The R&A will use the COVID-19 Support Fund to invest £7million through the national associations and affiliated bodies in the UK. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN/ AMG PICTURES

THE £7million R&A COVID-19 Support Fund has been launched by the game’s governing body to help golf deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will be largely aimed at national associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland.

With the global pandemic leading to widespread temporary course closures and drastic reductions in domestic and international travel, many golf clubs and facilities are facing serious financial difficulties.

The fund is being provided to help The R&A’s affiliated national associations to support those clubs and facilities – although some of the money may be used for other activities key to the future health of the sport.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own.

“Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours.

“We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis.

“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members.

“We know many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”

The R&A is working with its national associations – including England Golf, Wales Golf and Scottish Golf – and other selected organisations on communications.

Each body is responsible for controlling and allocating its share from the support fund.

Open’s profits fund development

•The R&A reinvests the proceeds from the success of The Open – golf’s oldest Major championship – to grow and support golf around the world.

It already provides financial support to a wide range of organisations in addition to national associations, including the European Tour, the Ladies European Tour (LET), the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the Golf Foundation charity.

The 149th Open Championship, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s, in July, was cancelled last month – it has been reported that the R&A was insured against such an eventuality,

There has been widespread speculation on how hard the COVID-19 crisis has hit the finances of the European Tour, which has been forced to postpone or cancel more than four months’ worth of tournaments so far in 2020.

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The Golf Foundation introduced 50,000 kids to golf in 2019 – and says clubs must ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play after restrictions were lifted in England.
Picture: CHRIS VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Golf Foundation has called on clubs not to forget junior golfers as they open for the first weekend’s play in some two months.

The charity, which works closely with PGA club professionals to introduce youngsters into the sport, wants to ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play golf again this weekend.

Many juniors attend special coaching clinics and sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, and – outside of school holidays – are far less likely to spend time at golf clubs during the week.

The Golf Foundations is desperate to help promote a safe return to the game for juniors in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Hertfordshire-based charity has issued guidance to clubs and PGA pro’s to help them ensure the kids are not forgotten after lockdown.

Under the heading of ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!,’ a key message for all clubs is to ensure junior members involved in coaching programmes are given fair access to play the course.

The new guidelines set out ways juniors can be welcomed back to the course, with an emphasis on safety, inclusion, club and parental support.

They also address fairness in play for youngsters, while encouraging non-golfing parents to learn about the game and their local club – the latter potentially growing family interest in golf with new audiences.

Golf Foundation chairman Stephen Lewis said: “Our charity is all about offering opportunity to young players and encouraging everyone at golf clubs to support their development.

“We understand that tee times will be at a premium at present. The adults quite rightly want to get back out there on the fairways, hence today’s message: ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!’

‘Youngsters help keep golf thriving’

“The importance of accessing the course for children has been demonstrated through our initiatives such as GolfSixes League, which have created a love of the game, a desire to play more golf and ultimately an increase in junior membership at golf clubs.

“It’s vitally important that these children and juniors continue to access the game even in this time of restrictions in order to keep golf thriving.”

The Government changed its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” message to allow golfers to play in two-balls with someone from outside their family, or to have a round of golf with two members of their family., from Wednesday this week.

Hundreds of golf clubs in England were able to open, although the Welsh and Scottish Governments, and the Stormont cabinet in Northern Ireland, left restrictions in place, forcing clubs to remain shut because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 32,000 lives in the UK.

With juniors requiring supervision when allowed out on to the course – meaning they would have to play with one adult – and restrictions in place regarding use of driving ranges and practice facilities, the need for safety measures and social distancing is clear.

The head of the Golf Foundation added: “Our new guidelines emphasise the need for safety.

“With this paramount in all our thinking and actions, our sport actually provides a great opportunity for children to enjoy all of golf’s accepted health benefits – while other options are currently closed to them and their families.

“This is now a chance for the sport to engage with new audiences, with the right encouragement,” said Mr Lewis.

GolfSixes helped attract many families new to the game. Picture by MATT GREAVES

GolfSixes Leagues led the way

THE Golf Foundation introduced just under 50,000 young players to golf clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, in 2019.

And its new GolfSixes Leagues have already proved hugely successful in bringing whole families into the game, with extra spending in clubhouses and pro shops.

From the 364 fixtures held last year, 38 per cent of parents were non-golfers who enjoyed a “warm welcome” at golf clubs across the country, the Foundation’s research found.

Mr Lewis added: “We must continue to encourage new families into the sport.”

The guidelines have been sent to clubs and PGA coaches in the Golf Foundation network.

They can be viewed at https://www.golf-foundation.org/clubs/hsbc-golf-roots-centres/don-t-forget-our-young-golfers

* Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at www.golf-foundation.org

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The Horsham GC GolfSixes team celebrate a victory – the new Texas-scramble format for boys and girls is attracting 50 per cent more juniors to play golf at clubs in England

GOLFSIXES Leagues have been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Golf Foundation in attracting new young players and families to the game.

There has been almost a 50 per cent increase in the number signing up as club junior members in England in 2019, according to new figures from the golf charity.

The GolfSixes League format – played over six holes – saw 2,676 boys and girls from 233 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales take part last year.

They competed in 52 junior leagues, with a 49 per cent increase in junior membership at 161 clubs in England – with a 35 per cent increase across England, Scotland and Wales.

The exciting new format was also trialled in Ireland for the first time in the last year.

Golf Foundation research found 59 per cent of parents volunteered to help at league fixtures (38 per cent of whom were non-golfers).

And 88 per cent of family members thought the format was “fun” and more than 80 per cent would like to play more golf.

Encouragingly, GolfSixes is attracting large number of females to take up golf with 28 per cent of all players being girls.

Sports Marketing Surveys Inc research revealed a big jump in participation by boys and girls

The Golf Foundation urges clubs to field mixed teams wherever possible, and is eager to increase that percentage going forward.

GolfSixes brings in £300 a match

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “With the help of Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. providing insight into what makes a great experience for juniors and their families at a golf club, GolfSixes League was designed to help more budding golfers involved in PGA coaching schemes to engage with both the sport and the golf club – and continue as regular golfers.

“We are delighted with the membership figures and the strong interest from non-golfing families.

“The average income from food and beverage at a GolfSixes League fixture has been £300 – a strong indicator of the wider impact of the initiative on the golf club.

“All our feedback suggests GolfSixes Leagues now offers a real opportunity to help change the perceptions of golf among the wider public, which is priceless for the sport and a possible game changer.”

•To read the full report on GolfSixes League research click here.

GolfSixes is getting the thumbs up from players, golf club and the game’s governing bodies. Picture by MATT GREAVES

How GolfSixes can restore some normality for golf clubs after coronavirus crisis . . .

THE Golf Foundation believes the industry can look forward to GolfSixes helping to bring some normality back to clubs struggling with the huge economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendan Pyle said: “Looking forward, it is anticipated that when returning to play golf is possible again – once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted – there will be 98 GolfSixes Leagues across the four Home Nations.”

With 484 golf clubs ready to take part – there will also be smaller trials held in new areas – a total of 6,600 youngsters are expected to take part this year.

On a typical weekend, squads of 12 boys and girls practise together with their PGA coaches before playing other clubs in matches in which they wear coloured team shirts.

The Foundation recognises the coaching build-up and togetherness has appealed to children and parents who experience the same process in football, rugby and hockey – but less so at golf clubs.

The Texas-scramble element of the game allows for all abilities within the same team, as the youngsters all get to play from optimum positions on the course.

The initiative was first launched with the support of Sport England. Matches took place predominantly at HSBC Golf Roots Centres – junior-friendly golf clubs supported by the Golf Foundation.

Now GolfSixes is spreading to more and more clubs in all parts of the country thanks to “substantial investment” from The R&A, the endorsement of the European Tour, and operational support from the four Home Nations, says the Golf Foundation.

Every GolfSixes League player gets three Titleist balls

Every child taking part also receives three golf balls from Titleist – a key supporter of the charity.

Mr Pyle, who heads the Hertfordshire-based charity, added: “We have been further buoyed by the very generous support of The R&A, the charity’s strongest supporter, and the endorsement of our friends at the European Tour.

“Both organisations clearly recognise the potential of GolfSixes League as we work alongside England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Confederation of Golf in Ireland.”

•For more detail on GolfSixes League go to http:// www.golf-foundation.org

GolfSixes League teams get to practice with their PGA coach before matches, mirroring the envrionment of other junior sports like football and rugby says the Golf Foundation.
Picture by MATT GREAVES

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The Golf Foundation is encouraging parents to help their children devise skills tests which can be practised in the home or garden during the coronavirus lockdown. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Golf Foundation is offering ideas and activities for PGA coaches and families so they can enjoy “Golf at Home fun” and learning after the Government extended the current coronavirus lockdown for another three weeks.

The charity has created a new Golf at Home page, which will help children to keep “loving their practice,” while staying happy and healthy with tips and video clips for lessons and games.

If features “Six Steps to Knockdown the Lockdown,” guiding parents to help their children learn new skills that are transferable from the garden or home to everyday life, once the lockdown ends.

The organisation that creates life changing opportunities for young people there is a strong focus on teaching transferable life skills through its golf programmes.

Guided by its experts on mental toughness – a company called Yeast – the six ideas should help families restricted to the home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Adapted from the foundation’s new Unleash your Drive life-skills workshop, the steps encourage family involvement, in fun games which promote creativity, reflection and confidence – always practising golf, while learning some valuable skills that are transferable to everyday life.

1. Get creative as a family – encourage the children to design their own Lockdown Knockdown challenge using cans or toys in the garden or indoors, any implement as a golf club and any type of ball such as a beach ball or even a tennis ball – as long as it’s safe.

Enjoy creating a challenge and working together to build it. Don’t be afraid of designing your own skills tests or practice drills to suit all abilities.

2. Encourage kids to positively self-reflect – ask them what they enjoyed about their challenge or practice game. What would they do differently next time?

Ask them at the end of every day to think of three things they have done well. Use open ended questions that begin with ‘How’, ‘What’ and ‘Why’ to challenge the children and to get them to really think about the answer by creating a bit of silence that they need to fill.

3. Help your children to ‘control their fizz’ – keeping calm – whether excited, nervous or agitated. Introduce a simple breathing exercise during your golf session – take a deep breath in for three-to-four seconds, hold for the same amount of time, and then breathe out for four-to-five seconds.

Repeat this cycle three or four times and ask them to notice how much calmer they feel. Ask your kids where else could they use this breathing technique? In school in lessons, trying to work at home with lots of distractions around, when they’re feeling nervous or wound up? Practise this together.

4. Reward effort, particularly in primary age children – “trying hard” is seen as more important than achieving the task in younger children so always congratulate your children on giving their best.

Try not to praise talent or ability – by getting young people to understand that ability comes as a result of working hard, it gives them inspiration to work hard in their practice.

5. Enjoy all practice time – remind them, and yourself, to enjoy the moment and commit to the challenge. If it’s achieved too easily, it will become boring. It’s okay to work hard at a challenge or task, particularly for teenagers.

6. Stay active and connected – keep in touch with your club PGA pro wherever possible. Ask his/her advice on practice. Remember to check the ‘Golf at Home’ page

Join in Golf at Home on social media

YOU will also see the hashtag #GolfatHome on social media created by The R&A, in which video clips and pictures of your great home practice scenarios can be uploaded and shared.

Among the golf starts to have supported the campaign, is Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington.

The Golf Foundation supports the Sport England’s ‘Stay In Work Out’ movement – see www.stayinworkout.org for some great ideas for fun activities.

For all PGA coaches, teachers and junior volunteers – if you would like to join an online training workshop on learning more about how to apply the mental toughness principles described here, email marketing@golf-foundation.org

“Stay safe, enjoy your golf at home – when we can get back to the fairways later on there will be no stopping us.” said a spokesman for the Golf Foundation, which is based in Hertfordshire.

Set up skills tests using toys and other objects to practice in the garden during lockdown

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Girls golf will be a the forefront of the Golf Foundation and England’s Golf’s work with The R&A during the Road to the Open initiative in Kent before the 149th Open at Royal St George’s Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Road to The Open will see 125 schools and 25 golf clubs across Kent take part in a string of events aimed at celebrating Royal St George’s hosting the 149th Open at Sandwich this summer.

The R&A’s Road to The Open will encourage young people to join the journey as golf’s oldest championship heads to Sandwich, in July.

As part of England Golf and the Golf Foundation’s pledge to work closely to increase participation numbers, the host county will be putting everything into the Claret Jug’s return to Royal St George’s for the first time since 2011.

The Golf Foundation charity and England Golf – the country’s governing body – will work closely with schools and clubs over the coming months.

The Road to The Open will involve fun events at adventure golf courses, four StreetGolf clubs, 15 school games events and 18 clubs playing in three GolfSixes Leagues.

Taking golf into new locations, supported by the famous Claret Jug on tour, the joint initiative aims to reach out to 10,000 children and young people and spark an interest in golf that can last a lifetime.

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “England Golf is one of our most popular, important, strategic partners and we collaborate well on several different initiatives that ensure an effective player pathway from school to club to membership.

“The Road to The Open is a perfect example of how the two organisations work well together for the benefit of growing the game in England.

“Based on trust and a recognition of each partner’s strengths, we look forward to a new era of joint working in England for the benefit of young people in golf and the future of our sport.”

“There is already a huge buzz around The Open heading back to Royal St George’s for the first time since 2011,” said an England Golf spokesman.

Now the 2020 Road to the Open will seek to involve communities across Kent and help create a lasting legacy for golf throughout the county, he added.

The scale of the project around an Open Championship is unprecedented.

Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf’s new chief executive, is backing work with the Golf Foundation and The R&A to attract more young people into golf

England Golf’s chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “England Golf and the Golf Foundation share a vision for the future of golf with young people at the very heart of our sport.

“At England Golf we are passionate about what we do and The R&A’s Road to The Open project allows us to showcase golf to the next generation.

“We now look forward to developing our relationship with the Golf Foundation in a way that helps encourage more and more young people to enjoy the social, sporting and health benefits associated with this wonderful game.”

The R&A has committed £2 million to the Golf Foundation over a four-year period to support its drive to inspire more young people to play golf and to encourage them to stay within the sport to boost membership.

R&A golf development director Duncan Weir said: “We are pleased to support the Golf Foundation and England Golf in their development efforts and the ‘Road to The Open’ project which aims to introduce golf to a new audience.

“Attracting new golfers is pivotal to the long-term success of the sport and The 149th Open provides the perfect setting for young people to learn about, try and experience golf.”

Wrag Barn junior Ellie Webster was named November’s Hero Handsake winner after spreading the word about junior golf via her golfing_girls_journey Instagram account

Pathway from schools to golf clubs

THE Road to the Open follows on from a number of existing, key initiatives which sees England Golf partner with the Golf Foundation to ensure a player pathway from school through to club.

GolfSixes League has become a major project in growing junior memberships at golf clubs, supported by The R&A and the European Tour.

This year’s events will be enjoyed by 6,400 boys and girls at 475 clubs across the UK, having been introduced in the last three years.

Since 2015, Girls Golf Rocks has helped more than 5,000 beginners learn that golf can be a fun, sociable, cool and athletic sport.

With PGA professional coaching support at each club and the Foundation training existing girl players as ambassadors, the programme will be rolled out by England Golf and the Golf Foundation to 200 clubs across 35 counties in 2020.

Another collaboration involves a dedicated group of Young Ambassadors.

The team of 17 young people has also created the Hero’s Handshake project which recognises juniors who have made a positive impact at their golf club.

Wrag Barn’s Ellie Webster was the winner in November – the 12-year-old Wiltshire golfer used her Instagram account to spread the word about her club’s junior programme including Girls Golf Rocks and her dream to become a golf pro.

England Golf and the Golf Foundation work to create a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy the game at clubs and HSBC Grassroots Golf Centres. Picture by MATT GREAVES

How golf is putting children’s welfare first

SAFEGUARDING issues are at the heart of all work carried out by England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

At HSBC Golf Roots Centres, the Golf Foundation carries out criminal record checks, safeguarding training and child protection policies.

England Golf’s network of club support officers are helping clubs and counties work to achieve SafeGolf status ahead of it becoming a mandatory part of the affiliation process from January 2021.

Together, England Golf and the Golf Foundation aim to ensure a vibrant and successful future for golf.

England Golf is the governing body for the amateur game promoting the sport as a fun and fully inclusive activity for all ages through its work with over 1,800 golf clubs, 630,000 golf club members and the wider golfing community.

National children’s charity the Golf Foundation changes the lives of young people by introducing them to golf.  It provides opportunities for them to keep playing and developing the skills for life that the sport teaches them.

Learn more about their work at www.englandgolf.org and www.golf-foundation.org

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Wrag Barn junior Ellie Webster has been named England Golf’s Hero Handsake winner for November after her superb work helping spread the word about golf on Instagram.

HERO’S Handshake winner Ellie Webster has built up quite a following with her regular posts about golf on social media.

However, it’s at her Wiltshire club where the 12-year-old is really gathering the most ‘likes’.

Twelve-year-old Ellie is the latest recipient of England Golf’s Hero’s Handshake award. She received it in front of family and friends at Wrag Barn Golf Club at the weekend.

Throughout 2019, Ellie has helped light up the club with her winning smile and willingness to help fellow juniors.

As a Girls Golf Rocks ambassador, Ellie was on hand to provide tips and encouragement for girls new to the game and attending two six-week coaching blocks set up by England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

Regular posts on Instagram also charted her season on and off the course – with even the bad shots and rounds discussed and simply shrugged off as “par for the course.”

Positive comments followed from all over England as well as America where her honest and witty posts struck a chord.

Already working hard on a winter programme to help her improve on her 21-handicap, Ellie has impressed everyone at her club including Verity Manners who owns Wrag Barn GC along with her husband Tim.

Verity said: “Ellie joined just over two years ago and has been a really active member of our golf community.

“She is always helpful, always enthusiastic and approachable and does everything with a smile on her face.

“Sometimes we are quick to slate social media, but the way Ellie uses it to promote positivity about golf shows that it can also be a very useful tool.

“Ellie was on hand to help out at Girls Golf Rocks. We had around 20 girls taking part for the first time and it can be a bit daunting for them.

“Ellie was there to keep them focused and hand out words of encouragement while the teaching pro carried out the sessions.

“Whether or not she makes it as a pro herself, her early experiences in golf will stand her in good stead for life.

“She has learned about interacting with fellow juniors, as well as men and ladies at the club who all play golf together during our golf week.

“She has learned the etiquette of the sport which is also useful for life skills.”

Mum Tracy, dad Michael and little brother Logan were all present to see Ellie pick up her award after she finished playing in a club Texas scramble competition.

They did well to keep the award a secret, but there’s no hiding from the fact young Ellie has her sights trained on a career in golf.

“There’s nothing else she wants to do in life – there are no other options to even consider. She wants to be a golfer,” confirmed mum. “Ellie’s played since the age of six.

“Ellie has embarked on a winter training programme including fitness work and her coach can already see that she is becoming stronger.

“Ellie is quite quiet and unassuming and her involvement at the golf club has built up her confidence.

“I supervise her social media access and together we have posted videos and photos, and the good thing is she is not afraid to talk about her bad rounds as well as the good ones.

“There’s been messages from all across the world – particularly in America.

“We went to Florida on holiday and started following various social media accounts of golf courses we visited.

“In turn they followed Ellie and the responses have come from that source.

“As a family we are so proud of her and all she is doing. This award means the world to her.”

Ali Jodiyawalla, from the Young Ambassadors programme, made the Hero’s Handshake award presentation to Ellie.

•You can follow Ellie’s Golfing Girls Journey on Instagram by clicking here.

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Young golfers who have already come through the Girls Golf Rock programme are signin up as ambassadors to support and enoucrage girls who take up the game in 2020

GIRLS Golf Rocks is back for 2020 and clubs in England can now sign up to make it bigger and better then ever.

The programme is now in its fifth year and has helped introduce more than 5,000 girls to the game of golf – inspiring beginners to enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly and safe environment.

Applications are now open for affiliated clubs and HSBC Golf Roots centres who wish to join in the fun for 2020 – and encourage the next generation of girl golfers to pick up a club for the first time.

Girls Golf Rocks aims to ensure they have a ball at their local golf centre

In 2019, 112 facilities across England signed up to make Girls Golf Rocks a runaway success according to organisers England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

In 2020, there is scope for up to 200 facilities across all 48 counties in England to get involved in the biggest girls’ coaching programme in the country.

England Golf and the Golf Foundation have joined forces once again to set up the initiative and will provide marketing tools, resources and coach-funding for clubs eager to take part.

Clubs will be tasked with teeing up two separate six-week teaching blocks at times convenient to them between May and October 2020.

The emphasis on the lessons is for the girls to learn the fundamentals of the game – have fun with their mates in a comfortable and relaxed setting – without too much emphasis on the coaching and competitive elements of the game.

The six-week blocks will take the girls through all the basics culminating in a final session on the course where they can put into practice all they have learned from their PGA-qualified coach.

Clubs can also stage taster-sessions ahead of any coaching block – however this is at the discretion and expense of each club.

The aim of Girls Golf Rocks is to boost participation numbers and address for the long-term, the disparity in numbers between girls and boys playing the game.

While qualified PGA professionals will lead the sessions, Girls Golf Rocks will also encourage current female members to act as peer role-models and assist in the delivery at each club by becoming ambassadors.

In 2019, 166 girl ambassadors helped support the sessions and ensured it was the most successful campaign to date.

England Golf’s women and girls manager Lauren Spray said: “We’re excited to open applications to clubs looking to get involved in the 2020 Girls Golf Rocks campaign.

“Thousands of girls have been already introduced to the sport and caught the golfing bug through Girls Golf Rocks.

“Now we want to encourage new recruits to share in the fun and start out on their own golfing pathway.”

Golf Foundation head of development Martin Crowder said: “Girls Golf Rocks offers young girls a great start in golf in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

“The Girls Golf Rocks ambassadors play a vital role as they are able to show that golf can be a cool, sociable, healthy and athletic sport that new players can enjoy together and make new friends at the same time.”

For more details about the Girls Golf Rocks programme visit www.girlsgolfrocks.org and for an application form click here.

The closing date for applications is Friday, January 8.

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Iron Golfer Luke Willett with his wife Sabrina and his three daughters after his marathon ended at Royal St George’s

“IRON Golfer” Luke Willett completed successfully completed his Great British Open Challenge, holing out after playing 252 holes at 14 of the best known courses in UK – and after cycling some 830 miles in just 10 days.

What started as a daydream became a reality after Luke cycled to all 14 historic courses that have ever staged The Open since 1860, carrying his four golf clubs on his back in all weathers.

The physically and mentally exhausting journey – which at times saw him playing 36 holes in a day and cycling 100 miles along busy roads in darkness and light – has raised money for the Golf Foundation.

The charity works to change the lives of young people by introducing them to golf. After finishing The Great British Open Challenge, Luke is asking for all golf-lovers to support his efforts by making a donation by clicking here.

Luke, a PGA professional at London’s Hampstead Golf Club, said the cycling was so tough that his play on some of the world’s most famous courses felt like a rest for his body.

Any course that has staged The Open was on his list and it all started just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, on October 18, and finished in dramatic style at Royal St George’s in Kent, 10 days later.

After holing the final putt he was greeted by cheers and applause by club members but most touchingly by his wife Sabrina and his three young daughters.

Luke’s father Steve who had accompanied Luke on much of the trip to ensure his safety and keep morale high was also present.

Golf Foundation trustee Nick Bragg and club junior Jack joined Luke for the final round and Nick laid on the Champagne after the 18th.

Luke said: “I have been so, so tired at times, but it does show how much the human body can do.

“This is a dream come true. Playing these wonderful Open courses has been a joy, as has meeting so many fantastic people wherever I’ve travelled.

“I believe your environment is your best teacher. All of The Open venues are incredible courses to learn the game.

“But the great thing is that many local clubs up and down the country offer children a great start in golf.

“I hope reading about this adventure will interest people of all ages while igniting the imaginations of young people with a sense of the possible.

“I’m delighted I am able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation. We all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

On day one of the challenge Carnoustie Golf Links provided Luke with the best possible start by giving him free dinner, bed and breakfast before presenting him with a highly generous cheque for £5,000 for the Foundation,

They also showed Luke their renowned facilities for juniors. Donations have been coming in since then – but there is still time to donate by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

“All donations are welcome regardless of size,” said a Golf Foundation spokesman.

After shooting a 73 on the Old Course at St Andrews – with just four clubs – on that first afternoon, Luke endured 60 miles of cycling in torrential rain and cold.

He had to negotiate flooded roads and heavy traffic before reaching Edinburgh. Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Musselburgh.

Better weather reached him finally on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry trip from Stranraer to Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush on the Tuesday. and a 64-mile ride to catch the ferry back to England, Luke reached Royal Lytham & St Annes on Wednesday.

He played the Lancashire links with Golf Foundation ambassador Kerr Drummond, the children’s TV presenter.

Then it all got tougher. Royal Birkdale at dawn on Thursday, cycling to Hoylake with a ferry across the Mersey, a round at Royal Liverpool before a 58-mile ride in the cold and dark to Market Drayton.

Luke then rose at 3am to ride 146 miles to London before another 119 miles the next morning to Kent for the three neighbouring courses, playing Royal Cinque Ports on Saturday, and then the grand finale at Prince’s and neighbouring Royal St George’s at Sandwich, on Sunday.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “Our team has been amazed by the passion and courage of Luke and also the warm welcomes he has been receiving in the golf community.

“We hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game by supporting our charity.

“We do need funds to change the lives of young people through golf. We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead.

“Donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

The team at golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality provided all the clothing Luke needed for all conditions.

Prince’s Golf Club generously gave Luke and his family a room for the night and dinner at the end of the journey to help him recuperate at their popular lodge overlooking the two courses, and where in 1932 Gene Sarazen introduced the first sand wedge at Sandwich – the only time Prince’s hosted The Open.

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The Hertfordshire-based charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at @GolfRootsHQ on Twitter, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, golf_foundation_org on Instagram, or www.golf-foundation.org

The post ‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett completes his Great British Open Challenge at Sandwich appeared first on Golf North.

‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett (right) on the tee at Royal Birkdale with the club’s junior captain Josh Fallows, Golf Foundation development officer Andy Leigh

‘IRON Golfer’ Luke Willett is asking for support to complete The Great British Open Challenge having played 10 Open Championship courses and cycling 500 miles in just over six days.

As Luke holed out on the 18th at Royal Birkdale today (Thursday) he was making steady progress towards playing all 14 Open Championship venues as part of a gruelling 10-day trek, totalling more than 800 miles on two wheels with his golf clubs on his back.

Luke is raising funds for the Golf Foundation – putting his body on the line to support the charity that changes young people’s lives by introducing them to golf.

And he is appealing for the UK’s golf community to help him meet his financial target by sponsoring his efforts this month – from Fife to Sandwich, in Kent, where he will end his latest marathon.

So far Willett, a PGA professional at Hampstead Golf Club, has endured mammoth sections of cycling in sometimes “nightmarish” weather conditions on often dark and unfamiliar roads.

Luke has been soaked to the skin by passing lorries and cars and gone through periods of exhaustion and severe muscular and mental fatigue.

The 35-year-old now needs the financial backing of golf-lovers everywhere who understand the benefits of supporting the next generation of young players and helping national charity the Golf Foundation.

After striking his opening tee shot just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links last Friday (October 18), Luke cycled to St Andrews.

And with just four golf clubs – three-wood, six-iron, wedge and putter – Luke shot 73 on the Old Course before cycling 60 miles in torrential rain, flooded roads and heavy traffic to Edinburgh.

Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Royal Musselburgh on Saturday.

Finally, better weather reached him on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick on Scotland’s West Coast, before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry to Northern Ireland from Stranraer so he could play Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, it was back over the Irish Sea to England on the ferry to play the six English Open venues, starting in the North West at Royal Lytham & St Annes yesterday.

He then made the journey down the Lancashire coast to Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool today.

Willett will finish at Royal St George’s on Sunday, after playing Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s after the long ride to Kent this weekend.

You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “The whole Golf Foundation team has been hugely impressed with Luke’s spirit and energy.

“We hope people are starting to realise just how mentally and physically exhausting the challenge has been.

“We are a charity and hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game for the next generation.

“We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead – donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

Luke, who hails from Buckinghamshire, said: “I have never experienced anything like the conditions I did on the Fridaynight. It was a bit of a nightmare and certainly a huge mental challenge after two full rounds of golf in the cold and wet.

“The cycling has been very tough but the pleasure of playing these wonderful Open Championship courses has been immense.

“This is the golf of dreams for any player. The reception from the golf clubs, their staff, the golfers and non-golfers, has been really staggering and humbling.

“Golf isn’t all about the number on the scorecard and that’s why I wanted to team up with the Golf Foundation and raise funds for them in this way.”

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

•You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

The post Can you spare price of a golf ball to support Iron Golfer on his GB Open Challenge? appeared first on Golf North.

Luke Willett teeing off his Great British Open Championship Challenge – he was given £5,000 by Carnosutie Golf Links charity.

IRON Golfer Luke Willett got to grips with his latest challenge – to cycle to and play every course on The Open Championship rota, by playing Carnoustie, one of the toughest tests faced by winners of the Claret Jug.

The London-based PGA professional embarked on his unique 10-day golfing challenge at the first of the 14 Open venues by hitting his first shot in Angus, with Carnoustie Golf Links charity donating £5,000 to Luke, who is raising funds for the Golf Foundation.

It was the best possible start to his Great British Open Challenge and the Golf Foundation praised Carnoustie Golf Links for the “wonderful generosity of the Links and its staff.”

From Carnoustie, Luke headed south in the afternoon to play 18 holes on St Andrews’ Old Course – the Home of Golf.

In all weathers, Luke will face exhausting cycle rides on unfamiliar roads in darkness and in light, before playing all 14 iconic golf courses associated with The Open.

The challenge reflects Luke’s desire to encourage more young people to enjoy the thrills and adventure of golf.

Luke plans to play 252 Open Championship holes during an 831-mile bike journey around Britain.

The odyssey started at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland today (October 18) and will end in 10 days’ time at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent.

In between he will play three golf courses in Ayrshire, including Prestwick, the first course to stage the Open, as well as crossing over to Northern Ireland, to play Royal Portrush, which hosted the world’s oldest golf championship for the first time since 1951, to worldwide acclaim, in July.

Supported by friends of the Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation, Luke hopes to play each 18 holes with a mix of junior players, top amateurs, professionals and club members.

Willett, who hails from Buckinghamshire, will be fundraising for the Golf Foundation as the national charity changes the lives of young people by introducing them to golf.

The charity wants to encourage them to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

The foundation believes it will not only change the lives of thousands of young people, but will keep our game invigorated and successful.

Luke, 34, is a respected PGA coach, who has been based at Hampstead Golf Club, in North London, for the last three years.

He is a strong supporter of young golfers and has carved out a reputation for taking on remarkable ironman-style golfing tests, including once cycling over the Lakeland fells, swimming three miles of Wastwater before playing Windermere GC in a single day.

The Great British Open Challenge is a significantly more difficult proposition.

Luke said he hopes all golf-lovers who have a connection with the wider game, and who understand the need to encourage the next generation of young players, will support him through his JustGiving page.

Luke has prepared well for the challenge and will carry four golf clubs to help with weight issues on the bike.

Golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality is providing clothing to help him cope with a range of weather conditions.

“I am a great believer golf is more than just walking around a course and playing 18 holes,” said Luke at the start of his marathon.

“Adventure is waiting to be added to the whole experience either before, during or afterwards.

“I believe this challenge will help make the sport more appealing to young prospective players and will ignite their imaginations.

“I’m delighted I will be able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation – we all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

Luke’s new challenge takes in three countries and travelling on two ferries across the Irish Sea before finally finishing at Sandwich.

Willett will play Royal Cinque Ports in Deal, which hosted the 1919 Open before making the short journey up the East Kent coast to play Prince’s which staged The Open in 1932.

He will then “pop across the fence,” to play the adjoining Royal St George’s, which hosts the 2020 Open.

The itinery is:–

18 October – Carnoustie Golf Links & St Andrews
19 October – Musselburgh & Muirfield
20 October – Royal Troon & Prestwick
21 October – Turnberry
22 October – Royal Portrush
23 October – Royal Lytham & St Annes
24 October – Royal Birkdale & Royal Liverpool
26 October – Royal Cinque Ports
27 October – Prince’s & Royal St George’s.

You can follow Luke’s progress on Twitter @GolfRootsHQ, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, andgolf_foundation_org on Instagram.

•To donate go to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Luke Willett, who will cycle more than 800 miles and play 252 holes over the next 14 days

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