From a simple question to a National Award: ‘Fore Your Mind’ leads the way for mental health in golf
Sometimes, change begins with one simple question.
In April 2024, Stephen Whitney, Director of ‘For Men To Talk’, asked: “What are England Golf doing about Mental Health?” with Dave Hawkins, a ‘For Men To Talk’ attendee. It was not a challenge. It was not a criticism. It was a genuine question, asked with care and purpose.
That question planted a seed.
By June 2024, a meeting had taken place. Ideas were shared. Conversations began. By August 2024, a clear plan was in place. In November 2024, Bedfordshire Golf Union delivered a pilot course. Then, in February 2025, England Golf officially launched the ‘Fore Your Mind’ initiative.
Now, in 2026, ‘Fore Your Mind’ has won the Respect in Golf Award at the England Golf Awards.
This is more than just an award. It is proof that open conversations save lives.
Built from Personal Experience
The driving force behind this initiative has been collaboration. Stephen worked closely with Dave whose personal experiences of loss and anxiety gave the project real meaning and urgency.
Together, they helped shape an idea that would grow far beyond a single golf club.
Bedfordshire County Golf showed compassion and commitment from the start. They recognised that mental health affects everyone — including golfers, volunteers and club members. Instead of ignoring the issue, they acted.
‘Fore Your Mind’ was created to make golf clubs safer, more supportive spaces. At its heart is accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. This training equips volunteers to:
- Spot early signs of mental health challenges
- Start supportive conversations
- Signpost people to the right help
It is practical. It is proactive. And it works.
Real Impact in Just One Year
The results speak for themselves.
In its first year:
- 90% of golf clubs in Bedfordshire gained an MHFA Champion
- More than 150 people have been supported
- The programme is now expanding across the country
This is a cultural shift. Golf is no longer just about competition or scorecards. It is about community. It is about looking out for one another.
‘Fore Your Mind’ reinforces a simple but powerful message: sport can be a safe space to talk.
Luke Newman, CEO and founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, said: “I am so proud of Stephen and Dave for what they have achieved. This started with a simple question and a willingness to care. They have shown that when men speak up and work together, real change happens. ‘Fore Your Mind’ is proof that conversations can lead to action, and action can change lives.”
Their journey shows the power of lived experience. It shows that men supporting men creates ripple effects far beyond one room, one club or one county.
Bedfordshire is leading the way. And as ‘Fore Your Mind’ continues to expand nationally, its impact will be felt not only in golf, but across sport as a whole.
All because someone asked a simple question — and others chose to listen.