A field of 40 of the UK’s leading golf industry professionals graced the fairways at Gaudet Luce Golf & Leisure Complex in Worcestershire as the inaugural Golf Club Talk UK podcast Golf Day got under way.
Conditions through the day were variable, with plenty of sharp spring downpours to keep the competition lively. The team winners were Dan Housley of Obbi Golf, Lawrence Liao of 3D and More and Gavin Robinson of Purley Downs, who also took the overall title on the day.
Founders and hosts of The Golf Club Talk UK podcast Eddie Bullock and Leighton Walker were delighted with the turnout, which included representatives from several governing bodies including the GCMA, the CPGA, BIGGA and the R&A. Attendees of the event were raising money for the AFRIYEA Golf Academy in Uganda – cause very close to Bullock and Walker’s hearts.
The GCTUK podcast provides an entertaining and informative look at Golf Club life in the UK. The show features interviews with the people that make things happen in the industry but also provides listeners with reviews of clubs that are at the top of their game. Largely the show is aimed at people working in the golf industry and who govern clubs. It aims to provide best practices and take a positive and forward thinking look at where golf clubs are heading in the United Kingdom.
“We have been incredibly inspired to learn about the work going on in Uganda to create better opportunities for young people through golf,” explained Walker. “Rarely do you come across an organisation that is using golf to such a way that it provides education and opportunities to youngsters to improve their own futures, which is why we were so keen to support them this year.
Isaiah Mwesige, founder of the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, was able to attend the prize giving at Gaudet Luce which fell during his recent trip to the UK funded by the Commonwealth scholarship scheme. The programme enables professionals from across the Commonwealth countries to learn skills that they can take back to their countries and use to improve the quality of life for their citizens. This year’s programme was on sustainability and clean air.
“My time in the UK has been a profound learning experience that has opened my eyes to the incredible work being done to preserve and protect our planet, as well as the work that remains to be done,” commented Isaiah. “I have met a myriad of people from all walks of life all of whom have been happy to share their knowledge with me. I will leave here with a newfound appreciation for golf and the environment and thank everyone who took part in the event for their contribution to supporting the AFRIYEA Academy.”
The funds raised at the Golf Club Talk UK golf day will provide fees, meals, pens, and books for ten children, pay three coaches for the month of June and cover motorcycle transportation to schools and communities. A little goes a long way in Uganda, which is why Eddie & Leighton hopes that more people will be inspired to donate money and equipment.
“There are many simple ways that people can help support Isaiah and the AFRIYEA Golf Academy,“ Bullock commented. “Any equipment, used, new or unwanted will be put to good use and help Isaiah allocate the funds towards paying coaches to attend the Academy. I’d like to thank everyone who came to the golf day on behalf of myself, Leighton and Isaiah and look forward to meeting up again next year.”