Follow through fully, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting18-24 min2 HCP3 drills
Precision45%
Scoring33%
Aim13%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Upchurch River Valley Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
15
15 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
70
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+6 more
Academy Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Academy, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Scoring 26%Precision 23%Distance Control 22%Dispersion 14%Aim 12%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
16.5
Average HCP
8.7
Minimum HCP
30.2
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Academy
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting18 min
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts using an alignment mirror.
Short Game26 min
Bump-n-Run | Parallel Ball Lines | 3 Landing Zones
Align a bucket of balls next to the green (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and hit-and-land bump-n-run shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Dispersion Corridors
Hit 15 balls to each dispersion corridor using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Left-to-R and Right-to-L Shot
Produce left-to-right and right-to-left shots using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Ladder Challenge
Complete the Ladder Challenge using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Woods (Hy to 3W) | Left-to-R and Right-to-L Shot
Produce left-to-right and right-to-left shots using woods only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Academy.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
jenny@rivervalleygolf.co.uk
Giving lessons at Upchurch River Valley Golf Club? Get featured here.
Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
Oak Lane
Course Description
Upchurch River Valley Golf Course is a multi-faceted leisure venue in Kent, England, offering a 3-course golf facility with a 22-bay floodlit driving range, chipping and putting areas, and a pro shop. The site also features The Rivers Restaurant on the first floor with views over the River Medway, and hosts weddings, functions, and events. The course emphasizes accessibility for all abilities, with dress codes and green fees outlined for visitors and members alike. Located near Upchurch, it combines golf, dining, and event spaces in a rural Thames-side setting.
golf course upchurch • driving range kent • floodlit driving range • golf chipping and putting • golf membership kent • green fees kent • pro shop kent • golf club hire not available • weddings kent • functions venue kent • rivers restaurant • medway river views • golf gallery • societies kent • golf course dress code • golf course kent • upchurch kent • golf near medway • golf courses in kent • driving range facilities
Course Information
Holes
36
Par
33
Type
Parkland
Architect
David Smart
Opened
1991
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐4.3(845 reviews)
View on Google MapsUpchurch River Valley Golf Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Academy
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 15 Programs
% match to course practice profileSquare the putter face, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting18-30 min12 HCP3 drills
Alignment37%
Aim22%
Stroke13%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedMaster touch, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min24 HCP9 drills
Distance Control37%
Precision14%
Aim13%
Approach from hazards, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP7 drills
Scoring45%
Distance Control32%
Visualization23%
12 Week Flagship Program for Academy
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Academy. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 12 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 3 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Align Putter Face For Accurate 3 Foot Putts
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 12.0
Weeks 1–2≤ 3 days
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink More Putts Accurately
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Weeks 2–4≤ 7 days
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Feel the green—leave every Bump'n'Run inside the safe zone
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 24.0
Weeks 4–6≤ 7 days
Short Game · Flop
Pick your landing spot and trust your swing—flop shot challenge
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 23.0
Weeks 6–7≤ 3 days
Short Game · Sand
Vary your landing spot and see how soft you can land it
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 20.0
Weeks 7–8≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Driver
Stop Missing Fairways with Driver
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
3-Wood Distance Accuracy
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 10–12≤ 7 days
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Challenge: eliminate off-target woods shots
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Week 12≤ 3 days
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Flight Path
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
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Achieve distance consistency, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Scoring27%
Dispersion20%
Precision17%
Center fairway hits, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min17 HCP7 drills
Dispersion33%
Precision31%
Scoring14%
Feel the green, for a 20-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min20 HCP3 drills
Distance Control32%
Precision29%
Dispersion13%
Aim for soft landing, for a 24-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min23 HCP8 drills
Aim28%
Scoring19%
Distance Control16%
Chip from tight lies, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min2 HCP4 drills
Aim26%
Distance Control24%
Precision16%
Visualize perfect pitch, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min14 HCP6 drills
Scoring45%
Accuracy32%
Visualization24%
Hit within 2-4 yards, for a 9-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min9 HCP4 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring25%
Trajectory15%
Control ball flight basics, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision29%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory19%
Reduce spread, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min17 HCP6 drills
Precision34%
Dispersion25%
Scoring15%
Control distance, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min17 HCP5 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring27%
Trajectory21%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedImprove driver accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Scoring27%
Dispersion20%
Precision17%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Academy
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Academy
Get answers to common questions about playing Academy and what to expect.
How difficult is Academy for mid-handicap golfers?
From a scoring perspective, Academy challenges consistency. This slope level makes it manageable compared to championship venues. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 33.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Academy?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Academy?
With a course rating of 70 and par 33, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 33 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Academy and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 6500 yards from the back tees, it does not overwhelm length but rewards accuracy.
What type of course is Academy and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Parkland design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Academy strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Practice Programs for Nearby Courses
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Same Architect
Courses by David Smart
Explore other courses designed by David Smart. These courses share similar design philosophies and architectural features.
Showing 3 Courses
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Upchurch River Valley Golf Course Ltd (1017788)
Upchurch, KEN
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Upchurch River Valley Golf Club
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Academy
Upchurch River Valley Golf Club
Upchurch, Kent