Just a round of golf?

England Golf, whose origins go back to 1924 as a not-for-profit organisation for the benefit of golfers, is leading the way with the “Fore your mind” programme designed to help golfers manage their wellbeing and look out for friends who may be struggling.  They, along with Mind & Mental Health First Aid England, say one in four of us experiences mental health issues each year.

England Golf hopes to signpost golfers to various providers of mental health support services, and they encourage all golf clubs to appoint a mental health first aider.  Talking to other players, however, it’s not clear that message has got across to players or many golf clubs in the region.

Locally, Sport in Mind Berkshire is a charity that aims to use sport and physical activity to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems.  Recently, the charity used Donnington Grove Golf Club for a day to promote awareness of the charity – bringing mental wellness together with sporting activity.

It’s very much in keeping with the ethos at Donnington Grove Golf Course – a local club that raises funds for many charities, including Priors Court, Newbury Cancer Care and MacMillan Cancer Support, among others, and is proud to say that it has raised substantial sums over the years.  One such charity is Time to Talk, a charity helping 11 to 25 year olds by providing counselling services, currently offering over 8000 sessions a year.  And Donnington Grove Golf Club is delighted to host an annual charity match day at the club to fund-raise for it.

The happy coincidence of golf and mental health charities working together highlights the value of golf courses, including all our West Berkshire courses, and across the UK, in providing golfers with an activity that combines the outdoors, physical exercise, mindful focus, social connections, even a ‘digital detox’.  Add to the incredible personal value of a round of golf are the monies raised for a whole host of charities, including those directly involved with mental care, and golf – locally and nationally – is a winner all round.