The Golf Trust is a charity dedicated to introducing or reintroducing individuals with various disabilities to the game of golf.
In the UK, 24% of the population is registered as disabled, which amounts to approximately 16 million people who have limited or no access to recreational sports. Regardless of their disability status, everyone benefits from being active. Engaging in sports enhances both physical and mental health and fosters social interaction, all of which contribute to a better and happier life.
This is where The Golf Trust comes in. It delivers projects across the UK to people from six to 100 years of age, breaking down the barriers so that anyone can experience the benefits of recreational golf. It works with autism charities, spinal rehabilitation centres, and dementia groups to create specific programmes and coaching to help provide a tailored, enjoyable golf experience.
The charity made headlines in 2024 when a team of golfers spent 24 hours playing golf to raise £24,000 to purchase a Paragolfer for the 24% of the UK’s population who have a disability. These amazing machines help wheelchair users and people with mobility issues stand to hit a golf ball. Some of the Golf Trust’s users have never been able to stand, so having the chance to ‘rise up and play’ is life changing. The physical and mental health benefits are unparalleled, and having access to regular recreational sport provides users with a new sense of independence.
This year, the same team is ‘going the extra mile’ playing 18 rounds of golf across five countries in just six days. The ambitious objective is to raise £80,000 to purchase three new Paragolfers to be placed in parts of the UK where there is currently no local access to these specialist vehicles.
“When we first started, there were no Paragolfers available for public use anywhere in the UK,” explains founder of The Golf Trust, Cae Menai-Davis. “Six years later, there are now 10 Paragolfers, publicly available and free to access, but we still need more. We see what happens when people get into a Paragolfer. It’s a powerful, emotional experience for the person, their family, and friends. We want people to get behind us and sponsor our efforts so that we can show what happens when we all go the extra mile.”
The team will set off from The Golf Trust’s home, The Shire London, on June 16th 2025 and finish their journey at the home of golf, St Andrews, six days later. Along the way, the team will play different types of golf courses, highlighting golf’s accessibility and affordability. They will also meet local people and communities along the way who have experienced the positive impact of golf to share their stories.
Fundraising is already underway with a fabulous crowdfunder where donations can be made to win prizes, including amazing golf experiences and the hottest golf tickets: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-golf-trust—going-the-extra-mile.
Find out more about The Golf Trust by visiting thegolftrust.com.
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