About Heart Golf
How it Started
All my life I have been involved, in some way, with golf as a sport and golfers as individuals.
My main inspiration has been my Grandpa (pictured left). Grandpa was the captain of the ‘South Leeds Golf Club’ for many years with an impressive handicap of four. He played all over the world and I would enjoy listening to his many stories.
During my earlier years, he would take me to the driving range to hit some balls. Eventually, he allowed me to join him in a game of golf. Sadly, he always beat me! He would teach me the technique needed, course management and how to read the greens. Grandpa’s golfing came to an end at the age of 82 following a heart attack which required him to have a quadruple bypass.
Throughout my career I have gained qualifications in:
- British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation;
- Physical Activity & Exercise in Heart Failure;
- Exercise Training for Chronic Respiratory Disease;
- Exercise for the Prevention of Falls & Injuries in Frailer Older People;
- Level 3 Exercise Referral;
- Level 3 Pilates;
- Level 3 Personal Trainer; and
- Level 2 gym instructor.
In addition to the above, I have gained various CPD's through a variety of health coaching, behaviour change and mental health courses.
After a few months of attending the driving range, numerous walks with my cocker spaniel (named “Dougie”) and some strength workouts, Grandpa felt ready to take on 18 holes. To my amazement, Grandpa walked the whole course and we managed to get a full round of golf in - It was the only time I ever beat him!
Shortly after this, Grandpa suffered several strokes which significantly affected his speech and mobility. After a few months of hospital care and rehabilitation, he returned home. However, he was soon to be diagnosed with Dementia and was unable to care for himself independently.
Grandpa currently resides in a care home and has regained his mobility and speech. His daily regime consists of a walk followed by Augusta's 12th green, aka the corridor.
He has always said that you should enjoy life to the full and do what makes you happy.
So, I have taken his words of advice and combined my love of golf with knowledge and skill set to create ‘Heart Golf.
The aim is to help as many people as possible live a healthy long life.
On and off the golf course!
Hope to see you out on the course soon.
Paul