly tweaked but it educates junior golfers on how to prepare themselves for post high school studies.

The ultimate goal is to determine a "best fit" for the student academically and athletically. Planning is the first and most important step in this process and an honest self-appraisal is necessary.
Overall, the proactive approach by Hank Haney IJGA students is proven. Contacting college coaches early in the recruiting process is a competitive advantage. Hank Haney IJGA alumni now compete at some of the nation's top programs such as Georgia Tech, University of Alabama, University of Kansas and University of Virginia, to name a few.

Beyond academics, Hank Haney IJGA helps students broaden horizons as skilled golfers and has taken them to places they might never have gone before. This includes competing at some of the country's top golf courses like TPC Sawgrass Stadium, Harbour Town Golf Links, Bethpage Black and Pinehurst No. 2.

Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods and Director of Instruction at the Hilton Head-based academy, is convinced the combination of best-in-class golf instruction, competition and academics provides a unique learning environment in which students can realize their full potential on and off the course.

"Hank Haney IJGA is the perfect choice for juniors in search of a diverse learning environment with a focus on discipline, sportsmanship, character building and goal setting," comments Haney.

It's a holistic approach to helping players prepare for the next chapter in their life.

"For each student at Hank Haney IJGA, our focus is to teach them the skills they need to prosper in the game but, more importantly, we use golf as a vehicle to help them to learn how to be successful in life," says Haney.

For more information, visit www.IJGA.com/info or call 888.936.5327.