Golf Fore Recovery gains momentum

PGA pro Sarah Bennett has seen an increase in participation in the SB Golf Fore Recovery Challenge Trophy which she launched last year.

The Three Rivers Golf & Country Club head pro and England U18 East Regional Head Coach has seen the event participation grow by 75 per cent with 21 golfers attending the recent event.

Bennett’s passion for golf’s powers of rehabilitation of injured servicemen and women through the various stages of recovery inspired her to create the event.

Most of the players involved have been associated with the various Help for Heroes recovery centres within the UK.

“The aim is to help veterans, wounded, injured and sick personnel to gain confidence, try a new or to continue a sport whilst offering a mix of fun and competitive element,” explained Bennett.

This has always been her goal for the past five years locally which she has now transformed her project to national level.

“The day was a great success all due to Sarah’s hard work and dedication, with one player in my group being a transformed person, his aim was to play a few holes but completed all 18 with a change in his self- confidence and self -esteem being noticed by all who knew him, which is the magic of this event,” said one competitor.

Bennett initiated the golf programme in the Chavasse VC Recovery Centre in 2009 with the support of the Help for Heroes well- being team.

During the first year she held her first ever golf day for the residents, raising enough funds to purchase the very first piece of golf equipment; a nine foot Huxley mat. The facilities have grown boasting a putting green and two full size nets which she uses on a regular basis continuing her association with the Colchester Recovery Centre.

“This year I saw a 75 per cent increase in the numbers of players with the following  Help for Heroes Recovery Centres being represented; Chavasse House VC - Colchester, Plymouth RC, Phoenix RC and Tedworth RC,” added Bennett.

“It has always been my goal since I started golf within the Colchester Recovery Centre to encourage those wishing to try the game providing the ideal environment. 

“I am thrilled the event has grown in a short space of time. One of the teams representing Phoenix RC retained the trophy by the same slim margin as last year by just one point with Colchester Recovery Centre finishing runners up.

“And I am extremely grateful for the support of Three Rivers Golf & Country Club who provided the perfect facilities for the second consecutive year.

“I would also like to thank my friends from Sabona of London, whom I have been associated for a number of years during my playing career, for their generous donation of an engraved memento to each participant. In addition to Greensleeve Golf  who kindly donated the team prizes, along with the members who gave up their time to assist on the day.”

For more info on Sarah Bennett click here.