A group of young Ukrainian golfers participated in a golf clinic attended by Justin Rose and Matt Southgate as they were welcomed to The Belfry for the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.
Project Ukraine, an initiative created by nine women from The R&A's Women in Golf Leadership Programme, held its initial coaching camp last year with this year’s edition welcoming 13 participants from the Ukrainian Golf Federation.
As part of the camp, which runs until July 1, they were invited to the Betfred British Masters as part of a programme that looks to enhance the skills of the young golfers forced to leave their war-torn homeland.
“For these guys to be here, they must be so excited,” said Southgate.
“I was privileged enough to go to The Open as a kid with my Dad so for them to be able to be on the range hitting some balls it is great.
“There is no other sport in the world where you can do this, where you have got kids hitting balls on the range next to their idols. You can’t play with the England football team the day before a game.
“It is special, I love it.”
Since last year's camp, Project Ukraine has been able to support young Ukrainian golfers by providing them with training, coaching, golf club membership and access to competitions to help them continue to grow their talent.
In addition to the trip to the Betfred British Masters, the latest camp has included guidance from top quality coaches, practice opportunities and a special event featuring members from MacDonald Portal Golf and Spa Resort in Cheshire and junior players from Hill Valley Golf Club.
Reflecting on his involvement in the project, Rose said: “It is a lovely concept to take budding young golfers who have a talent and giving them an opportunity to nurture their talent and provide a positive distraction to what is going on at home.”
