A year after launching, Grassroots Golf is celebrating the impact its combination of golf, mentoring and alternative education is having on young people across Bath and Wiltshire.
Set up by former teacher Jon Haines, Grassroots Golf works particularly with children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those at risk of exclusion, using golf as a way to build confidence, resilience and engagement with education.
Over its first year, more than 80 local disadvantaged children have been introduced to golf, while the organisation has expanded to a team of four golf mentors and delivered free holiday camps for children receiving Free School Meals.
For Jon, however, some of the strongest signs of success can be seen in the individual young people whose lives have changed through the programme.
A new passion and sense of belonging
Grassroots Golf began working with ‘L’ in March 2026, when his school attendance was poor and he was struggling with life. Having stopped playing football the previous year, he had no real hobbies and was spending much of his time alone in his room or getting into trouble with the wrong crowd.
Six months later, golf has become a major part of his life.
L now regularly attends school and spends many evenings at Cumberwell Park playing golf with a new group of friends. Grassroots Golf says his behaviour at school has markedly improved, with fewer exclusions and lesson withdrawals, more merits and fewer behaviour points.
His progress on the course has been equally striking. After gaining his first handicap of 27 in May, he broke 80 for the first time the following month and is now playing off 13.3.
His mum said, “L has found a new love for golf through working with Grassroots Golf! Most of his spare time he now spends at the local golf club, playing and practising. His attendance at school and wellbeing has much improved due to Jon’s mentoring.”
Another young person, ‘S’, began working with Grassroots Golf in June. At the time, she regularly avoided lessons and her behaviour often resulted in isolation at school.
Through mentoring sessions, she has become better able to talk about issues connected to childhood trauma, while discovering an enthusiasm for golf. Jon says her attendance has improved, she is better able to manage her emotions and she is more consistently accessing education and maintaining positive relationships at school.
Grassroots Golf has also donated a set of clubs to S, allowing her to visit the driving range with her family at weekends.
Confidence beyond the golf course
Similar changes are being seen among other young people.
The foster carer of JJ, a young boy with SEN needs, said Jon combines “high-quality coaching with patient, thoughtful mentoring that builds confidence, resilience and focus as much as golf skills”, adding that JJ looks forward to every session.
Another foster carer said golf had become a “safe space” for Anna, explaining, “I’ve seen a big change in her confidence… getting out of the classroom and playing golf is very good for her self-esteem.”
Schools have also highlighted the benefits. Laura Waters, Assistant Headteacher at St Laurence School, said pupils “consistently look forward to their sessions”, describing Jon as approachable and easy to talk to and praising the close communication between Grassroots Golf and schools.
Wayne Davis, Assistant Headteacher at Norton Hill School, said, “Our pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the programme and we have seen a positive impact with the pupils who have attended.”
Looking ahead, Jon hopes to take Grassroots Golf into other areas of the country and secure funding for scholarships, equipment and memberships so youngsters who have caught the golf “bug” can continue playing independently.
“It’s been incredible to be able to give time and care to young people that really need it the most,” he said. “We look forward to helping more disadvantaged children to access golf, building life skills and raising their aspirations.”
