FEATURES SARAH BENNETT LAUNCHES
‘GOLF FORE RECOVERY’ TOURNAMENT FOR INJURED TROOPS
More than 15 injured personnel have participated over the fairways and greens in a “Golf Fore Recovery” Tournament
T
he troops from the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Chavasse VC House, based in Colchester, competed
in the event on Tuesday August 12. The event was the brainchild of Sarah Bennett, PGA head teaching professional and England Golf East Regional U18 Coach who has spent four years working with wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, coaching golf and interacting to assist with their recovery.
The tournament, which has been her mission to establish for three years, was held at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club, which has been supportive of her three events already this season. She arranged her first event for the residents at Chavasse VC House over two years ago, which raised enough to fund the initial Huxley Golf putting mat for the recovery centre’s grounds.
The introduction of golf has proven to be immensely popular amongst the residents because of its accessibility and the sense of achievement, coupled with structured activities. As the popularity has grown, so too have the facilities and the recovery centre now showcases a six-hole Huxley Golf putting green with two nets, which is utilised during regular coaching visits.
Sarah, a former Ladies European Tour player, has been a strong supporter of Help for Heroes, having also taken part in a number of the charity’s fundraising events including the Hero Ride, Colossal Cake Sale, and the Bear BQ. But it is her efforts with coaching golf that have made a real difference since linking up, initially, with the barracks in Colchester prior to the work she carried out for the PGA Golf Buddy programme.
She said: “For the last four years I have introduced a series of varying activities which have progressed, this has always been a long term vision of mine. I introduced the residents to golf and explained how it could help with
www.raf-ff.org.uk Envoy Autumn 2014 23
their recovery. I also explained my journey through the golf industry and the various roles of a Professional with other positions in the field which were of interest.
“Golf brings out the competitive nature and determination but it can also ignite a spark that is sometimes hidden while the traumas are still very raw.
I really look forward to presenting the trophy on an annual basis and hope to see the numbers of our heroes participating grow each year. I look forward to continuing with my work with further events planned for those who love the game.”
Sarah herself has overcome serious setbacks as she was diagnosed in 2005 with a serious neurological condition that affected her balance. It was this that gave her the determination and passion to assist others who love the game too.
Steve Schollar, centre manager, said: “I am really grateful to Sarah for her dedication to supporting our wounded through her golfing skills and experience, and this has directly benefitted so many of our guys as they work through their individual recovery programmes. I wish the first Golf Fore Recovery Tournament the very best of luck!”
A team from Catterick won the event held on Tuesday 12 August. Following the success of this event it is now hoped to make it an annual fixture.
Sarah can be contacted at
sarahbennettgolf.co.uk
©Sarah Bennett Golf
©Sarah Bennett Golf
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56