Growing up, I went through a phase of trying just about every sport you could think of, and golf ultimately found its place right at the bottom of the list. But at 16, I decided to give golf another go. I knew Dad played every weekend, and my curiosity got the better of me. What’s the fun in hitting a ball around a field and then walking after it? But as soon as I gave it a proper try, something switched in me and slowly but surely, the other hobbies that once took priority began to fade away.
Golf is a game like no other. It’s an art full of history, stories, personalities and experiences. It’s the old boys staying active and social, the young guns chasing dreams of turning pro, and the weekend warriors embracing the camaraderie at their local club. It’s the sticklers for the rules and the rebels who play it their way. It’s the young lads sharing laughs over a few beers on the course, the business deals being sealed between swings, and the solace found in escaping everyday struggles. It’s the guy in the clubhouse replaying every shot over a pint, convinced he left at least five strokes out there and the bloke who’s just happy to get away from his mrs. Golf is tranquil, yet competitive. It offers peace, yet sparks adrenaline. It’s a sport where every course is unique, and every round has its own story. And my passion for exploring new courses might seem niche, but it’s born from an appreciation for how magical the game of golf truly is.
In June 2023, Mum began feeling unwell, and by August, she was gone. The lung cancer had spread so aggressively that by the time we knew, it was already too late. Only a few months earlier, we’d been in Portugal, blissfully unaware of how drastically life was about to change. Her loss made me look at everything differently. The regrets, the things I’d done or hadn’t done, the future grandchildren she wouldn’t get to meet and some of her favourite recipes I’d never get to cook. The realization that the little struggles we face daily are nothing compared to losing someone who shaped your entire world.
Mum was the kind of person who always gave back. At different points in her life, she worked in charity shops and often helped with fundraising for a local hospice, all while managing a full-time job, taking care of the housework and cooking and making sure her ‘boys’ were alright. She never got the chance to enjoy retirement or spend her twilight years with Dad, and that really hits me hard.
In her memory, I’ve made an incredibly tough decision that feels both terrifying and exhilarating. I’m giving up the business I inherited, a stable job that’s done well for me, and using my savings to buy a motorhome. With it, I’ll be traveling around the UK, attempting to play as many golf courses as possible to break the record of 580. It’s a huge risk, stepping away from a secure lifestyle into the unknown, with no guarantees of what comes next. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for a couple of charities that hold a place close to my heart. I’ll be documenting the entire journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, on social media, taking you along with me every step of the way. I have no idea where this journey will lead, but I’m putting my faith in my passion for golf and hoping that, by the end, something within the world of golf will appear.
If you’re in a position to support this cause, no matter how small, every single penny donated will go directly to the charities I’m supporting. You can read more about the two charities I’ve chosen, why they mean so much to me, and make a donation by clicking [here].