Golf tournament to raise charity funds

Help for Heroes has been named as the major beneficiary of a special golf tournament that will once again be held in the north-east this year.

The English Senior Open golf tournament will take place from August 22nd to 24th at the Rockliffe Hall course near Darlington, reports the Northern Echo.

Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick Garrison has been named as the tournament's official charity partner, so plenty of money will hopefully be raised to support the injured and wounded servicemen and women who head there for treatment.

Prior to the main event, there will be a professional-amateur competition, and Rockliffe Hall has announced it will sponsor a team of veterans from Phoenix House to compete. They will receive a period of intensive golf tuition over the coming months to bring them up to standard.

They will be guided in their quest to compete at the tournament by professional Paul Wesselingh, who is set to put a group of six veterans through their paces, before three are chosen to join him in a team.

Michaela Slay, events coordinator at Phoenix House, said: "Proceeds from the event will go towards the £100,000 appeal for a new performing arts centre for Phoenix House.

"But getting involved in this will also inspire the guys at Phoenix House and challenge them to take part, and hopefully win, with the help of Paul Wesselingh."

Support programme manager at the recovery centre Paul Hood added that the selection process is due to get underway soon, meaning bosses will have the final six set by the end of June, when they will begin training with the professional.

He went on to explain that many of the former military personnel who are currently staying at Phoenix House have never picked up a golf club in their lives, so it will be an exciting challenge for all concerned.