When Golf Becomes Comfort for Dementia Survivors

For many people, golf is a sport, a lifestyle, and a space for friendship. But in England, golf also becomes a place to bring new hope for those living with dementia.

This initiative is called "Fore" Get Me Not Golf. The program, born in Suffolk, provides vital support for patients and families affected by dementia by offering monthly sessions on the golf course.

Tony Pennock, PGA Professional and General Manager at Seckford Golf Club, knows exactly how heavy life is living alongside dementia. Both of his parents suffered from the disease. That pain hit hard, but it became the energy to fight the stigma and open up a new space through golf.

Pennock first got the idea while visiting a dementia café at Ipswich Town, the football club he supports. There, patients and caregivers could meet, chat, and feel less alone.

His meeting with Wendy Chard, a dementia expert from Home Instead, became a turning point. Wendy has decades of experience in this field, plus her personal experience caring for a parent who also had dementia. From a simple conversation, the idea emerged to combine golf with a meeting space for patients and families.

A Small Café, Big Impact

They opened a small café at the golf club. Participants were invited onto the driving range, to hold a club, and then hit the ball. The results were surprising. Some hadn't played for years, but once they gripped the club, their muscle memory seemed to return. Smiles reappeared.

Not only the patients, the caregivers also felt the benefits. Some joined in the practice, others could take a short break while sipping coffee. From there, the program grew, even spreading to Dereham Golf Club.

"Seeing them shine again is incredibly satisfying," said Pennock. 
"I've been a golf pro for 48 years, and this is probably the best thing I've ever done," he continued.

Golf, an Inclusive Space

Now, "Fore" Get Me Not Golf" isn't stopping in Suffolk. Pennock and Chard are sharing their experiences through a free online CPD Workshop for PGA members. This workshop focuses on dementia awareness training and how to make golf courses truly friendly and inclusive spaces.

Through this workshop, PGA Professionals are encouraged to equip themselves with skills to: confidently create a golf environment welcoming to all, understand the benefits of golf – social, physical, and cognitive – for people with dementia, and provide input so future training increasingly meets the needs of the golf community.

More Than Just a Sport

Golf has always been known as a sport combining skill, focus, and togetherness. Now, through "Fore" Get Me Not Golf", golf proves it has a broader role, becoming a space to support, heal, and bring happiness to those who are struggling.

Because behind every swing of the club, there's a smile, a story, and new hope being born. (pga.info)