Beneficiary Spotlight - James Smith -

View Article

« Back	Post Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Beneficiary Spotlight - James Smith 'Smudge' was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device whilst serving in Afghanistan, which left him requiring a double below knee amputation amongst other injuries. At On Course Foundation we know that golf is one of a few sports that can be played on a level playing field regardless of their injury or illness - and James is the prime example of this.

Beneficiary Spotlight

Name: James Smith

Regiment: Royal Regiment of Scotland of Scotland/6 Scots

Rank: Corporal

Why did you decide to join the military?: I loved all aspects of it growing up - team work and fighting for right thing.

Length of service: 17 years

Why did you leave the military?: Medical discharge. Blown up by Improvised Explosive Device whilst serving in Afghanistan. This left me with a double below knee amputation, a cracked vertebrae and a damaged elbow.

When did you hear about On Course Foundation?: 2012

What was your golfing experience prior to joining On Course Foundation?: I had tried it a few times but had just been messing around.

Your experience of On Course Foundation so far – what do you take out of the events that you attend?: Happiness! It gets me away to lovely golf courses along with the good banter.

What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?: I want to try and halve my handicap and improve my course management – all whilst having a good time doing it.

What do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future?: Happiness and potentially employment in the golf industry.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?: In golf, being able to walk a full 18 holes again and in life, being in the Army and protecting others.

Off the golf course, what do you like to do in your spare time?: I have kids – so no such thing as spare time!

Who are your heroes? I don’t think that I have heroes because that means that they are better than me but I do have moments of inspiration. I look at other people and that helps me to become better. For example, Brooks Koepka when he said that he plays golf for the moment – to see that beautiful golf shot for a few seconds.

Smudge has recently been selected by the iconic Trump Turnberry to receive 12 months of tuition from Golf Academy Manager Oli Foster.

Currently playing off a handicap of 30, Smudge will receive a monthly 90-minute coaching session, three practice facility uses per month and the opportunity to play the Arran and King Robert the Bruce courses each month.

We can't wait to see the progress that he makes over the year.

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.