Today, JOLF turns 15. ❤️⛳ On 10 September 2011, after months of writing, planning and wondering whether the idea would actually work, we delivered JOLF for the very first time. Fifteen years later, we’re still here — although JOLF looks very different. In this special birthday episode of The JOLF Man, Neil looks back at where JOLF came from, why it was created and how the thinking has evolved through 15 years and tens of thousands of experiences with children and families. From an original golf-club-based coaching programme built around giving children more ownership of their learning, through COVID, a move into schools, becoming a CIC, specialist SEND provision and JOLF Nurture, to today’s growing programme of schools, Family SEND sessions and JOLF in the Park. Neil reflects on some of the biggest lessons along the way: putting the child before the technique, using fewer words, knowing when not to coach, adapting the experience rather than expecting the child to adapt, and recognising something very simple: If children love playing JOLF and want to play again, that’s enough. The episode also looks forward. With the support of the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation, JOLF is now developing its work across Mid Sussex and Worthing and beginning to explore a model that connects: Schools → Local communities → Families → Play again → Play more → JOLFer to GOLFer The ambition is simple, even if achieving it isn’t: Enjoyable, meaningful, inclusive and accessible experiences of golf for EVERYONE, ANYWHERE. Thank you to every child, parent, family, coach, teacher, school, partner, funder, volunteer and friend who has been part of the first 15 years. Here’s to the next 15. 🎂⛳ Golf for EVERYONE, ANYWHERE.
