The Golf In Society Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

🎙️ From Placement to Purpose: Students Shaping OT’s Future

In this inspiring episode, host Anthony Blackburn, founder of Golf in Society, sits down with three remarkable Occupational Therapy students — Charlotte, Mell, and Sam — currently on placement with the Golf in Society team.

Together, they explore the evolving role of Occupational Therapy in modern society, the power of meaningful occupation, and how Golf in Society is redefining therapeutic spaces by bringing OT onto the golf course. From improving quality of life for older adults to promoting social inclusion and mental wellbeing, this conversation highlights how innovative placements like this are shaping the next generation of OTs.

Tune in to hear personal insights, professional reflections, and bold ideas about where the future of Occupational Therapy is headed — and how golf is helping drive that change.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

In this episode of Golf in Society, we’re joined by Aston Ward – Chief Operations Officer at the Confederation of Professional Golf and Communications Lead for the Golf & Health project. Together, we explore the powerful relationship between golf and health, and why this timeless sport is uniquely positioned to support physical, mental, and social wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.

Aston shares insights from global research, initiatives driving change, and how golf can play a key role in healthier communities. Whether you’re a lifelong player or new to the game, this conversation will reshape how you think about the impact of golf beyond the fairways.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

In episode 5 of The Golf in Society podcast, Anthony sits down with Helen Williams, a successful Sheffield businesswoman and ambassador for golf in society. 

Their conversation revolves around women in unpaid carer roles and the challenges they face in today's society, particularly in the workforce. 

Helen sheds light on how these challenges impact society's workforces and what steps companies can take to provide better support for those affected. She also discusses ways to improve support for people in unpaid carer roles and how this can ultimately benefit society as a whole. 

If you're interested in learning more about this important topic, join us for this informative and eye-opening episode.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Golf in Society podcast! In this episode, join host Anthony as he sits down with Will Hewitt, the General Manager of the 59 Club.

Anthony and Will dive into an intriguing discussion about the importance of providing first-class customer experiences in the golf industry. They explore how hospitality venues can enhance their approach when it comes to catering to our ageing population.

Tune in as they share insightful stories, practical tips, and valuable insights on how the golf industry can adapt to meet the needs of older adults. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or interested in improving customer experiences, this episode offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation!

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Golf in Society podcast! In this episode, our host and founder, Anthony Blackburn, sits down with Nigel Thornton, a longstanding ambassador for golf in society. Nigel bravely opens up about his life with Parkinson's disease and the challenges he has faced.

Join us as we explore the incredible journey of playing golf with Parkinson's disease. Nigel shares his personal experiences and the positive impact that golf has had on his life, both physically and emotionally.

In this candid conversation, they also delve into how the golf industry can make the sport more accessible to people living with Parkinson's disease. From Club houses to Customer service, they discuss the various ways in which golf clubs and courses can cater to the specific needs of those facing challenges.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the power of golf as a therapeutic activity and to discover the potential for the golf industry to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with Parkinson's disease. 

Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode on the Golf in Society podcast.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

Welcome to the second episode of The Golf in Society Podcast were we are Reimagining Golf Clubs as Healthy Ageing Hubs.

In this episode I sit down at Hillsborough GC for a conversation with occupational therapist Liz Fletcher.

Liz works for a fellow social enterprise Sport for Confidence who we are excited to be working in partnership with on our latest project in the Sheffield area "Reimagining Golf Clubs as Healthy Ageing Hubs".

Listen in as we ask, what is an occupational therapist? Learn how occupational therapists are helping to shape our future support services, and gain an incredible insight it their world.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

Welcome to the first episode in a series of "Carers Conversations", where we are Reimagining Golf Clubs as Healthy Ageing Hubs.

In this episode I sit down for a conversation with Linda Barnes, wife and carer to one of our Golf in Society participants. Linda is also the author of an incredible daily blog, Telling Tales, where she gives society an insight into her world caring for her husband who is living with young onset Alzheimer's disease. 

Listen in as we gain a small insight into Linda & Ken's world, from Linda herself. Followed by a chat about Co-designing a better future for families living with dementia.

"I wanted to conduct these conversations to get a true insight into life at the coalface of dementia and to show how we're incorporating carers voices into reimagining golf clubs as health hubs" - Anthony Blackburn

www.golfinsociety.com
Lets have a chat 📩  info@golfinsociety.com

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

In Episode 13 of the Golf in Society podcast, we sit down with Anthony Etchells, a passionate advocate for using golf to inspire and engage young minds. Since volunteering with Golf in Society in 2018, Anthony has been on a mission to make the sport more accessible and fun for all. Now, he’s taking that mission to the next level with Swing Stars, a new venture aimed at bringing the joy of golf to primary school children across the North East of England.

With funding support from UnLtd and Sport England, Swing Stars is more than just golf lessons—it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills in kids, one swing at a time. In this episode, Anthony shares his journey, the challenges and triumphs of setting up Swing Stars, and his vision for the future of golf in schools. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or golf enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights into how sport can shape young lives.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

In this powerful episode of the Golf in Society podcast, founder Anthony Blackburn is joined by two inspiring guests: Steve Phillip, founder of The Jordan Legacy, a suicide prevention charity created in memory of his son Jordan, and Matthew O'Sullivan, Health and Wellbeing Development Officer for Active North Yorkshire. Together, they dive deep into the critical issues of mental health and suicide prevention, exploring how golf and being active serves as a transformative tool for enhancing mental wellbeing and building supportive communities. This candid discussion highlights golf's unique impact on society and its role in fostering hope and connection.

The episode also calls for General Practitioners (GPs) and healthcare professionals to embrace social prescribing, recommending golf and similar community-based solutions to patients as a powerful pathway to improved mental health. Don’t miss this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation that could inspire change in how we approach wellbeing.

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety

In this episode, we’re joined by Su and Youn, founders of Dementality, as they share their personal journey and inspiration behind launching their organization. Listen in as they discuss how Dementality empowers individuals with dementia to enjoy life and maintain their independence. They’ll also dive into their upcoming collaboration with Golf in Society, and how together we’re bringing dementia-friendly golf to Switzerland, promoting a healthy, happy future for those living with dementia. Don't miss this heartwarming and insightful conversation!

Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety