Henry is back playing with help from the Trust
Henry Saddleton was introduced to golf as a five-year-old by his dad. He loved the sport and played in junior events and tours. He was even selected for the U12 county team in Norfolk when he was just seven. Then he stopped playing.
“I was offered trials at a professional football club and began to focus on a different sport. For a time, I just seemed to lose my love for golf,” he says.
But now, aged 14, Henry is back playing with help from the Trust. He has rediscovered his love for golf and describes himself as ‘obsessed’ with the sport and back to playing as often as he can.
“I would like to thank England Golf Trust for awarding me with a grant which I have used for equipment and competition entry fees,” says the young player, whose home club is now Royal Norwich in Norfolk.
“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now. I’m obsessed – it’s all I think about. I sit in school lessons thinking about my swing or wondering what course to play next,” says Henry.
“Over the summer I managed to get my handicap down to 5 which I was proud of after having spent so much time away from golf. I played in club events and was selected for the Norfolk County U14 Boys.”
Lloyd Jones, PGA Professional at Royal Norwich and the U14 Norfolk Boys Coach, said: “Henry was the U14 County Team points leader this year. He was undefeated and won 5.5 points out of 6 matches played. His positive character and attitude helped the team towards a successful 2025 season, which included winning the County Triangular Shield.”
He also won the UK Kids Eastern Region Qualifier and played in their Grand Final in August 2025 at Whittlebury Park. “Winning with -2, helped by my first ever hole-in-one, means that I have qualified for the Champion of Champions World Championship 2026 in Ireland,” says Henry.
“I would play golf everyday if I could and I don’t mind who I play with. I play and practise as much as I can. I try to practise a few nights a week after school between my other commitments and play in club competitions with my dad and his friends at weekends.”
Henry wants to continue working with his coach to reduce his handicap further so that he can compete in national events in 2026.
‘I am determined to work hard as I want to compete with the best players and represent my club and county. I hope to one day be recognised for the England Golf regional training teams and represent my country.’
‘My school are now allowing me to have early release one day a week to work towards my golf goals with support from my County.’
‘I am working hard on my game. I want my future to be in golf,’ says Henry.
