Using golf to help local veterans!

For most, golf is a pastime. For some, it's a genuine life saver.

Sale Golf Club has teamed up with charity Trafford Veterans at the MESS to use golf as a way to help a group of local veterans.

Golf Club Manager John Jackson recently met with the founder of the Trafford veterans Andy Graham to discuss what Sale Golf Club could do to help the charity.

With the help of PGA Professional Pete Mackenzie, John has organised a 6 week golf coaching programme for the group of veterans which will conclude with 18 holes of golf. The 6 week coaching programme will begin on Monday 24th July.

Many of the veterans the charity works with have had difficulties re-integrating back into civilian life after their time in the services and armed forces. Some of them have disabilities caused by injury, illness or mental health issues, and some of them struggle because they have been away from civilian life for a very long time.

The idea behind the six week coaching programme is to get the veterans to a standard of golf which will allow them to go and play golf and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of golf. Studies show that golf has been proven to improve mental well being, relieve stress, reduce anxiety and improve depression.

We are fundraising to help cover the costs of:

* 6 x 1 hour coaching sessions at £30 an hour

* 8 x Polo shirts for the veterans at £20 per shirt

* 8 x Green fees at £20 per person

Once the costs are covered, any additional money that is raised will be donated to the Trafford Veterans at the MESS.

This is a great cause that could really help to make a difference to these peoples lives.

We would really appreciate any donations no matter how big or small - every little helps!