After a successful association with Help for Heroes, The National Golf Club Challenge team – organisers of the UK’s largest amateur charity inter-club golf event – have announced a change of beneficiary for their various fundraising initiatives. From 2016 On Course Foundation will be the new National Golf Club Challenge partner and sole beneficiary for a period of 5 years.
On Course Foundation supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans through golf.
The charity’s mission is to build confidence and self-belief in its Members through golf skills and employment events, and set them on the path to meaningful employment opportunities in the golf industry. As a sport, golf offers a unique platform where players of all skills and backgrounds can compete healthily, improving not only their physical but mental strength too. With many lacking self-belief, it’s the Foundation’s aim to help Members realise their potential and set them on a fulfilling career path.
“The National Golf Club Challenge has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with Help for Heroes,” Stacey Jeffries, NGCC Event Director commented, “I am extremely proud of what NGCC has achieved over the last 6 years, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support – through the work of Help for Heroes – our brave men and women injured while serving our country. It is a testament to the benevolence of the worldwide golfing community who have united with us during this period.”
Stacey went on to say “We are now excited to move on to what we see as a natural progression for The National Golf Club Challenge. Through the wonderful initiatives put in place by On Course Foundation NGCC will continue to support our injured Soldiers, helping to enrich and rebuild their lives through the game of golf we all love.”
The new partnership with On Course Foundation will mean participating golf clubs will get to see how their fundraising will directly benefit the lives of individual veterans, many of whom will be local to their club.
NGCC Patron, Lee Westwood OBE commented, “The National Golf Club Challenge has done a fabulous job since 2010 and I’m excited to continue as Patron to the event moving forward, supporting On Course Foundation. I am really pleased to see how the game we all love to play can make a significant contribution to the lives of our Heroes as they work to rebuild their lives after suffering life changing injuries protecting our freedoms.”
Sam Torrance, OBE also commented, “As a proud Patron of The National Golf Club Challenge, I think the new partnership with On Course Foundation is a perfect fit. It means we can continue the good work of supporting the brave lads and lasses from our Armed Forces who have suffered both physical and mental scars, by providing opportunities within golf. Superb!”
“With many of our Members lacking confidence, it’s been our aim to help each person realise their potential both on the golf course and within the golf industry, with the aim of setting them on a fulfilling career path,” Managing Director of On Course Foundation Steve Holt remarks. “NGCC are a great partner for us and we are delighted to be involved with Stacey and his team. We very much look forward to a long, fruitful relationship, spreading awareness of our cause, and ultimately helping even more deserving beneficiaries.”
Golf clubs all over the UK are invited to take part in the 2016 National Golf Club Challenge, by holding a qualifier at their own club – at the same time as fundraising for On Course Foundation. The aim of the event is to bring hundreds of golf clubs, and tens of thousands of golfers together to compete against each other, at the same time as demonstrating their support for our injured troops.
Challenge Patron Marc Warren extended the following invitation, “I challenge golf club Captains, Secretaries, Pros, General Managers and golfers of all levels to get involved and make a difference. Remember, the funds raised will mean more brave individuals can learn new skills, build greater self-confidence and acquire valuable work experience as part of the Great British golfing community.”
Star of the Ladies European Tour, NGCC Patron Melissa Reid said, “I’m thrilled to continue to be a part of such a worthy cause. Using golf to provide opportunities for real British Heroes as they rebuild their lives is a win, win for everyone.”
There is no registration fee for golf clubs to take part in The National Golf Club Challenge. The only requirement is to raise as much money as possible through fundraising for On Course Foundation in, or around your NGCC event any time in May, June or July in 2016.
Golf clubs can register online to take part in the 2016 National Golf Club Challenge by going to www.ngcc.uk or calling 01780 765599.