“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” These words, often quoted, couldn’t be more true.
Unlike many sports where physical dominance takes center stage, golf is a mental marathon. It’s a game of precision, patience, and emotional control. A powerful swing means little without the focus to read the course, the discipline to play smart, and the resilience to recover from a bad hole.
This timeless insight resonates deeply with the ethos of RV Golf Schools, founded by Rick Valentine, a PGA Fellow Professional and esteemed Director of Golf. With over two decades dedicated to junior golf development, Rick has cultivated an environment where young golfers are nurtured not just in skill, but in character and resilience.
Established in 2018, RV Golf Schools has become a beacon for aspiring golfers aged 7 to 18. Drawing from Rick’s rich heritage, his grandmother, Jessie Valentine, was a three-time British Ladies Amateur Champion, and his own international playing experience, the school offers a blend of tradition and modern coaching techniques. Rick’s academic pursuits, including a Master’s in Sports Coaching from the University of Birmingham, further inform his holistic approach to player development.
The camps, set against the historic backdrops of St Andrews and Loretto School near Edinburgh, provide more than just top-tier golf instruction. They offer a comprehensive experience, integrating strength and conditioning, mental coaching, and life skills. With a dedicated team of professionals, including experts in putting, fitness, and pastoral care, each camper receives personalized attention tailored to their growth.
Beyond the fairways, RV Golf Schools emphasizes community, discipline, and personal growth. Campers leave not only with improved handicaps but with lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for the game’s values. As Rick Valentine aptly puts it, the goal is to “inspire junior golfers of all levels by providing a fun and supportive camp environment led by a team of expert coaches dedicated to their development.”
In a world where sports often focus solely on performance, RV Golf Schools stands out by championing the development of well-rounded individuals, ready to face challenges both on and off the course.
Rick Valentine, a PGA Fellow Professional and the visionary Founder and Director of RV Golf Schools, has spent over 20 years shaping the future of young golfers. His journey began in 2003 with the launch of his first junior golf camp and has since evolved into a distinguished career in golf and education. Notably, he served as Director of Golf at Loretto School for 19 years, where he played a pivotal role in building one of the UK’s most respected school golf programmes.
Rick’s motivation stems from a deeper purpose than simply teaching golf techniques. He is driven by a passion to create meaningful environments where young people can grow—not only as athletes but as individuals. His goal is to help them build self-confidence, form lasting friendships, and benefit from the unique life lessons that golf naturally imparts.
In 2018, he founded RV Golf Schools to bring this vision to life. The initiative is grounded in a holistic approach, blending expert golf coaching with personal development. At the heart of his philosophy is a belief that junior golfers flourish best in spaces that prioritize fun, camaraderie, and a love for the game. This belief forms the foundation of everything Rick and his team strive for at RV Golf Schools.
At RV Golf Schools, Rick has redefined what it means to coach young golfers. Unlike traditional golf instruction that often focuses solely on technical swing mechanics, Rick’s approach is holistic, player-centred, and deeply rooted in personal development, both on and off the course.
Central to his philosophy is the belief that golf is more than just a sport. It’s a platform for growth, a teacher of life skills. Resilience, focus, patience, and communication are as much a part of the curriculum as perfecting a swing. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Rick and his team take time to understand each junior player’s unique strengths, goals, and personality. This tailored guidance fosters not only stronger athletes but also more confident, self-aware individuals.
One of the standout aspects of RV Golf Schools is the setting itself. With camps held in iconic locations like St Andrews, the historic Home of Golf, and at Loretto School in Edinburgh, known for its commitment to junior golf development, young players train on world-class facilities while absorbing the culture and heritage of the game.
The results speak for themselves. Over the years, more than 1,500 junior golfers from around the globe have trained under Rick’s mentorship. Many have gone on to compete at top-tier amateur and collegiate levels. But perhaps even more impactful are the stories shared by alumni who credit RV Golf Schools with giving them not only a better game but also a stronger sense of self, lifelong friendships, and memories that extend far beyond the fairway.
Rick’s coaching is not just about producing great golfers. It’s about empowering young people to carry the lessons of the game into every part of their lives.
At RV Golf Schools, the design of each camp is the result of more than two decades of experience, research, and deep personal commitment from founder Rick Valentine. Since launching his first camp in 2003, driven by the transformative impact of the residential camps he once attended as a junior golfer, Rick has developed a philosophy that goes beyond the game itself.
His unique perspective stems from a diverse background: developing school golf programs, serving as a national coach for Scotland, working for eight years as a boarding housemaster, and studying pastoral care. These experiences led him to a powerful, guiding principle: true development, whether in golf, school, or life, happens in an environment where young people are supported, challenged, and encouraged to enjoy the journey.
At the heart of RV Golf Schools is a carefully curated balance that includes:
The result is a camp experience that’s far more than golf instruction, it’s an immersive, character-building journey. Campers leave with more than technical improvement; they gain lifelong friendships, renewed confidence, and unforgettable memories. Many return year after year, not just for the coaching, but for the sense of belonging, personal growth, and joy that RV Golf Schools consistently deliver.
Rick explains that personalization is the cornerstone of RV Golf Schools’ philosophy, where mentorship is intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of every camper, regardless of age or skill level. Whether a junior is new to the game or training at a competitive level, the program focuses on understanding each golfer’s individual goals, learning styles, and motivations.
One of the core strategies is maintaining small coach-to-camper ratios, groups of 8 for Ultimate campers and just 4 for High Performance campers, ensuring that each participant receives meaningful, one-on-one attention within a group setting. For High Performance campers specifically, the process begins even before they arrive. A pre-camp questionnaire helps the coaching team assess a camper’s golfing background, strengths, and focus areas. With this insight, the staff can customize lesson plans and align technical instruction with each golfer’s personal objectives from day one.
Campers aren’t grouped solely by age or skill, either. Instead, coaches consider each athlete’s growth potential, creating training environments that are both supportive and challenging. Personalization continues throughout the week with goal-setting sessions and regular check-ins between each camper and their lead coach. These meetings go beyond swing mechanics—they also address mental strategy, course management, and confidence-building. Every camper has access to a personal CoachNow folder, where their progress is tracked and recorded for future reference, even after the camp ends.
Programs are also tailored by age group. Younger campers benefit from structured support that builds confidence and foundational skills, while older or more experienced players engage in performance-based training, tournament prep, and detailed technical feedback on aspects like swing, short game, and on-course decision-making.
Effectiveness is measured through a combination of structured evaluation and organic observation:
At the heart of it all, the goal is simple: to ensure every junior golfer leaves not only technically stronger but also more confident, both on and off the course.
With more than 1,500 young golfers having walked through its fairways, RV Golf Schools has become more than just a training ground, it’s a launchpad for personal and athletic transformation. While many stories of growth have unfolded over the years, a few stand out as powerful testaments to the impact of the experience.
Returning Campers and Rising Confidence: One of the strongest indicators of the school’s impact is the number of campers who return each year. Many start out timid and unsure, only to return summer after summer, climbing through the ranks of skill levels and eventually stepping into leadership roles. Watching a child who once hesitated to swing a club become a confident peer leader is among the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Motivation That Lasts Beyond Camp: Parents often report back that the camp experience sparked a renewed enthusiasm in their children. Some campers begin practicing independently, join local golf teams, and even make significant strides in reducing their handicaps. The transformation is not limited to the duration of the camp, it extends into daily routines and long-term athletic goals.
Stepping Into Competitive Golf: RV Golf Schools have also played a pivotal role in launching competitive journeys. Thanks to the camp’s WAGR-recognised tournament, several players have earned their first World Amateur Golf Ranking points. For many, this milestone has opened doors to college recruitment, national competitions, and a clearer path to elite-level play.
Growth That Goes Beyond the Sport: In 2022, a particularly memorable story unfolded when a 12-year-old boy from France, who spoke little English, enrolled in the camp. His parents were worried he might not last the full two weeks. But with guidance and support, the young golfer not only completed the program, he thrived. By the end, he had made lasting friendships and returned in subsequent years, this time with friends in tow. His story is a reminder that RV Golf Schools is not just about technique, it’s about nurturing confidence, independence, and connection.
Every young golfer defines success differently. For some, it’s refining their backswing or learning to stay calm under pressure. For others, it’s forming friendships with peers from around the world. What unites them all is the quiet, steady transformation that happens when kids are given the right environment to grow, both on and off the course.
Rick explains that RV Golf Schools’ collaborations with prestigious institutions like Loretto School and the University of St Andrews play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional camp experience. These partnerships create a safe, comfortable, and motivating environment where junior golfers can develop both their game and personal growth.
The residential facilities at Loretto School in Edinburgh and St Andrews provide full-board accommodation with nutritious meals designed to support training and recovery. These well-managed settings ensure campers feel at home, giving parents confidence while their children are away.
Loretto Golf Academy stands out as a center of excellence with its advanced golf coaching facilities. Equipped with indoor simulators, putting labs, short-game areas, and cutting-edge analysis technology, it offers an ideal foundation for technical coaching, especially for younger players who thrive under professional guidance and structured practice.
Additionally, the training program benefits immensely from access to top Scottish golf courses, including Elmwood Golf Club, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, one of the world’s oldest, and Craigielaw Golf Club, a modern links course with exceptional practice areas and stunning views. This variety allows the program to adapt coaching styles and challenges to suit different skill levels, from bunker techniques to strategic on-course play.
Rick shares insights on the unique challenges faced when running multi-location golf camps and how he ensures a seamless, high-quality experience for every student, no matter the venue.
Over the years, Rick and his team have managed camps across several prestigious sites, including Fettes College, Wellington College, Loretto School, and the University of St Andrews. While operating camps in multiple locations might sound complicated, their extensive experience and careful preparation have made transitions smooth and stress-free for both students and their families.
To maintain consistent quality, Rick relies on a core group of seasoned staff who travel with the camps. This approach guarantees that every camper receives the same expert coaching, attentive pastoral care, and well-structured programs, regardless of which venue they attend.
When it comes to transport and logistics, Rick and his team handle every detail, from arranging airport and train station transfers to supervised relocations between camp locations using their own fleet of vehicles. They carefully schedule travel to minimize disruptions, allowing campers to spend more time playing or resting rather than worrying about moving.
Attention to detail is key. The team works closely with each location well before the camps begin, coordinating accommodation, catering, coaching schedules, and golf course access. This proactive planning prevents surprises and keeps the camp running smoothly.
Rick has crafted a detailed and adaptable player development pathway that supports junior golfers from as young as five years old through to elite competitive and collegiate levels. His approach breaks down progress into clear milestones aligned with age, skill, and aspirations.
The pathway is structured around several progressive camps:
Tracking player progress is central to Rick’s method. Many juniors attend camps for one to four weeks, allowing coaches to observe development during their stay. However, the most significant growth often happens after camp, as players apply new skills in real play and return stronger in subsequent years. Year-round coaching programs at schools provide a longer-term view, helping track juniors’ progress from childhood into late adolescence.
To gauge readiness for higher levels of competition or college golf, Rick assesses players against several benchmarks:
This structured, milestone-driven pathway ensures that every junior golfer has a clear roadmap for growth, helping them develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed at higher competitive levels.
Rick explains that the foundation of RV Golf Schools’ success lies in its carefully recruited and nurtured team of expert coaches and pastoral staff. The school’s commitment to excellence begins with assembling a group of highly experienced professionals, many of whom have been part of the program for years.
Recruitment focuses on fostering strong professional relationships and a shared passion for junior golf development. The staff often includes long-time colleagues and friends who return annually, dedicating several weeks to the camps. The ideal team members are selected not only for their technical expertise but also for their genuine care toward the holistic growth of young golfers.
Rick highlights some standout members of the team: Oli Leett, an elite putting coach who has been with the school for over five years and runs his own putting studio; Freddie Edmonds, the Director of Golf at Wellington College and a former Asian Tour player, who also provides invaluable pastoral care and technical guidance; and Max Outram, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in elite sports and pastoral roles, ensuring campers receive strong support throughout their time at camp.
The positive culture at RV Golf Schools extends beyond the players to the staff themselves. Coaches repeatedly return because they value the camaraderie, the rewarding nature of the work, and the chance to make a lasting impact. The team environment thrives on trust, mutual respect, and a unified vision, which together uphold the school’s high standards and supportive atmosphere.
Rick emphasizes that integrating advanced technology with expert coaching is central to accelerating player progress and enhancing the overall camper experience. He believes that every golfer, regardless of age or skill level, benefits greatly from access to cutting-edge tools.
For instance, TrackMan is extensively used throughout the camps, providing real-time analysis of swings and ball flights, enabling skills testing, tracking performance, and offering data-driven feedback that guides improvement. At the High Performance Camps, golfers receive an even more immersive experience, combining TrackMan with high-speed video analysis and SAM PuttLab. They also participate in AimPoint Green Reading sessions to sharpen their putting strategy and use CoachNow, an online platform that stores swing data and videos for ongoing review after camp.
Rick also highlights the importance of the Loretto Indoor Golf Centre, which offers a weatherproof, professional-standard environment. This facility includes specialized zones focused on swing analysis, putting, and short game development. It allows for distraction-free, technical coaching sessions year-round, ensuring a consistent, high-quality training experience.
By merging expert coaching with state-of-the-art technology and facilities, Rick ensures every camper receives personalized, precise, and effective development tailored to their individual needs.
Rick emphasizes that nurturing a sense of belonging among a diverse group of campers from around the world is central to their approach. With participants coming from various backgrounds and skill levels, the aim is to make every camper feel valued and included from the very start.
A dedicated and experienced coaching and pastoral team sets the tone by creating a positive and respectful atmosphere. Their years of experience working with diverse youth groups allow them to nurture an inclusive camp culture where everyone feels supported.
Daily team-building activities are carefully integrated into coaching sessions and social events, designed to boost confidence, encourage friendships, and promote collaboration. These efforts help campers break down barriers and connect quickly.
Rick highlights the importance of mixing players, encouraging campers to partner with different teammates each day. This not only helps them form bonds across age, nationality, and ability but also allows older campers to take on informal mentoring roles, inspiring younger participants through example.
Celebrating diversity is a source of pride. Staff are trained to be sensitive and proactive, ensuring every camper feels heard and respected, regardless of their background.
By emphasizing community, mutual respect, and shared experiences, Rick fosters an environment where young golfers grow both as athletes and as individuals.
Rick says that striking the right balance between competitive play and recreational activities is key to fostering both athletic skill and personal development in junior golfers.
Each afternoon, campers take to the course for 18 holes, putting into practice the techniques honed during their morning lessons. This real-world experience is invaluable—it sharpens course management, enhances decision-making under pressure, and builds mental toughness.
Competition is thoughtfully woven into the schedule in varied forms. Daily casual contests keep the atmosphere fun and low-pressure, while the week culminates in a Championship event that tests focus and skill more formally. These moments teach young players how to maintain composure, handle setbacks gracefully, and celebrate achievements alongside their peers.
For the most advanced juniors in the High Performance Camp, the experience steps up to a 54-hole WAGR tournament, offering a taste of elite-level competition that prepares them for higher stages like collegiate golf.
But it’s not all about the game. Rick highlights the importance of after-round activities designed to relax campers and foster friendships. These social moments, including team games and group events, help build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of community beyond the course.
This well-rounded approach ensures that junior golfers develop not only the technical skills needed for competition but also the emotional intelligence and social confidence essential for success on and off the fairway.
Rick outlines a clear and thoughtful strategy for the growth and evolution of RV Golf Schools, emphasizing a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep understanding of young athletes’ needs.
Each week of camp serves as a valuable chance to reflect and refine their approach. By actively listening to feedback from campers, parents, and coaches, the team adapts to the evolving expectations of junior golfers. This means introducing new coaching formats, enhancing the player development pathway, and upgrading activities to keep the experience fresh, relevant, and engaging.
While aiming for sustainable growth, Rick stresses the importance of staying true to the school’s core values. This includes maintaining small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, fostering a supportive and high-quality environment, and providing tailored coaching and pastoral care to every participant.
Expanding the school’s global reach is another priority. Rick’s strategy focuses on increasing awareness among families worldwide by boosting social media efforts, growing partnerships with schools both in the UK and abroad, and leveraging media exposure, word of mouth, and ambassador networks.
By balancing innovation with foundational principles, Rick is confident that RV Golf Schools will continue to be a premier destination for junior golf development on a global scale.
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