An award helped dramatically reduce my handicap
A financial helping hand from the Trust has helped teenage golfer Billy Walker improve his golf, find consistency and drop his handicap from 9.4 to 3.1.
The talented 15-year-old from Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, in Herefordshire, has used the money for regular coaching and new equipment.
“Without doubt, the support from the Trust has really boosted things for me, and being able to have individual lessons with Zach Galliford, our club PGA Professional, has been the key,” says Billy.
“Since receiving the award, my golf has improved massively. My handicap has dropped and I’ve found real consistency in my game.
“This has been my most successful year yet, and I’m so grateful for the support from the England Golf Trust. Having access to professional coaching and the right equipment has made a huge difference. I’m excited to see what 2026 brings and hope to keep building on the progress I’ve made through 2025.”
Billy welcomed the financial support from the Trust because he needs more lessons and kit as his golf improves and steps up a gear. His siblings also play so it is expensive for the family.
The award is helping Billy improve dramatically. “I’ve proudly represented Gloucestershire GGU U16s this summer and was recently selected to play for the Gloucestershire GGU U18 team towards the end of the season, which really capped the year off, and was a huge honour for me,” he revealed.
“Early in the season, I was part of the Gloucestershire GGU team which won the South West Counties Golf Association U16/U14 Championship, which was a major highlight for me and kick started my year.
“At my home club, Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, it’s been my busiest and most successful year yet. I won several competitions, including the Adrian Pritchard Junior Open with a gross score of 73. Alongside my twin brother, Oli, I also helped the Ross-on-Wye Junior Team win their division in the Mercian Junior Golf.”
Billy started playing golf when he was 11 and now plays as often as he can – usually several times a week. He practises on his own, has lessons with his coach, plays with friends, his twin brother Oliver, or other juniors at his club.
“Golf means a lot to me – it’s more than just a sport. It’s something I’m passionate about, and it gives me a great sense of focus, discipline, and achievement,” admitted Billy.
“The friendships, competition, and constant drive to improve make it really rewarding.
“Looking ahead, I’d love to keep progressing and hopefully get close to a scratch handicap next season. I want to continue representing Gloucestershire and compete in more county and regional-level events. My immediate goal is to balance my golf with my GCSE exams this year, then push on even more once those are finished.”
