Trade This Tee
January 28, 2021
Over the course of the pandemic, despite the times of hardship we have faced we have seen some incredible stories of people’s efforts to raise money, awareness or a general effort to help lift the mood of many great causes including care homes, under-privileged children and of course our emergency services who have worked tirelessly in a bid to keep our nation safe.
Perhaps one of the biggest tests our nation has faced together is the strain on our mental well-being. Of course, this is not a new issue but one major positive of this pandemic is that our mental health is now being spoken about more than ever and many are doing there bit to help change the future for how we help those who need it most.
During my weekends of strolling outside and scrolling at night I discovered Chris’ charitable mission to provide a membership to a UK based golfer who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to become a member of a golf club. He isn’t just going out and buying a membership to donate, Chris is embarking upon a remarkable journey. Trading his way up to the membership armed with the one thing ever golfer has – probably in various drawers and crannies around our houses…a Tee.
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After 7 weeks @trade_this_tee has seen massive interest from all parts of the golf industry; individuals, independent brands, PGA professionals and well-known personalities within the game have all shown their support. It has been inspiring to see how the golf community has come together to get involved by any means possible.
All of these acts of kindness and charity are being done without knowing who’ll be the recipient of something far greater than your normal club membership.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this membership may be a lifeline to a struggling individual or an outlet to offer somebody the opportunity of respite from the stress and strains they have had to endure over the course of the past year. The membership will provide somebody with a huge network of support and a sense of community not just from the club they join but from all of those who have supported the journey from tee to membership. This journey may have started with one person’s kindness but, it will not be possible without the support and camaraderie of the golf community. The support so far has been fantastic to follow @trade_this_tee but there is more we can all do to play our part. Messages of support, likes and shares will all make this possible so don’t feel that you have to trade to get involved in this journey every small act we make now by supporting this mission will lead to something truly special when see the positive impact the golf community can make.
A Quick Q&A
Handicap, Years playing golf?- “10, the lowest I’ve managed is 6.4 (got the 0.1 back straight after!) but that was back when I had more time to practice. I’ve played since I was 13 so almost 23 years now.” What is the aim of your mission and what inspired you to start? This is a charitable mission is to provide a membership to a UK based golfer who may not have otherwise had opportunity to be a member of a golf club. The pandemic has and will continue to have a massive influence on our lives and mental health. It has been noticeable when speaking to the golf community during these periods where golf has been closed as part of lockdown restrictions – there seems to have been a realisation of exactly how important a role the game plays in people’s lives. To think that someone may not have the opportunity beyond the pandemic struck a cord and that is what made me start the campaign. The spirt of the mission is to help one person in need through golf. The end benefactor of this hasn’t been identified but in my mind it might be someone in the NHS, a person who has gone over and above to help others during the pandemic, lost their livelihood through redundancy, that sort of thing. It is the opportunity of helping that one person that It has been encouraging to see the support the project has received, although I am not surprised as the golfing community has a great camaraderie. The membership will be obtained through various trades of golfing related items which increase in value each time a trade is made. The first trade was a white, wooden golf tee and 6 trades have been completed in 7 weeks. I have some incredible interest in future trades from individuals, independent brands, PGA professionals and other golf personalities and if those come to fruition there will be some great items up for grabs that will no doubt help us get to the end goal.
Favourite Trade so far?- The first trade with @fescueanddunes was special as it gave me the belief that others would buy into the project. It is impossible to decide as each person that traded has shown an incredible amount of generosity and I will always be thankful to them. Details of each person that has traded can be found on my account and I urge people reading this to follow them if they don’t already.
What would you trade for a wildcard pick in Padraig Harrington’s Ryder Cup team?- My right arm – but not sure how effective I would be in the team after that! If Mr Harrington is willing to put that up for trade then I’m sure we can find him something suitable as a swap…….
What defines a good round?- I used to be focused on score as the measure of enjoyment for my golf. I took a break from regular golf between 2016 and the end of Lockdown 1 as I was really busy with other areas of my life. Since getting back into golf in May 2020 my primary aim has been to enjoy the time with friends, my dad and being away from the demands of work and family life but do still enjoy the competitiveness.
Which golfer or famous person would you most like to – Partner, Beat, Avoid?
Partner – Ian Poulter – People seem to either love or hate Poults, but I’ve been a massive fan for years. I remember watching him get his first win at the 2002 Italian Open on TV. He would be an awesome partner as he’s shown in the past Ryder Cups
Beat – Tiger – no explanation needed – how cool would that be?
Avoid – I’d happily golf with anyone. It’s frustrating when people don’t uphold the main principles of the game i.e. being aware of pace of play, respecting others, not replacing divots or pitch marks, etc. If we can avoid that altogether then I think it would improve everyone’s enjoyment of the game.
What would you most like to change about the game of golf?- The authorities and those with influence trying to get more people into the game. It was encouraging to see the R&A appoint Modest Golf, headed by Niall Horan this week to help them with this. I would also like to see more golf clubs try to adopt a business mindset and be more inclusive to people within their communities. I don’t think the facilities golf clubs have at their disposal get utilised to their potential and it is a shame. Done correctly clubs could improve their revenue, engagement with neighbor’s and become more economically sustainable rather than relying on the more traditional or established forms of income.
Favourite on course summer refreshment?- Tough to beat a cold beer from a well-stocked halfway house!
Weirdest item in your golf bag?- I tend to carry a pencil bag so don’t have much more than I need for that round of golf in the bag to be honest. It’s not really ‘weird’ but my current putter is a blade style made by Auchterlonies in St Andrews. It was bought for me by my grandparents from the shop by the 18th green at The Old Course when I was born. It always gets a few comments from playing partners and is older than most of the mates I golf with regularly.
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