Golf
Golf has started again! We know the Young Ambassadors for England Golf and the Golf Foundation have missed the game over lockdown and so we asked them for words to describe what they love about golf. As you can see all the words they came up with are positive! So we wanted to find out more and spoke to two of the Young Ambassadors to see how they have been getting on.
Hi, I’m Warren Clark, a twenty year old with autism and learning disabilities and a Proud Young Ambassador for England Golf and the Golf Foundation.
Playing golf has been my passion since I was about ten years old.
Probably, as for most people, lockdown for me has been difficult. Not being able to get outside on the golf course or meet friends to have a game as well as missing the other two things I love to do in the game - coaching juniors and others who have disabilities, along with caddying for them.
During lockdown, I have been keeping busy doing a teacher training qualification as well as a personal training course to further develop my skills and enhance my C.V.
I’ve also been practising my chipping and putting skills in the garden, but it’s certainly not the same as the interaction you get at the golf club.
I volunteer at Horsham Golf and Fitness and regularly coach at least ninety five juniors on a weekly basis. Although I have kept in touch with them throughout lockdown on a Whatsapp group, giving them short videos and things to do at home that are golf related, I can’t wait to start back in person in April. For my own personal game, I booked a round for March 29th and am now counting down the days.
I’m also looking forward to starting back coaching within my own Inclusive golf charity, Warren Clark Golfing Dreams.
Hi! I’m Lily Walker, I’m eighteen years old and a member at North Hants Golf Club. This year I will be the Captain for the Hampshire Girl Golf team. Golf provides me with an escape from other pressures and I love encouraging more girls to get involved.’
The past three months without golf have been very difficult. I have missed seeing my golfing friends, taking part in competitions and even just the little things like going into the clubhouse for a hot chocolate after a long practice session. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I cannot wait to be back on the course on the 29th March!
I tried to make good use of my time at home by working on my general fitness. I did this through running, online HIIT sessions and enjoying a new skill, skipping. As I am lucky enough to have a golf net in my garden, I was also able to keep my golf skills going by hitting balls and practising my swing. This is my last year as a junior golfer and I am really looking forward to the 2021 golf season finally getting underway."
