Grant from the Trust proves a game changer for Alexa’s golf
Alexa Sheppard, 14, from Oakmere Admirals Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, says a grant from the England Golf Trust is really helping her to develop her golf.
“I feel like the grant has been a game changer for my golf journey and that a lot of my recent achievements have been made possible by the money I received,” she says.
Alexa has used the award to pay for weekly group coaching, competition entries and tees – and her golf has improved as a result, including lowering her handicap.
“When I first received the grant, my handicap was 37.6 and my target for the season was to get it to 28. I felt this was a big ask but knew the grant would help me achieve this if I planned it right.
“Since then, my handicap has dropped to 24.8, the lowest it has ever been. Although it has currently increased slightly to 25.8, I feel I have made a lot of progress this year.”
After receiving help from the Trust, she has won the Order of Merit Winter Series at her home club, the Captain’s Day competition, played in three junior opens at new courses she hadn’t played before, and has been part of her club’s Junior League team.
“Thank you for giving me the grant England Golf Trust. It has helped me achieve things that I would have thought impossible this time last year – especially winning the Captain’s Day competition at my club.
“At this event I shot my first sub-100 round (95 gross) and came 1st, beating 132 adults, with a score of 48 points. It was an exceptional round and helped my handicap fall massively, so thank you so much.”
Alexa discovered the sport at a Girls Golf Rocks session when she was six, then enjoyed playing as a way of getting outside during the pandemic. She started having coaching and playing the sport in earnest in 2024.
She now plays at least once a week during the summer and as often as possible in winter. “Most Sundays I play golf with my dad and grandad and sometimes we enter competitions,” she says.
“I just love golf. It helps me switch off from school and studying for GCSEs. Being outside on the course is such a nice change from being stuck indoors and I really enjoy the challenge of trying to improve.”
“I also love representing my club and county and playing in competitions. Winning feels amazing, but I also just enjoy being part of the team and doing something I care about. Golf means a lot to me – it’s fun, it’s tough, and it makes me feel confident.”
“My aim is to become a pro golfer, but I know I’ve a long way to go to achieve this. I’m trying to take it small steps at a time, but still be ambitious.
“I love playing golf because it’s such a blend of challenge and relaxation. Every round is different, and I enjoy trying to improve my game with each swing. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors and get some fresh air, which makes me feel refreshed and energised.
“Golf means a lot to me because it’s a sport that teaches patience, focus, and resilience. Plus, I’ve made so many new friends through playing golf, and I enjoy spending time with my family on the course.
“Golf is more than a hobby, it’s a passion and a way to connect with others while challenging myself to be better.”
