How CGA Student Oscar Balances Elite Golf and Academics

For many young athletes, pursuing sport at a high level often comes with difficult trade-offs. Training schedules, frequent travel, and competition calendars rarely align with the structure of traditional schooling. 

For the Good family, education has always been about more than academics alone. Based in Wanaka, New Zealand, Kelly and Duncan Good are parents to Oscar and his older brother Max, both highly motivated students with strong sporting ambitions.

The family’s journey with Crimson Global Academy began with Max, who joined CGA earlier in his schooling years. That experience proved pivotal. Max thrived in the flexible online environment and has since gone on to study at a top university in Australia, a pathway that gave Kelly and Duncan confidence in both the academic rigour and long-term outcomes of the program.

When it came time for Oscar to reassess his own schooling in 2022, the decision felt natural. As a competitive golfer with growing national and international commitments, Oscar needed a school that could adapt around elite sport, without limiting future academic opportunities. Having already seen what was possible through Max’s experience, the family knew CGA could offer the balance Oscar needed.

When Traditional Schooling No Longer Fits

Before joining CGA in 2022, Oscar attended a local high school in Wanaka. While the environment was familiar, the rigid timetable quickly became a limitation. Competitive golf required regular travel across New Zealand and overseas, meaning missed classes, disrupted learning, and constant pressure to catch up.

Seasonal challenges added another layer. Wanaka’s long, cold winters made consistent outdoor training difficult, particularly for a sport that depends on year-round practice. Oscar’s parents could see that while his commitment to golf was growing, the traditional school model wasn’t designed to support that pathway.

After watching Oscar’s older brother thrive in online schooling, the family recognised the need for a more flexible, yet academically credible solution.

A School Designed Around the Athlete

From the outset, CGA stood out for its understanding of elite sport. Oscar describes it as “almost the perfect schooling model for a golfer,” largely because it accepts that tournament travel and training aren’t interruptions to learning; they’re part of an athlete’s reality.

That flexibility allowed Oscar and his siblings, who are also involved in cycling and triathlon, to relocate to Australia during Wanaka’s harsh winter months. While there, Oscar attended live online classes in the mornings, typically from 7 AM to 1 PM, leaving long, uninterrupted afternoons for golf practice.

Crucially, his parents say there was never a sense of academic compromise. The curriculum remained rigorous and internationally recognised, giving them confidence that Oscar was progressing academically while still keeping future university and career pathways open.

Individualised Learning and Genuine Teacher Support

A key difference for Oscar has been the level of personalised attention. At CGA, teachers adapt quickly to each student’s learning style, academic level, and schedule, an approach that’s particularly important for athletes balancing fluctuating training loads.

Oscar highlights the strong relationships he’s built with his teachers, describing them as consistently available, supportive, and invested in his progress. Being able to message teachers when he needs help has made learning feel more collaborative and far less stressful, especially during busy competition periods.

For his parents, this level of connection reinforced their belief that CGA wasn’t just flexible, it was structured, supportive, and academically serious.

Reducing Stress and Supporting Wellbeing

One of the most noticeable changes for Oscar has been the reduction in mental load. In traditional schooling, missing classes often led to stress, rushed catch-up work, and a sense of always being behind. With online schooling, that pressure eased.

Lessons could be attended from anywhere, deadlines were clearer, and learning felt more manageable. This balance allowed Oscar to focus more fully on both school and sport, without one constantly undermining the other. For a young athlete, that balance has been critical in maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout.

The Four-Day Timetable Advantage

CGA’s four-day timetable has been another major advantage. Fridays are set aside for catching up on assignments, reviewing the week’s learning, or consolidating key concepts. For Oscar, this structure aligns perfectly with weekend tournaments.

It allows him to travel on Fridays without missing live classes and removes the pressure of juggling schoolwork while competing. From a training and coaching perspective, having predictable academic hours also makes it easier to plan practice blocks around school commitments, rather than in conflict with them.

Building Discipline, Ownership, and an Athlete Mindset

While flexibility plays a major role, Oscar’s experience hasn’t been about doing less; it’s been about taking more responsibility. Like many young athletes, he initially found time management challenging. Over time, however, online learning helped him develop stronger self-discipline and ownership of his work.

He’s become better at prioritising tasks, staying organised, and managing his time independently, skills that mirror the mindset required to succeed in elite sport. This growth has improved not only his academic performance, but also his confidence and engagement with those around him.

Learning Among Like-Minded Peers

Another unexpected benefit has been the learning environment itself. At CGA, Oscar studies alongside students from around the world, many of whom are also balancing high-level sport, creative pursuits, or ambitious personal goals.

Being surrounded by motivated peers who understand elite commitment helped Oscar feel supported rather than different. The global classroom also built confidence in communication and adaptability, skills that naturally align with the international nature of competitive sport.

Exceeding Expectations For the Whole Family

When Oscar’s parents reflect on their decision, their response is clear. They wanted an education that would challenge their children, support their ambitions, and prepare them for the future. Crimson Global Academy has exceeded those expectations “100%.”

They believe the impact goes beyond academics and sport, shaping confidence, discipline, and independence. Without CGA, they say, their children simply wouldn’t be the same people they are today.

What to Look for in a School for Young Athletes

Oscar’s journey highlights several key factors families should consider when choosing a school for aspiring athletes:

1. Flexibility Without Academic Compromise
Look for a school that accommodates training and travel while maintaining a rigorous, recognised curriculum.

2. Individualised Learning and Teacher Access
Athletes need teachers who understand changing schedules and can adapt learning accordingly, without lowering expectations.

3. Support for Wellbeing and Stress Management
A good athlete-focused school reduces the pressure of missed classes and constant catch-up, supporting long-term motivation and balance.

4. Structures That Align With Competition Schedules
Features like four-day timetables or flexible deadlines can make a significant difference during tournament seasons.

5. Development of Life Skills
Time management, discipline, and ownership of learning are just as important as grades, especially for elite sport pathways.

6. A Like-Minded, Global Community
Learning alongside other motivated students helps normalise ambition and prepares athletes for international environments.

Balancing High-Level Sport With Academic Excellence

Oscar’s story, and the broader journey of the Good family, highlights what’s possible when education is designed to support ambition rather than restrict it. Through flexible scheduling, strong academic foundations, personalised teacher support, and a global learning community, Crimson Global Academy has enabled Oscar to pursue elite golf while continuing to grow as a disciplined, confident student.

For families navigating the challenge of balancing high-level sport with academic excellence, the right schooling choice can make all the difference. If you’re exploring whether a flexible, online education could support your child’s goals, a consultation with Crimson Global Academy can help you understand the options and find the right fit for your family’s pathway.

Learn why Oscar thinks CGA is the best online school for athletes: