Support across local clubs
The initiative has been rolled out in recent months by golf clubs through healthcare professionals to allow patients to experience the widespread physical, mental and social benefits that the sport offers. Around 30 participants have been involved this year with more programmes planned for this spring. Julie McMahon has been among the group involved at Cluny.
“Scrolling through Facebook one day, a friend of mine had shared a post from a local GP surgery advertising golf for health,” explained Julie. “I thought ‘oh, this looks quite interesting.’ I read a bit more about it and realised anybody could participate.
“I must have been feeling brave that day and I signed up. Having a bit of anxiety working at home through the pandemic, living alone, I felt I needed to get out and do things and meet new people. I almost talked myself out of coming along that morning and I’m so glad I didn’t. I walked in and couldn’t have been more welcomed, met a fantastic group of women in the session and also the staff at Cluny have been so inclusive. I’ve learnt a lot of new things in golf. It’s really made a difference to me.”
She continued, “My confidence has come back and just being fitter. I slipped on black ice at the very beginning of the pandemic and fractured my coxic. Having that lower back injury and putting on weight, having this activity has got me back into exercise again and taking care of myself, valuing myself again. It’s just been fantastic for my mental and physical health.”