Chonburi, Thailand: Anson Yeo and Nguyen Anh Minh have reaped the dividends of their attendance at this year’s AAC Academy.

Making the most of the knowledge they acquired during their visit to Amata Spring Country Club in August, Malaysian Yeo and Vietnam’s Nguyen succeeded in making the half-way cut at the 13th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).

Both attributed their achievements to the experiences they gained at the Academy.

“The academy was great. I got to meet new friends and some teachers who were very helpful with my game and my fitness,” said 15-year-old Nguyen, who began the week in 254th position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Of all the advice he received during his time at the Academy, he said the best was: ‘Always keep your head up and always keep walking’.

For 16-year-old Yeo there were similarly positive memories.

“It was a really valuable experience. The coaches were excellent, and they trained us very well. I was truly grateful for the opportunity leading up to my first Asia-Pacific Amateur,” said Yeo, who represented the International Team with distinction at last month’s Junior Presidents Cup.

The AAC Academy was created following the 10th anniversary of the AAC in 2018.

While catered to fit specific player needs, the AAC Academy focuses on key areas such as sport psychology, strength and conditioning, swing analysis, short game instruction and technical swing improvement.

This year, an AAC Academy was held at Amata Spring and in Dubai.

With sessions such as putting speed drills, video review of Amata Spring and scrambling out of bunkers, players were exposed to tournament scenarios throughout the five-day event.