Skillen champions golf in the community

Roy Skillen is proving that golf and golf professionals can have an impact outside of what is considered the traditional golfing environment.

The 43-year-old, who trained under Peter O'Hagan at Malone and later Norman Drew at Bangor is providing coaching and taster sessions to a wide variety of community organisations.

Based at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course just outside Belfast, Roy is directly employed by the facility operators Castlereagh Borough Council. As a result, golf has been fully integrated into the council's progressive lifestyle, well-being and accessibility programmes.

“Council officials see the many physical and mental benefits that playing golf can have across a wide cross-section of society,” said Roy, who has been in post for seven years.

“Back in 2009 we launched a Tri-Golf Primary Schools Coaching Programme which involves each school [there are now 23 schools taking part getting some free coaching sessions. We then expanded on the theme and now host an annual one-day Primary Schools Tri-Golf Competition which attracts upwards of 120 children.”

Roy has embraced the opportunity to connect with the local community and has provided coaching sessions for the Salvation Army, mental health care group Praxis NI, the Blind Association and the Adoption and Foster Care Services to name but a few.

More recently, via the council's Safe and Well Project, Roy has also devised a golf programme specifically for older people and people with disabilities.

“The six week programme, which is totally free, gives every participant a chance to try the various elements of the game; putting, short game etc. in a relaxed environment that encourages a socialising aspect,” added Roy who was nominated for a Sports NI Community Coach award in 2014.

“On completion of the course the participants also get two months free membership of the golf course. The feedback I have received from the groups has been fantastic. From the over 60s coaching the Castlereagh Hills Club has received over 30 new members.”