Tommy Fleetwood becomes first player ambassador for Unleash Your Drive in Schools initiative
PGA Tour star Tommy Fleetwood has lent his support to Golf Foundation's popular new initiative for youngsters.
Tommy Fleetwood has committed his support to the Golf Foundation’s new 'Unleash Your Drive in Schools' initiative by becoming the first player ambassador for the campaign.
Fleetwood, 33, is considered one of the world's best golfers with seven DP World Tour titles and a Race to Dubai Rankings to his name.
The popular Englishman has also excelled on the Ryder Cup stage, helping Team Europe to two victories in both 2018 and 2023.
Fleetwood, who finished T3 at The Masters this season, will support Golf Foundation's new initiative through a series of activations, as well as visiting schools that have seen the impact of the sport already.
The World No.12 will also play a key role in spreading the message to more schools across the country.
With children of his own and an Academy that helps to give youngsters the opportunity to enjoy golf as a fun experience, Fleetwood has a keen interest in the impact of the game on the next generation.
Unleash Your Drive in Schools, which launched in September 2023, is spearheaded by Golf Foundation President and three-time European Tour winner Nick Dougherty.
The initiaitive is aimed at changing the face of mental wellbeing in primary schools through the introduction of a specially created mental toughness golf programme.
A six-week programme can be delivered by teachers via digital resources. The programme uses specially adapted Golfway equipment to teach fun and inclusive games with mental toughness tools embedded thoughout, and it looks to prepare pupils for life inside and outside the classroom.
Early studies have indicated a 19% rise in mental wellbeing among those who have participated in the initiative, with concentration, confidence, emotional control and determination all part of the areas that see big improvement.
Over 700 schools have already registered their interest in the Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme to date.
The initiative has attracted attention at Parliament recently, being highlighted by the Schools Minister, Damian Hinds MP, in a House of Commons debate on Education, and also by Baroness Nye in a House of Lords discussion on the Health Benefits of Community Sport on Young People.
Scroll below for Fleetwood's comments...
Fleetwood said:
“Golf has taught me many valuable lessons along the way, lessons that I continue to learn each and every day, so I am always looking for opportunities to share this great game with the next generation.
"The Golf Foundation’s drive to get golf in primary schools was hugely appealing to me, and I love the fact it is founded and centred on mental wellbeing.
"If we can use our game to help teach young people better resilience, patience and emotional control, then we’ve achieved something great. Hopefully I can play a small part in that, and help continue the great work that the Golf Foundation and Nick have started!"
Brendon Pyle, CEO of the Golf Foundation, said:
"We are delighted to have Tommy support Unleash Your Drive as a Player Ambassador.
"As a well-known and popular Ryder Cup player, he has the power to reach a huge number of young people across the world and help us to make a bigger impact through our work.
"Tommy actually approached us off the back of our recent Westminster event, as he loved what we were doing and wanted to get involved, so the passion is genuine and it’s great to have his support.
"We’re excited about what we can achieve with both him and Nick Dougherty leading the way."
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