Beneficiary Spotlight - John Connelly -

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« Back	Post Date: Monday, February 21, 2022
Beneficiary Spotlight - John Connelly John Connelly has had a difficult time with various injuries disrupting his military career. As part of his recovery from his latest injury, John decided to give golf a try despite never having played the game before.

Beneficiary Spotlight

Name: John Connelly

Regiment: Late Royal Logistics Corps (after commissioning by going through Sandhurst (The RMAS in 1991))

Rank: Colonel (Commissioned from the Rank of Corporal)

Why did you decide to join the military?: Joining the Army was an ambition from a very early age. I aspired to work in the public service and wanted to be part of Physical and dynamic organisation. The Junior Army, Junior Royal Marine and the Police were all in the mix – luckily I chose the Army. I was inspired by the event and news footage of the Falklands conflict, heroic deeds, tough challenges and proud public.

Date joined: December 1983

Length of service: 34 years to date. I am still in the service through pending medical review.

What are the current issues that you are facing?: The latest injury was a result of a head injury during HERRICK 17 in Afghanistan which was compounded by another head injury whilst competing in a Winter Sports event in March 2015. The result of this injury was a year as an outpatient of Headley Court, however in December 2016 my condition dramatically worsened and I was hospitalised in Germany for six months.

How did this injury/illness occur?: I am an older soldier that is slowly wearing out (whilst rewarding – Paratrooper and Commando training in both Brigades has taken its toll). A mix of operational and sporting injuries from Operations in Africa (fractured shoulder leaving a helo on OP PALLISER), Asia (head injury (HERRICK ISAF 9) through a side impact blast) the Middle East and competing at Corps and Army level in rugby (dislocated shoulders), snowboarding (head injury competing at the GB Championships – I have a catalogue of joint and shoulder/knee injuries that have had significant orthopaedic invasive surgery and complicated metal work and artificial replacement.

What was your golfing experience prior to joining On Course Foundation?: None.

When and how did you hear about On Course Foundation?: My Personnel Recovery Officer is a very keen golfer and Tony Boyd (a current On Course Foundation member) plays golf at Catterick Golf Club. He informed me of the Foundation and what their aims and objective are. Prior to my first event at Hunley Hall in May 2017 I had not even considered golf as a sport or fulfilling pastime. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

‘’No one uses their injuries as an excuse; it’s about the golf, the friendship, camaraderie and being part of the Foundation.’’

What is your experience of On Course Foundation so far?: The events are well balanced and superbly coached; I do not see any of the behind the scenes activity but each event is calmly and professionally delivered. No one uses their injuries as an excuse; it’s about the golf, the friendship, camaraderie and being part of a Foundation with connections in the golf industry.

Rather than feeling uncomfortable, I have felt welcomed and this has done much to improve my physical and mental well-being and to a degree, reduced my loneliness, isolation and feeling of shame and worthlessness. Having a new focus and challenge has stopped the downward spiral of depression that I was in. I’m glad that it is golf that I have found!

Your employment experience so far: There is a strong possibility that I will be medically discharged. If this happens I would relish a job in the golf industry. I recently conducted a three day work experience placement with golf marketing communications agency Medi8 at the American Golf Grand Finals which I thoroughly enjoyed. This gave me the confidence that I still have lots to offer. In my reasonably long career I haven’t missed many days at work and when I was hospitalised and subsequently posted to a Personnel Recovery Unit there was a dramatic decrease in my confidence and self-worth. My exposure to Medi8 and American Golf have convinced me that I can still add value and that I have a place and part to play in any future role.

What do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future?: I would like to carry on developing friendships with like-minded individuals with similar Military and golfing experiences as well as getting my handicap down. I would also like more exposure to employment within the golf and related industries. It is an aspiration of mine to become involved in management of golf and sports charities.

Following on from this, John attended the Golf Club Manager’s Association (GCMA) Principles of Management Course.

I chose this particular course over other similar qualifications as it provided a “Sheep Dip" into the Golf industry at a course and club management level. I felt that being relatively new to the Golf game and industry, I sought a clear and concise insight into the nuances of management. Equally, the course would introduce me to other Golf Course Managers, which would allow me to assess whether it was an industry that I could succeed in at the management level.

The course its self covers all the key areas of managing a Golf Club, Retail, Catering, Health and Safety, working with a PGA professional, Grounds Keeping and Human Resources. The course also dipped into marketing and media and selling the proposition of Golf as a leisure activity in what is a densely populated market places.

For my part through On Course Foundation, I had been afforded the opportunity to play at a number of premier Golf Clubs across the UK. From this limited view point I considered that my management experience in the military has significant parallels to my management role in the Golf Sector of leisure and my broad experience running other service sports.

It is clear that comparatively I have a significant service industry experience, what I lacked is a specific insight into Golf Course management. The GCMA course provided a good insight in to the role of the manager, but equally it reinforced my view that I had transferable skills, but more importantly that I would enjoy the role.

Following a medical discharge from the Army I would like to manage a premier UK Golf Club, I sense that working with On Course Foundation and the insight offered by the GCMA course have been invaluable in supporting my life and future career choices. This is key for me as I transition from the Military during very uncertain and unsettling times, I am now focussed on a post military career and I have an insight into the “Pros and Cons” of Golf Course management. I hope to undertake the GCMA Diploma Course to further augment my CV and further prepare me for a career following military service.

ABOUT US

On Course Foundation continue to provide positive provision for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans - supporting their recovery and transition to civilian life through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.

As a sport, golf offers a unique platform where players of all skills and backgrounds can compete healthily, improving not only their physical but mental strength too. With many lacking self- belief, it’s our aim to help our beneficiaries realise their potential and set them on a fulfilling path.

Formed in 2010, we have seen first-hand that that participation in golf can have a profound positive effect on the rehabilitation of our beneficiaries.