A DEDICATED Droitwich golf coach who spends his free time helping blind people to play the game has received national recognition.
James Drury was handed a certificate and pin badge from England Golf after clocking up more than 50 hours volunteering at Gaudet Luce Golf Club.
As well as supporting the work of the club professional to run coaching sessions, the 18-year-old has been helping younger members make their mark.
The Droitwich Spa High School student has also been helping out at special sessions to help blind people get into golf by acting as a mentor.
Mark Laing, development officer for the Worcestershire Golf Development Group, said: “James should be congratulated for the time and effort he has put back into the sport.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of many clubs and organisations and the hours of unpaid work they undertake are vital to the well-being of the sport.
“They carry out that work without looking for recognition for their efforts, but it is nice once in a while to pay tribute and say thanks for everything they contribute to the golfing world.”
Drury, who became interested in the sport at the age of 12 and now aims to complete a golf degree, said PGA professional Russell Adams has been a key role in helping him develop as a coach.
“Russell has been very supportive in me joining in on the coaching side,” he said.
“I have helped out with New2Golf practice evenings on the range, blind golf coaching sessions by pairing up with a blind person and their guide on the par three course, as well as girls’ county coaching sessions.
“I’ve also helped some younger members achieve their handicaps by completing handicap cards for them. I want to try and give them the feeling I got when I first started, which I can’t value any higher.”
He added: “Russell and his team of coaches have a fantastic knowledge and were able to provide quality coaching to give me a perfect footing in the game, but with the priority being on fun and enjoying golf.”
