“The enthusiasm for golf, the generosity of everyone involved and the commitment to making a positive difference were fantastic to see. We are hugely grateful for their continued support and for this generous donation, which will help us introduce more children to golf and all the benefits the game can bring.”

The Golf Foundation will receive a £5,500 donation from the RJ Heritage Invitational, helping to support more children to discover the benefits of golf through the Foundation’s work.

The fourth annual RJ Heritage Invitational took place on Friday 18 September at Sprowston Manor Golf & Country Club in Norfolk, bringing together 120 golfers and 200 gala guests for a day of golf, fundraising and celebration.

The event raised a record £20,199, with funds supporting five charities and causes, including the Golf Foundation, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity and Thrive Autism, which supports families accessing diagnoses.

This year’s £5,500 donation to the Golf Foundation builds on RJ Heritage Events’ support in previous years and represents a £1,500 increase on last year’s contribution. The funding will help the Foundation reach more children through initiatives such as Unleash Your Drive in Schools, introducing young people to golf and the opportunities the game can create both on and off the course.

Golf Foundation Chief Executive Brendon Pyle attended this year’s Invitational and was warmly welcomed by the RJ Heritage Events team.

“It was a real pleasure to spend time with Callum and the team at the RJ Heritage Invitational and to see first-hand what makes the event so special,” said Brendon.

“The enthusiasm for golf, the generosity of everyone involved and the commitment to making a positive difference were fantastic to see. We are hugely grateful for their continued support and for this generous donation, which will help us introduce more children to golf and all the benefits the game can bring.”

The Invitational combines golf with a strong charitable purpose, with the 2026 event featuring a host of special guests, including Norwich City FC legends Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan.

For RJ Heritage Events founder Callum Arneil, the ethos of the event is captured in its tagline: “Raise More Than Your Game.”

Callum said: “Being able to support charities like the Golf Foundation, even if at a modest level, is what enables us to Inspire Play, Deliver Impact, and Drive Progress. This culminates in our tagline, encouraging attendees of the Invitational to ‘Raise More Than Your Game’.”

The RJ Heritage Events team will continue to support the Golf Foundation throughout the year, with opportunities to collaborate at future events and initiatives.

The Golf Foundation would like to thank Callum and everyone involved in the RJ Heritage Invitational for their generosity and continued commitment to helping more young people experience the benefits of golf.

Interested in taking part next year?

The 2027 RJ Heritage Invitational will take place on Friday 24 September 2027.

If you would like to find out more or register your interest in next year’s event, click below.

I was born into a golfing family, my mother, Peggy Carrick, played for England just before and after the second world war and my sister, Angela Uzielli, was British Ladies Champion in 1977, English Champion in 1990 and played in the Curtis Cup in 1979. I started playing golf at the age of 4 and am still playing actively 73 years later. Golf is truly a game for life.

My dream is to improve access to golf and to open up the game to new and underrepresented audiences in two ways:

• To introduce golf into state primary schools via the Golf Foundation's Unleash Your Drive initiative
• To produce better relationships between schools and golf clubs to allow young golfers new to the game to develop their skills.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those friends of mine who have contributed significant sums to the Norfolk Schools Golf Development Fund to make this happen. I am extremely grateful to all of them. Their support will help schools access the Unleash Your Drive programme, while also creating opportunities for clubs, PGA Professionals, Community Golf Instructors and local partners to support beginner activity for children and young people.

The Golf Foundation is working in an advisory role on the project, with Unleash Your Drive sitting at the heart of the schools offer. Through Unleash Your Drive, schools can receive a fully funded package including online teacher training, golf equipment, lesson plans, resources and an impact measurement tool. The programme uses golf to help children build Mental Toughness skills such as focus, resilience, emotional control, positive self-talk and confidence, while introducing them to the game in a fun and accessible way.

The fund is also looking to support activity that helps children take the next step into a local golf environment. A Coaching Bursary is now open for applications and will consider beginner-friendly opportunities such as taster sessions, Unleash Your Drive in Clubs, golf festivals, school-to-club links and other activity that helps young people get started at clubs and golf facilities.

 Andy Leigh from the Golf Foundation said:

"Bob has shown real passion and drive in wanting to create more opportunities for children and young people in Norfolk. The support he and his friends have brought together gives us a chance to build something meaningful locally, with schools, clubs and delivery partners all playing a part. Unleash Your Drive is a really strong fit because it gives schools a simple way to introduce golf while also helping children develop Mental Toughness skills that can support them beyond the lesson. We're pleased to be supporting the project from a Golf Foundation perspective and helping shape something that can make a lasting difference.”

We are keen to hear from:

• Schools interested in the fully funded Unleash Your Drive package

• Junior organisers at golf clubs, PGA Professionals, Community Golf Instructors, Schools Sports Partnerships and other community partners across Norfolk who can help encourage more children and young people to play golf.

“The Unleash Your Drive fundraising initiative continues to gain momentum. More than 4,000 golfers took part at 120 clubs this year, supporting our work while also having the chance to win an experience that very few amateur golfers will ever get.”

More than 4,000 golfers from 120 clubs took part in the Golf Foundation's nationwide fundraising competition, culminating in its third Unleash Your Drive Final at The Grove earlier this month.

The competition forms part of Golf Foundation President Nick Dougherty's drive to get golf into more schools across the Home Nations and help young people develop their mental wellbeing through the charity's Unleash Your Drive programme.

Golfers paid an entry fee to take part in qualifying competitions at their clubs, with the top 45 players from across the national leaderboard earning their place at The Grove on Tuesday 11 August.

With three places in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth on the line, Gavin Moore, Dean Fair and ten-year-old Harrison Grainger emerged as the winners with 41, 40 and 38 Stableford points respectively.

For Harrison, the result means the ten-year-old will now tee it up alongside some of the biggest names in golf at Wentworth.

"It's a money-can't-buy opportunity. I'm just looking forward to meeting all the people." — Harrison Grainger

"It's unbelievable," added Moore. "I haven't quite got my head around it yet, but I can't wait to get to Wentworth and have an amazing day!"

Dougherty, a former DP World Tour winner, spent the day with the finalists at The Grove, meeting players, supporting them around the event and presenting the prizes.

Golf Foundation CEO Brendon Pyle said:

"It was an amazing day at the splendid Grove, with our President Nick Dougherty freely and willingly devoting a huge amount of his time to meeting and supporting all of the players. That makes the experience even more special for everyone who qualifies for the Final.

"The Unleash Your Drive fundraising initiative continues to gain momentum. More than 4,000 golfers took part at 120 clubs this year, supporting our work while also having the chance to win an experience that very few amateur golfers will ever get.

"We're already looking forward to developing the competition further next year."

A separate competition was also held for finalists outside the handicap eligibility limits for the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am places, with Rex Mayers winning with 34 points.

Now in its third year, the Unleash Your Drive competition gives golf club members across the country the chance to compete for an extraordinary prize while raising money to help the Golf Foundation reach more young people.

Funds raised support the charity's work to introduce children to golf in schools, clubs and communities, including through its Unleash Your Drive programme, which combines fun golf activity with mental toughness tools designed to develop skills including confidence, resilience, focus and emotional control.

The three winners will now turn their attention to Wentworth Club, where they will experience one of the biggest weeks in British golf when they tee it up in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am.

“I love seeing the smile on young people's faces when they hit a good shot. When somebody holes a putt or someone hits a cone, makes a game-winning shot, or when everybody cheers – that is why I do it.”

“I love golf, everything about the game.”

Our Spirit of Golf/Dinah Oxley Award winner in 2021 was Tom Paterson of Kent, then aged 15, and in a full-circle moment, he has been back helping us this week at The Open on our Swingzone and Skillzone.

Since we last saw him, Tom has gone on to become a CGI (Community Golf Instructor), an R&A-backed initiative developed by the Home Nations. While Tom won his award five years ago after helping many younger players in his local school and golf club, his lasting commitment to the grass roots game is now being recognised and further encouraged by England Golf as a committed CGI.

The 19-year-old (Tom turns 20 at The Open on Sunday) is excited on the latest stage of his golf journey, where he has the flexibility in the role to pursue his dream of reaching the professional tournament ranks. It’s a journey which began as a four-year old with first hits, and recently saw Tom attending regional qualifying for The Open at Rochester and Cobham.

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Meanwhile, Tom delivers golf in his local school where his Mum is a teacher (he first encouraged the kids when he was 13 and today supports the school one day a week). He also reaches new golfers in sessions at a nearby multi-sport centre and helps bring on young players at summer camps.

Tom said of his CGI role: “To be honest, I love doing the grass roots level golf, and I love the race-and-chase of the fun games we can set up for youngsters. Becoming a CGI was brilliant because it allowed me to go into schools and grow the game while still being able to play amateur golf and everything like that. I feel I am getting the best of both worlds.”

This confidence in helping others comes from having been such an inspired young player himself at The Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Kent, where even as a junior he was known for giving inspirational team talks to his club team, organising inventive practice sessions, and leading from the front as Junior Captain.

“I love getting involved, love growing it,” he says with his trademark big grin.

We have welcomed support this week from CGIs Tom and Lisa Bryson from Ravensworth Golf Club near Newcastle on the Swingzone, as well as from the excellent staff from England Golf, and our Young Ambassadors. In England, England Golf trains the CGIs to deliver golf and its positive benefits in golf and non-traditional settings, including schools, community groups and local authority sports projects.

Tom is a fan of our Unleash Your Drive programme which builds confidence, concentration, resilience and other attributes for young people through golf.

“The mental toughness tools are brilliant. I always make sure I get these across to the kids. And when you have a kid who comes up to you to say, ‘Oh yes, I've carried that on not just in golf, but into my school life and also outside of school at home’, it’s fantastic to hear this. They have learned through golf and now they're carrying it through and it's improving their lives. How good is that?”

A year after the Covid-19 lockdowns, at Wentworth during the BMW PGA Championship, our charity presented two significant awards. The first was the Spirit of Golf Award to former Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjorn of Denmark, for his stellar career and also raising funds for our charity.

The second award was made in honour of the generous legacy donation made to the charity by Dinah Oxley, one of the finest amateur golfers this country has ever produced.

Tom was the highly deserving winner and received his award at the presentation from Bjorn himself. Tom, then and still today a popular member at The Cave Hotel club, had captained his club, represented Kent in county tournaments, led fun-filled sessions for the younger juniors, taken the game into his Mum’s school, while also raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

He said at the time of the award that it was the best day of his life. “I have so many pictures from Wentworth with my family, including the presentation with Thomas Bjorn, it is still the best day of my life. I have had great experiences and want others to share the opportunities I had.

“Golf is a sport that anyone can play, that's the thing. It doesn't matter what level you’re at. That's why I think the Golf Foundation and England Golf are so important, and also being at events like today. If we keep doing things like this it's just going to keep getting better and better. We are going to get more clubs into people's hands and it's just brilliant. Golf is getting out there. We're breaking down those barriers aren’t we?

“Teachers say to me that golf offers something a bit different from other sports, and can really help some youngsters as they learn to play golf. There are so many lessons we can all learn from this game.”

“Golf is a game for everyone and if you’re a young person with a disability and you want to try golf, it can offer you so much.”

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The inspirational words rang out from the Swingzone at The Open this week, where two-time G4D Open winner Brendan Lawlor joined in the fun and games, and helped our mission to inspire the next generation.

All week, we have been promoting the inclusive value of golf during The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. School and golf club groups have been coming to the site every day – with a number of these specialising in supporting children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) – to join our team for fun and energetic golf sessions.

All the groups have been part of our Road To The Opens project, as we work alongside The R&A to inspire the local area, and leave a legacy that lasts long after the final putt is sunk at Royal Birkdale on Sunday.

In the Swingzone, though, Sunday’s final moment was far from the youngsters’ minds as they took on inclusive challenges, looking to outdo each other in chipping and putting games, all while learning mental toughness tools that help on and off the golf course.

“This is really important,” the 29-year-old Irish golfer Brendan Lawlor explained, after joining in the excitement with the youngsters from Cribden House School in Rossendale, Lancashire. “You can enjoy golf at any time in your life but the younger you can start the game the better.

“It doesn’t matter what difference you have, there is a game for you to play out there. We all need to make sure the game is fun for the kids to play, easy to get started with no pressure and to learn from the game as you go.

“The different values we can all learn from golf can help us so much in the rest of our lives.

“We’ve had a great fun session here and I’d like to thank the R&A for bringing me along this week – and of course the youngsters for letting me join them for a game!”

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“All those skills we use to play golf are things that help you in your life... we are making sure young people in schools are having an opportunity to tap into Unleash Your Drive while having fun and playing our games.”

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Mixed teams made up from a total of 30 boys and 30 girls had qualified to represent their schools for the festival in the unique ‘Skillzone’, a new feature created for visiting school and club groups by Championship organisers The R&A.

“Golf’s so great! I had never played before but I definitely want to play much more now,” was typical of the comments from the festival kids, many who only tried golf for the first time a few weeks ago.

The North Sefton children showed off their chipping and putting skills across the humps and hollows of what was the old 14th green at Royal Birkdale made famous by Jordan Spieth, when he nearly holed his tee shot on the way to becoming Champion Golfer at The Open here in 2017.

Kate Hulse, School Games Organiser for North Sefton, said: “The Golf Foundation has got this just right, in an inclusive festival format enjoyed by all abilities. It’s fun and the kids love it.”

All week, we are welcoming more than 40 school and club groups new to golf at Royal Birkdale, but for these School Games finalists, four of the six teams had qualified by showing skills learned in our Unleash Your Drive initiative that builds confidence and resilience through learning the game and fosters mental wellbeing in young people, for which 2,400 schools in GB&I have so far registered.

A further two of the schools qualified through their physical golf skills learned in PE.

Our President, Nick Dougherty, was watching, and after giving out the prizes he warmly praised the focus, teamwork, respect and sense of fun among all the players, while explaining the wider benefits of Unleash Your Drive.

Nick said: “To bring these kids here today is a really special moment. We are at The Open, the biggest tournament in all of golf, with a group of Unleash Your Drive youngsters showing us another side of the game. All those skills we use to play golf are things that help you in your life, whether it's dealing with the pressure of exams, getting that first job, coping with loss, or dealing with success, we are making sure young people in schools are having an opportunity to tap into Unleash Your Drive while having fun and playing our games.”

The spectacle was just one of the results of ‘The Road To The Opens', a joint project run by The R&A, the Golf Foundation, and England Golf, which has reached more than 100 primary and secondary schools (including SEND schools) across Lancashire and Merseyside, as well as many golf clubs and also community groups, in the build-ups to The Open, and the AIG Women’s Open held at Royal Lytham & St Annes at the end of July.

“Our work with the North Sefton schools was a legacy project in itself, with this amazing finish with a golf festival in the Skillzone right beside the Royal Birkdale course,” said our Regional Development Officer for the North West, John Selby-Sly.

“The children had the best time full of smiles and laughter. When we announced to the schools that they would playing at The Open there was so much excitement. I won’t forget the astonishment and joy on the faces of some of the kids.

“Now we have to work with our partners to ensure it doesn’t end there and, with the school’s teachers and local golf facilities on board, we can put a pathway in place to help the children experience a welcoming golf club to take their game further. Our team are hugely grateful for all the support of The R&A in creating this legacy through The Road To The Opens.”

This initiative also supports our successful GolfSixes Leagues and GolfNines Leagues in the region, the former enjoyed by some 743 golf clubs in 2025. (Teams of six players new to the golf course, learn the game in a pairs format over six holes – with GolfNines being the follow-on stage).

We are next in the process of taking ‘GolfSixes Mini League’ into schools all over the country.

As our charity inspires youngsters to enjoy their golf and build confidence and resilience, The Open stands as a crucial week in golf’s calendar. Here, we are working all week alongside partners England Golf and The PGA to grow the game together with support of The R&A.

“The biggest winners today are these kids. Some of them have never played golf before... you see the smiles and the laughter on all the faces.”

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For the whole week at The Open at Royal Birkdale the Golf Foundation is giving kids the chance to enjoy golf and build confidence and resilience.

And it was fitting in this famous footballing region that the Foundation could host a community festival at The Open, involving teams of youngsters from charities Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation, thanks to support from The R&A.

This unique derby match-up was also the very first event on the new R&A ‘Skillzone’ outdoor playing area right in the heart of The Open course layout.

Forty boys and girls had a go and, as no-one could resist a contest, the two footballing dynasties took each other on in a series of skills challenges where focus and teamwork were crucial.

Both community bodies have taken part in the groundbreaking legacy project ‘The Road To The Opens’, supported by The R&A and England Golf, in which the Golf Foundation has taken golf to brand new players around the North West, promoting the excitement and prestige of The Open and The AIG Women’s Open.

A major part of the legacy is to introduce the experience of the Golf Foundation’s Unleash Your Drive programme to schools, clubs and local groups, which builds confidence and resilience for young people and supports mental wellbeing.

Both the LFC Foundation and Everton in the Community will take on this project having received specialist training from the Golf Foundation’s team.

Meanwhile in the big derby in the Skillzone, young George was proud to represent his team, the LFC Foundation. George said: “I thought I'd just be watching on the course. I didn't expect to actually play in our team in the activities. Golf is amazing and I want to play more.”

The LFC Foundation’s Chris Kirkland was a goalkeeper for Liverpool and England before swapping the gloves for a coaching and mentoring role to help youngsters.

Chris said: “We are about helping people, helping the community, trying to give people opportunities they wouldn't normally get. We have some amazing staff who do this. But I know, looking back, that we would never have had the opportunity to come to The Open and do what George and his friends have done.

“The biggest winners today are these kids. Some of them have never played golf before. Some were very nervous at the start, but they've given it a brilliant go. And I think you see the smiles and the laughter on all the faces. We've had a wonderful day, and that doesn't happen without the Golf Foundation and The R&A.”

Adding up the points of the skills challenge, it was the red of Liverpool who narrowly held sway over the blue of Everton. For some, their sport, and being part of such positive organisations, is what makes it all so rewarding.

Joseph, who was playing for Everton in the Community, said: “I've been at Everton for about four years. When I started, I was at rock bottom if you want me to be honest with you. And since then, obviously day by day, breath by breath, I’ve developed. They are always there for you. The door is always open.”

Joseph added: “Golf is good for confidence. I play rugby as well and they are actually similar: you need focus and the discipline. If you don’t have that in golf you’ll scuff up your shots, your chips and putts.

“I've always wanted to come to a live golf tournament so I’m made up. To come here and witness it first hand, you can't ask for much more really.”

John Rawlinson, a coach and mentor with Everton in the Community, said: “It’s been unbelievable today to be part of this massive event. The young people we work with are often from disadvantaged backgrounds and the opportunity to try golf here and see The Open is really big. It's knocking down a barrier for all the young people who are new to golf.”

Last year Everton in the Community reached around 1,400 young people across a range of sports, including football, rugby, kayaking, darts, basketball and golf.

John added: “I think it all gives them something to focus on. It has given them a place to go, a safe space for them to come and speak to coaches. We work alongside a lot of youth workers and we speak to our young people about the challenges they may be having in their personal life or other things. Just build the confidence, that type of work really.

“Some of the girls here today for example, maybe they've only held a club a couple of times, and they might get the bug and then go on to play more. Great. It’s about opportunity.”

This hugely positive link-up with these two goodwill organisations was made possible thanks to Golf Foundation partner StreetGames, a charity that is expert in taking sport into communities and giving priceless opportunities to young people from all backgrounds.

The Golf Foundation’s Regional Development Officer for the North West, John Selby-Sly, said: “We know how much golf can help young people, and thanks to The R&A we can create a legacy to encourage more new youngsters into the game in this region. Our friends at StreetGames deserve massive praise for helping make this happen and it’s been a privilege to work with the LFC Foundation and Everton in the Community.”

A team of golf lovers took to their bicycles to complete the first 420km ‘Ride To The Open’ from Wentworth to Royal Birkdale and The 154th Open on Sunday, raising £50,000 for the Golf Foundation.

The initiative is part of the work in helping children to enjoy golf and build confidence and resilience through the sport.

The three-day odyssey for the 14 cyclists took place during some of England’s most extreme heat, and the ride had its “tough moments” physically, with the team needing to demonstrate their own resilience and battle on.

The trip finished in the best possible way as they cycled triumphantly into The Open venue at 4pm on Sunday and enjoyed a celebration to remember on the 1st tee of this week’s venue in England’s north-west.

The team of cyclists – many who had not met before signing up for the challenge – share a love of golf and a commitment to helping young people enjoy opportunities in the sport and receive all the physical and mental wellbeing benefits the game offers. 

After completing hours of training, the ride started on Friday morning at 8.30am at Wentworth, Surrey, and the team cycled for three days on a carefully planned route, the first day needing nearly 10 hours in the saddle to make the required progress.  

The R&A is a long-term major supporter of the Golf Foundation’s role in helping children from all backgrounds to try golf, including through its national programme Unleash Your Drive which has registered 2,400 UK schools and a growing number of golf clubs in a scheme started three years ago by the Foundation’s President Nick Dougherty, former European Tour star and now Sky Sports Golf presenter.

Golf Foundation Chairman Steve Day said he was proud of the hard work of the cyclists, as they exemplified the value of backing yourself, never giving up, and teamwork, all attributes learned in Unleash Your Drive.

He said: “Everyone has been really supportive and encouraging. It was incredibly hot and became very challenging but I was proud that everyone helped each other and we all ensured that we would get through each day. We shared some great moments and there were definitely tough moments.

“You put 14 riders together and by the end of it you feel like a team, it's been brilliant. There has been a buzz every morning at breakfast and we're looking forward to our final evening meal together.”

Danie Ferry is a golfer from Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey. She said: “It wasn’t easy but riding in a big group with amazing people really helped. I just love what the Golf Foundation stands for. The way they help kids to get the chance to learn golf, which is very relevant to me as I started when I was nine. It’s great what this sport gives young people; the exercise, respecting others and the social skills; there are so many great things to offer youngsters so I was happy to help the Golf Foundation.”

Russ Groombridge is the Junior Organiser at Fulwell Golf Club near London. Russ said: “This ride was a great challenge but we all did well, and I needed the three or four months of training. Our golf club is involved in the Golf Foundation’s GolfSixes League, and Unleash Your Drive, and we raised money for the Foundation at our club championship too.

“I was lucky to grow up at a club with a great junior section which gave me a passion for the game, and I wanted to do the same for others and, like the Golf Foundation, I want to see more kids enjoying being out in the fresh air, keeping physically and mentally healthy. That’s what it’s all about.”

Steve Day continued: “A huge thank you to The R&A for looking after us all so well and creating the lovely moment when we could all stand on the first tee at The154th Open and take in what we had achieved together.”

The Foundation Chairman praised fellow Trustee Jim Brigden for stepping up to support his charity on the ride himself, and all the cyclists did their own fundraising to top the £30,000 target.

“They've all done brilliantly. We can’t thank the team enough and these funds will reach more youngsters and give them confidence and resilience through enjoying a new sport.”

The Golf Foundation would also like to extend a huge thank you to Caddy Comps, whose support was invaluable to the success of the ride. As well as sponsoring the challenge, Caddy Comps went the extra mile, quite literally, with two of their own team members joining the cyclists and completing the full 420km route from Wentworth to Royal Birkdale.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in the Golf Foundation's mission to introduce young people from all backgrounds to golf, using the sport to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while strengthening American Golf's commitment to supporting grassroots development across the UK.

As part of the partnership, customers shopping in American Golf stores will be given the opportunity to support the Golf Foundation's work by making a voluntary donation at checkout, providing a simple yet powerful way for golfers to help create more opportunities for young people to access the game.

Alongside this, both organisations are working closely on a series of exciting activations to introduce more young people to the game, and to engage customers, communities and the wider golf audience.

Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said:
"We're incredibly proud to be partnering with American Golf, a brand that sits right at the heart of the UK golf community. This partnership represents a fantastic opportunity to introduce more young people to golf and to inspire them to stay in the game for life. Through working with American Golf, we hope to reach more young people than ever before."

Sophie Fox, Head of Marketing, American Golf, said:
"We're delighted to be partnering with the Golf Foundation and supporting the vital work they do to grow the game from the ground up. Golf has an incredible ability to positively impact young people's lives, and this partnership allows us to play a meaningful role in opening up those opportunities. We're excited about the plans we're developing together and look forward to bringing our customers on that journey with us."

The partnership will officially launch this summer, with further announcements expected as joint initiatives are rolled out across American Golf’s retail network and wider platforms.

 Together, the Golf Foundation and American Golf are committed to creating more opportunities for young people to discover golf, develop their skills, and enjoy the many benefits the sport offers.

About American Golf

Founded in 1978, American Golf is the UK and Ireland’s largest golf retailer, dedicated to supporting and improving every golfer’s game, whatever their experience. Comprising over 80 stores across the UK and Ireland and an online retail offering, American Golf employs over 350 PGA Professionals and accredited custom fitting experts who provide the most comprehensive, and complimentary, custom fitting service available on the market today. Offering a wide selection of golf clubs, equipment, clothing and footwear, American Golf stocks brands such as TaylorMade, Callaway, PING, Titleist, Under Armour, FootJoy, Garmin and L.A.B Putters. They also house exclusive brands such as Reebok Golf, Ted Baker Golf, Stromberg, Greg Norman, Fazer, Benross, and Rife.

Girls from across England gathered at The Belfry last week as we teamed up with the LPGA Foundation to deliver our first Leadership Academy outside of the USA, where English golfer Charley Hull helped inspire the 41 girls aged between 12 and 17.

Delivered through our partnership with the LPGA Foundation, the two-day academy used golf as a platform to help young women build confidence, discover leadership opportunities, develop their voice and create meaningful connections with like-minded peers.

Hull is one of our ambassadors, and appeared on a special panel at the event to share her experiences in the game, and to help teach the girls about how to cope with pressures in life and how to make the most of the opportunities in golf and beyond.

"It was a pleasure to see so many young female golfers in one room and to share my own insights on staying resilient and managing social media," Hull said. "The Girls Leadership Academy is a great initiative for developing girls confidence – and it's great to see us and the LPGA Foundation working together."

One of the most powerful aspects of the Academy wasn't found in a workbook or on a golf course. It was simply the experience of being surrounded by so many women and girls who shared similar goals and ambitions. Throughout the event, several participants commented that they had never been in a room with that many women before. For some, it was the first time they had experienced an environment where female voices were the majority, where women were leading every session, and where successful female role models were accessible and eager to share their experiences. The impact of that representation was evident throughout the week as confidence grew, friendships formed, and participants became increasingly comfortable sharing their perspectives.

Bringing together girls from a variety of backgrounds and golfing experiences, the academy combined golf activities, leadership workshops, team challenges and personal development sessions, creating an inspiring environment where participants were encouraged to dream bigger and believe in their potential both on and off the golf course.

Female representatives from the LPGA Foundation and our team were joined by an all-female coaching team and an all-female videography team.

Throughout the event, the girls explored topics including confidence, communication, resilience, goal setting and leadership. Interactive sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their ambitions, identify their strengths and develop practical tools that they can take forward into everyday life.

One of the highlights of the academy saw participants create vision boards focused on their future aspirations, encouraging them to think about the goals they want to achieve and the steps they can take to get there. The activity sparked conversations about personal ambitions, career pathways and the opportunities available to young women both within golf and beyond.

Golf remained at the heart of the programme, with coaching sessions, team-based activities and challenges helping reinforce many of the leadership themes explored throughout the academy. The energy and enthusiasm shown by the participants was evident throughout the two days, with girls supporting one another, celebrating successes and forming friendships that will continue long after the event has finished.

For many participants, the experience was transformational.

"I will walk away with advice I've been seeking for years to use in everyday life, but most importantly golf," said one participant, Abby. "I've never been more inspired by such an amazing group of coaches and mentors."

"This has been one of the best experiences of my life," added Eleanor. "From learning how to deal with mental stress and gain confidence, to setting goals and meeting Charley Hull, it has been everything I wanted this experience to be and more."

The event marks an important milestone in our commitment to creating more opportunities for girls in golf and follows the announcement of our partnership with the LPGA Foundation to expand access to female-focused development opportunities across Great Britain and Ireland.

As the first LPGA Leadership Academy held outside the United States came to a close, participants left The Belfry with new friendships, greater confidence and a renewed belief in what they can achieve.

For many, it was much more than a golf event.

It was an opportunity to discover their voice, develop as leaders and realise that their future can be as ambitious as they choose to make it.

"This academy was incredible," said Stephanie Peareth, Director of Foundation Operations at the LPGA Foundation. "From start to finish, the energy was electric and seeing how much the girls got from the sessions shows the importance of these academies. In 2025 we celebrated 10 years of hosting our LPGA Leadership Academies all around the US and I am so excited for the next 10 years knowing that now we have the potential to make a global impact and help young girls find their voice, confidence and MAKE THEIR MOVE!"

The long-standing relationship between the DP World Tour, BMW and the Golf Foundation further developed in 2025, with the organisation which delivers groundbreaking mental wellbeing work in schools, golf clubs and communities, named the Official Charity of the BMW PGA Championship for the first time.

That designation will now continue for the next two editions of the Rolex Series event, which returns to the iconic Wentworth Club in Surrey from September 17-20, 2026.

The Golf Foundation has worked closely with the DP World Tour in recent years, running several community and school events at Tour events and hosting stands at the BMW PGA Championship and Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.

BMW has also given its support to Unleash Your Drive in Schools, the Golf Foundation’s mental wellbeing programme that fittingly launched at the BMW PGA Championship in 2023. More than 2000 schools have now registered their interest in delivering the programme of fun and inclusive games to their pupils, with mental toughness tools embedded to prepare pupils for challenges on and off the course.

Activities across the week at Wentworth Club last season raised £137,000 for the Golf Foundation, to support its mission to introduce children to golf and use the game to support mental wellbeing.

BMW’s EAGLES FOR EDUCATION initiative, which the premium German car brand have introduced to their international title tournaments in 2025, raised £72,000 last year thanks to 72 eagles scored on the course – including one from eventual winner Alex Noren, and two from a chasing Rory McIlroy – who has already announced his return to the 2026 BMW PGA Championship.

Meanwhile, chipping, putting and simulator challenges in the Spectator Village added a further £65,000 thanks to the help of an army of 120 volunteers from clubs, partners and BMW, encouraging golf fans to take part and win amazing prizes.

Every £10 raised helps another pupil access the Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme, with the Golf Foundation able to provide six weeks of mental toughness training in schools to a further 13,700 young people.

Brendon Pyle, Golf Foundation CEO, said: “We are hugely thankful to both BMW and the DP World Tour for this long-term commitment and partnership. The BMW PGA Championship is always a highlight of our calendar, and we have loved having the chance to deliver our programmes in the Spectator Village. To be the named official charity in 2025 allowed us to take that opportunity to the next level, and the number of people we spoke to and interacted with on the week was incredible. I’d like to personally thank the many volunteers from golf clubs, partner organisations and BMW who helped to raise the funds and made the week so special”.

“The funds raised last year allow us to offer our mental toughness programme to hundreds of new schools fully funded, meaning thousands more young people get access to genuinely life-changing lessons. We are hugely excited to do it all again even bigger and better over the next couple of years and can’t wait to keep on growing the relationship with BMW and the DP World Tour.”

Darrell O’Hora, the DP World Tour’s Championship Director of the BMW PGA Championship, added: “It’s very important to the DP World Tour that our tournaments leave a positive legacy in local communities and beyond, and the Golf Foundation is a great example of an organisation that really delivers for young people through golf.

“Along with our partner BMW, we have been able to support the Golf Foundation’s work in various ways over the years, and that all came together at the BMW PGA Championship last year. We are delighted to continue to develop that relationship by welcoming the Golf Foundation back as Official Charity for the next two years.”

David George, CEO of BMW Group UK and Ireland, commented: “We’re pleased to continue supporting the Golf Foundation at the BMW PGA Championship over the next two years. Working with our partners, EAGLES FOR EDUCATION helps turn great moments on the course into meaningful support for young people, giving more of them access to programmes that use golf to build confidence, resilience and positive mental wellbeing.”

The Golf Foundation was delighted to host the second running of its annual Super Nines match against the Lord’s Taverners, welcoming 60 supporters to the magnificent Moor Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth for a memorable day of golf, fundraising and friendly competition.

Guests were greeted with coffees and breakfast rolls ahead of an 18-hole shotgun start, setting the tone for a day that combined relaxed hospitality with competitive spirit. While heavy downpours either side of play threatened to disrupt proceedings, players enjoyed four uninterrupted hours of glorious sunshine on the course, ensuring all 18 holes were completed in perfect conditions.

Each fourball featured a pairing from the Golf Foundation alongside a pair representing the Lord’s Taverners, including England cricket legends Andy Caddick and Monty Panesar. The unique format saw players compete in fourball better ball for the front nine, before splitting into singles matchplay contests for the back nine - adding an extra edge to proceedings. After a hard-fought contest, it was the Golf Foundation who emerged victorious, securing a 27-18 win.

Alongside the team competition, individual honours were also up for grabs, including nearest the pin challenges and a longest drive competition, won by Golfing Influencer, Louis Jean (clubfaceuk).

Following the golf, players enjoyed a superb lunch in the clubhouse before coming together for the prizegiving and a lively fundraising auction, expertly hosted by Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved, the day raised over £20,000.

Importantly, all funds raised will be split between two fantastic charities - the Golf Foundation and Lord’s Taverners - both of which use the power of sport to positively impact the lives of young people.

Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said:

“Days like this perfectly capture what both the Golf Foundation and Lord’s Taverners are all about — bringing people together through sport to make a genuine difference to young lives. To see so many supporters enjoying the day, in great spirit despite the weather, and raising over £20,000 for our shared causes is fantastic. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who played, supported and contributed to making the event such a success.”

The Golf Foundation would like to extend its sincere thanks to Moor Park Golf Club for their generous hospitality, Pete Graves for hosting, all auction and raffle prize donors, and everyone who played and supported the event.

Representatives of the organisations gathered at Royal Lytham & St Annes for a special launch event to mark the start of the 2026 campaign in England’s north-west.

Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the 50th playing of the AIG Women’s Open from 29 July – 2 August, with nearby Royal Birkdale staging The 154th Open from 12 July – 19 July.

With both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open taking place in the same region, there is a great opportunity to maximise impact in the local area.

The ‘Road to The Opens’ initiative is designed to connect the excitement of both major championships with grassroots opportunities across schools, golf clubs and communities, creating important pathways for young people to experience and continue in the sport.

By engaging with the sport through fun and inclusive formats, young people will not only develop a lasting interest in golf but also feel connected to the championships in their home region, with the opportunity to watch the world’s best golfers in action on their doorstep.

The initiative aims to reach more than 3,500 young people in the local area across five stages of the ‘Junior Journey’, from picking up a club for the first time through to playing fun and competitive golf at a club or facility.

While this is the first time the ‘Road To The Opens’ will celebrate both championships together, the Golf Foundation and The R&A have delivered similar initiatives across Open venue host regions over the years, demonstrating the value of connecting major sporting moments with local delivery – creating inspiring experiences for young people while supporting clubs and communities to grow participation.

Since its introduction, the initiative has:

• Delivered golf experiences in schools, clubs and community settings, as well as training teachers to incorporate golf in ongoing activities.

• Created first opportunities for young people to try golf in engaging, accessible ways.

• Supported local venues to develop sustainable junior activity following The Open.
  

“With both The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the 50th staging of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, we have a unique opportunity to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to try golf and take up the sport through the opportunities being provided by the ‘Road To The Opens’ initiative.” said Kevin Barker, Director of Golf Development – GB&I and Africa at The R&A.

“Both championships are followed by millions of fans each year, providing a powerful platform to grow interest in the sport, and we want to harness that momentum across the region in the lead up to both championships. While the staging of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open will deliver significant economic benefits, we are equally focused on creating a lasting legacy for local communities through increased participation and by highlighting the many social, health and wellbeing benefits that golf can provide.”

As part of the ‘Road To The Opens’ in 2026, the organisations will be working together to deliver a wide-ranging programme of activity designed to introduce more young people to golf and support ongoing participation.

This will include:

• Trophy Tour visits to primary and secondary schools, golf clubs and community venues, with golf introductory sessions as well as special projects focusing on careers in golf opportunities for young people.  

• Delivery of Unleash Your Drive, a structured programme introducing young people to golf alongside key mental toughness skills.

• Community activations delivered in partnership with organisations including Liverpool FC, Everton FC and Aintree Racecourse.

• Opportunities for clubs to build on Trophy Tour visits through junior coaching, events and competitive formats such as GolfSixes League.

• Talks from The R&A, England Golf and Golf Foundation staff to explore the history of golf and highlight the many career opportunities golf can provide. 

The Trophy Tour will act as a central feature of the campaign, bringing the two iconic trophies directly into local communities and creating moments that inspire young people to take their first steps into the game.

“The Golf Foundation is delighted to support the road to two Open championships this year,” said Brendon Pyle, CEO of the Golf Foundation. “Using the inspiration of the best male and female players in the world competing in the north-west of England to encourage more young people to want to play golf in their schools, driving ranges and clubs. We know that there are so many physical and mental health benefits to playing our sport as well as some brilliant career opportunities for men and women – the ‘Road To The Opens’ provide the perfect chance to celebrate and showcase the opportunities that golf can bring to young people.”

With the global spotlight of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open, the ‘Road To The Opens’ initiative is focused on ensuring that the excitement of elite golf translates into long-term opportunities at a grassroots level.

By creating clear pathways from first experience to continued participation – across schools, clubs and communities – the campaign aims to leave a lasting legacy that extends well beyond the championships themselves.

England Golf Chief Executive, Jeremy Tomlinson said, “Junior golf is thriving in this country. With our Junior Journey and Junior Hubs providing the perfect venues for youngsters to try, learn and love golf in safe, inclusive and inspirational environments.

“Off the back of huge increases in junior club membership and junior iGolfers, the ‘Road To The Opens’ is only going to build on that momentum as we showcase that golf is a sport for all.”

Speaking about the launch Dr Jonathan Wright, External Relations at The PGA added, “PGA Members are at the heart of growing golf at every level, and the ‘Road to The Opens’ gives us a brilliant opportunity to showcase the incredible work they do every day, from delivering coaching at local clubs to visiting schools and communities.

“With two world class championships coming to the north-west this summer, we look forward to our Members playing their part in turning that excitement into lasting participation for young people across the region.”