Golfers give back as epic ‘Ride To The Open’ finishes at Royal Birkdale and raises £34,000 for the Golf Foundation

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A team of golf lovers took to their bicycles to complete the first 420km ‘Ride To The Open’ from Wentworth to Royal Birkdale and The 154th Open on Sunday, raising £34,000 for the Golf Foundation.

The initiative is part of the work in helping children to enjoy golf and build confidence and resilience through the sport.

The three-day odyssey for the 14 cyclists took place during some of England’s most extreme heat, and the ride had its “tough moments” physically, with the team needing to demonstrate their own resilience and battle on.

The trip finished in the best possible way as they cycled triumphantly into The Open venue at 4pm on Sunday and enjoyed a celebration to remember on the 1st tee of this week’s venue in England’s north-west.

The team of cyclists – many who had not met before signing up for the challenge – share a love of golf and a commitment to helping young people enjoy opportunities in the sport and receive all the physical and mental wellbeing benefits the game offers. 

After completing hours of training, the ride started on Friday morning at 8.30am at Wentworth, Surrey, and the team cycled for three days on a carefully planned route, the first day needing nearly 10 hours in the saddle to make the required progress.  

The R&A is a long-term major supporter of the Golf Foundation’s role in helping children from all backgrounds to try golf, including through its national programme Unleash Your Drive which has registered 2,400 UK schools and a growing number of golf clubs in a scheme started three years ago by the Foundation’s President Nick Dougherty, former European Tour star and now Sky Sports Golf presenter.

Golf Foundation Chairman Steve Day said he was proud of the hard work of the cyclists, as they exemplified the value of backing yourself, never giving up, and teamwork, all attributes learned in Unleash Your Drive.

He said: “Everyone has been really supportive and encouraging. It was incredibly hot and became very challenging but I was proud that everyone helped each other and we all ensured that we would get through each day. We shared some great moments and there were definitely tough moments.

“You put 14 riders together and by the end of it you feel like a team, it's been brilliant. There has been a buzz every morning at breakfast and we're looking forward to our final evening meal together.”

Danie Ferry is a golfer from Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey. She said: “It wasn’t easy but riding in a big group with amazing people really helped. I just love what the Golf Foundation stands for. The way they help kids to get the chance to learn golf, which is very relevant to me as I started when I was nine. It’s great what this sport gives young people; the exercise, respecting others and the social skills; there are so many great things to offer youngsters so I was happy to help the Golf Foundation.”

Russ Groombridge is the Junior Organiser at Fulwell Golf Club near London. Russ said: “This ride was a great challenge but we all did well, and I needed the three or four months of training. Our golf club is involved in the Golf Foundation’s GolfSixes League, and Unleash Your Drive, and we raised money for the Foundation at our club championship too.

“I was lucky to grow up at a club with a great junior section which gave me a passion for the game, and I wanted to do the same for others and, like the Golf Foundation, I want to see more kids enjoying being out in the fresh air, keeping physically and mentally healthy. That’s what it’s all about.”

Steve Day continued: “A huge thank you to The R&A for looking after us all so well and creating the lovely moment when we could all stand on the first tee at The154th Open and take in what we had achieved together.”

The Foundation Chairman praised fellow Trustee Jim Brigden for stepping up to support his charity on the ride himself, and all the cyclists did their own fundraising to top the £30,000 target.

“They've all done brilliantly. We can’t thank the team enough and these funds will reach more youngsters and give them confidence and resilience through enjoying a new sport.”