At the start of their 2015 – 2016 Arizona series, the OnCore Gateway Tour (OGT) announced a new program centered around training and development opportunities meant to assist players in their goal to play on the PGA Tour. In conjunction with OnCore Golf, the tour’s title sponsor, and Golf Shape, a powerhouse in the development, assessment and training arena, Team OnCore was launched as a way to provide the type of training and support top ranked tour players receive at NO COST! All of the applications received to date from interested players were reviewed by representatives from OGT, OnCore Golf, and Golf Shape, leading to the selection of Alex Estrada from Albuquerque, New Mexico as the first member of Team OnCore!
“Alex was selected for the team not only because of his skills but also his unfaltering drive to make a career in professional golf,” said OnCore cofounder Bret Blakely. “While we obviously consider a player’s talent when selecting members for the team, we are focused on finding players that have a real hunger to go the distance and Alex Estrada has that.”
Alex grew up with a passion for golf, rising through the ranks first in juniors, then high school, amateur, and collegiate golf while attending University of New Mexico. In 2011, he won the title of Albuquerque Men’s City Champion, followed by the New Mexico/West Texas Men’s Amateur Champion title in 2012. That same year he advanced to sectional, qualifying for the 2012 U.S. Open. But in 2013, Alex was injured in a car accident that forced him to temporarily place his dream of playing professional golf on hold. Since then, he has fully recovered and is back on his “Grind to Glory.”
“Motivation has never been a problem for me but there was a time I thought I wouldn’t ever play golf again because of my accident,” shared Alex Estrada. “That is no longer the case. Not only I am back to professional golf but I am doing it on Team OnCore! This is my childhood dream come true and I am proud and humbled to be the first person to join the team. It really is an honor to represent OnCore and the great state of New Mexico.”
Thanks to the support of OnCore Golf and Golf Shape, some of the benefits members of Team OnCore will receive include:
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A golf specific training program for 4-6 days per week
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Physical and swing assessments using the best in golf technology
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AimPoint Express Green Reading
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Equipment evaluation and fitting
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A custom golf wardrobe
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1 year supply of OnCore Golf balls
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Entry fees and practice rounds for up to 12 OGT events
“We are giving players the absolute best opportunity to take the next step in their professional golf career,” said Deanna Zenger of Golf Shape. “There is no other developmental tour in the country providing this level of support to its players and I am proud to be a part of the effort to help these players develop into the professional golfer they know they can be.”
Online applications are still being accepted and members will be selected for Team OnCore throughout the duration of the 2015 – 2016 OGT Arizona Series.
“We have seen a great deal of interest from players that truly possess the skills and motivation needed to become the next PGA Tour super star,” said OGT owner Dusty Dean. “I look forward to filling the remaining three spots of the team with more players like Alex that have the guts, discipline, talent, and hunger to make a name for themselves in professional golf.”
To learn more about Team OnCore or apply for one of the three remaining spots, visit the TEAM ONCORE page.
