MORE THAN A GAME
With the link between dementia and football more prevalent than ever, is golf one of the solutions to the UK’s growing dementia crisis?
Watch the film to find out how two local football legends lives are transformed by golf in their battle with dementia
Meet the footballers
Centre Forward & Club Record Goal Scorer
Harrogate Town FC
1955 - 1973
Jim Hague
A local football legend, Jim’s career included playing for Bolton, Leeds and Harrogate Town. He was taught to head the ball by the late, great Nat Lofthouse.
Jim is immensely proud of his record of never missing a penalty with twenty-seven scored using his trusted technique of picking a bottom corner, never looking at the goalkeeper, and never changing his mind.
Jim discovered golf late in life and now loves it. Golf has quickly become the highlight of the week. He loves the banter, the competition, and the chance to learn new skills and recently achieved his lifetime golfing ambition, a hole in one at Rudding Park.
Watch the film
Towering Centre Back & Former Captain
Harrogate Town FC
1988 - 1973
Ferg Donaldson
Ferg was born to play sport, it's in his DNA.
His footballing career included representing Scotland at youth level and captaining Harrogate Town.
He was a no-nonsense, highly skilful footballer. His talent for heading the ball meant he could play in defence and up front. Most of his goals were scored from corners as he was an ever present threat to the opposition’s defence.
Ferg’s golfing career started at Lockerbie. He’s enjoyed golf throughout his life and is a fantastic player. There’s no weakness in his game.
Consistent off the tee, a great short game and deadly on the greens, he’s the perfect golfer to have on your side.
Watch the film
Meet the founder
Founder of
Golf In Society
Anthony Blackburn
“If we’re serious as a nation about improving the health & wellbeing of families living with dementia, then services like ours, designed with our customers at the heart of them have got to be more widely adopted”
I lost my dad 12 years ago. Along with my mum they remain my inspiration behind Golf in Society.
Dad enjoyed sport throughout his life, especially golf. When I started my social mission five years ago, it was to give people like dad, the opportunity to keep enjoying golf throughout their life.
With over 600 golf sessions successfully delivered, so many lives transformed, and the burning desire to see golf clubs at the heart of communities across the UK, my social mission is getting closer to becoming a reality.
“When dementia tries to stop people enjoying sport, we step in and keep that sporting spark alive”.As we emerge from COVID-19, the need to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults has never been greater.
“Knowing your making such a difference to people’s lives makes this the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life”.
“When I’m playing golf with Jim & Ferg, it’s just like golfing with my dad again”
Watch the film
Watch the full film
Now it's your turn
After watching the film do you think that golf sessions like this should be made available to support more families living with dementia in the UK?
Transforming the lives of families facing challenges later in life by introducing them to the health & wellbeing benefits of golf
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that you can help
If you'd like to get involved in our social mission here's how you can get started TODAY
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Investing in our social mission
“A simple hello can lead to a million things”.
We are keen to talk to potential investors and partners who share our social mission. There are so many ways stakeholders can invest and support our project.
As you can see, we are proving how golf clubs can become the beating heart of dementia communities across the UK.
If you, your organisation or your network are interested in supporting us develop our network of venues across the UK, then please get in touch with Anthony Blackburn.
Volunteers who want to give something back to their local community through sport are the types of people we are interested in recruiting.
Our “golf buddy” role means you get the chance to make a difference to people’s lives whilst enjoying a sport you love.
For a full list of volunteer opportunities and venues, please visit our website.
“You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never truly repay you”
Volunteering
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Members
"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try"
We are always looking to support more families with our golf sessions. The good news is that no previous golf experience is required to get involved.
So, if you, or someone you know is looking for a service that supports carers and people diagnosed with dementia simultaneously, then our services could be the perfect match.
We need people to share our story. By doing this, we will be able to provide more families with the opportunity to enjoy a happier, healthier life at their local golf club. Can you imagine having sport ripped out of your life?
That is what dementia does. At Golf in Society we are changing that and tackling dementia full-on. So, if you are interested in helping us spread the word and supporting our mission, then we would love to hear from you.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that really matter in life"
Become an Ambassador
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