Trump Turnberry tees up golf tuition for local hero

The iconic Trump Turnberry has teamed up with the On Course Foundation to offer golf tuition to local residents, with the first student announced as local war veteran, James Smith.

Identified for his military service in Afghanistan - where he lost both legs after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device - James, affectionately nicknamed ‘Smudger’, currently plays off a handicap of 30 and will receive a monthly 90-minute coaching session, use of Turnberry’s practice facilities along with the opportunity to play the Arran and King Robert the Bruce courses. In addition to this, he will receive On Course tuition throughout the year from Turnberry’s Golf Academy manager, Oli Foster.

The On Course Foundation supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans – supporting their recovery and successful transition to civilian life through a programme of confidence-building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.

James said: “I am really excited to get out on the course and improve my golf. To be able to play such iconic courses every month is going to be a real pleasure and I am looking forward to learning and developing with Oli.”

Foster has been overseeing the development of Turnberry’s teaching professionals since he joined the team in 2018 - and has a strong passion for coaching all ages and abilities.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help James improve all aspects of his game, and understand how we can improve through technique, skills tests and course management,” Foster said.

Will Barker, head of fundraising at the On Course Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Trump Turnberry, to offer golf tuition to the veteran community who truly deserve to experience the joy of golf. We believe in bringing accessible golf to wounded veterans – using it as a vehicle for their rehabilitation.

Turnberry director of golf, Ricky Hall, said: “It is a pleasure to be able to partner with the On Course Foundation. We are more than pleased to create these tuition opportunities for more people to get involved in golf. We could not have picked a more deserving person to be our first student.” 

Turnberry’s Golf Academy brings a wealth of world-class practice facilities, cutting-edge technology and expert PGA professionals to help develop golfers’ skills to ensure an unforgettable experience for all abilities.

Using Science and Motion ‘SAM’ analysis, golfers can delve into every part of their stroke, at the resort’s putting studio. The teaching studio also incorporates Trackman dual-radar technology, combined with three slow-motion cameras, to allow Turnberry’s teaching professionals to analyse every part of the golf swing.

The third studio is designed for a premium custom-fitting experience, where the use of Trackman technology gives an in-depth look into how shaft, head and grip combination will improve efficiency in dispersion, distance and control.

Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with the Isle of Arran and the Ailsa Craig serving as a stunning backdrop, Turnberry remains one of the finest golf destinations in the world. Its Ailsa course is regularly rated as one of the world’s best, while the neighbouring King Robert the Bruce also hugs the rugged coastline for several scintillating holes, observed from above by Turnberry’s iconic lighthouse.

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