Trafford Golf Centre PGA professionals, plus BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker, took on eight Battle Back Golfers last week in a highly anticipated Ryder Cup style competition held at Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, which had been postponed since the spring due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Prior to lockdown and Covid-19, the Trafford Golf Centre pros were on track to take on the Battle Back golfers. Having begun tuition last November, eight injured service personnel linked to Battle Back Golf, which is closely connected to past Invictus Games Captain Bernie Broad, progressed well in their game, so well, that they were able to take the win against the pros.
Speaking at the close of the match, BBC’s Dan Walker said: “During the competition, it was incredible to hear stories from the Battle Back Golfers and to understand some more about what they’ve been through. It is fantastic to see how much they enjoy the sport, so much so, that we got well and truly whooped! A deserved victory for the guys.”
At the end of 2019, The Academy at Trafford Golf Centre partnered with Battle Back Golf, a programme which utilises golf to enhance the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service personnel, to offer life-changing coaching. Now the UK’s busiest driving range, Trafford Golf Centre provided six one-hour coaching sessions and gave £100 of ball credit to each participant to help them with their practice.
As a venue, Trafford Golf Centre prides itself on being inclusive for all and sees customers with a variety of disabilities on a regular basis. From visual impairments to injured service personnel, the Academy team enjoy taking time to introduce new people to the sport, ensuring a fairway into golf regardless of the ability.
Director of Golf at Trafford Golf Centre, Pete Styles added: “We thoroughly enjoyed the competition with the Battle Back Golfers last week and, although it’s tough to admit it, it was a pleasure to see them take the win. At Trafford Golf Centre, we strive to swing the balance in golf and make it more accessible to all. Initiatives such as Battle Back Golf proves the sport can assist with rehabilitation, mental health and much more.”
Bernie Broad, Vice Chairman of Battle Back said: “We really appreciate the support the Academy coaches have given to the veterans and serving personnel to date – it’s clearly worked as we managed to take the win! Anyone who is looking to get into golf, ex-services or not, Trafford Golf Centre has superb facilities, high standard of coaching and the technology to help you enjoy the sport.”