FEATURE
The Future Shapers Series 2024
The Future Shaper Series 2024 elevated the Black British Golfers event supported by PGA Play to a new level as 140 players descended on The Belfry
Now in its fourth year, the BBG's flagship event has grown on and off the course, with many non-golfers also enjoying the occasion.
As 100 adults took on the Brabazon course and 40 future athletes tackled The PGA course, there was a hive of activity around the renowned Warwickshire venue as part of the inaugural Community Golf Fest.
The day was a celebration of the essence of Black British golf, with an itinerary that included food, music and a host of off-course activities.
"We couldn't be more grateful for how wholeheartedly everyone embraced the spirit of the occasion," said BBG founder Ray Nyabola.
"Having golf parents, both mothers and fathers, actively volunteering and running the event perfectly encapsulates our dedication to nurturing the game from the grassroots level.
"The presence of so many families made the day even more memorable, with free golf clinics and lessons ensuring that everyone, from seasoned golfers to beginners, could join in and enjoy the festivities."
Timeline: Future Shapers Series
2021
The Shire, Barnet, hosts the inaugural event
2022
Adidas sponsor the event, staged at The London Golf Club
2023
Foxhills Country Club in Surrey plays host to the biggest one yet
2024
The Belfry provides the setting as the event continues to grow
“The day was a great mix of culture and golf – exactly what I was looking for”
Ray also expressed his gratitude for the support of The PGA, adding: "We are deeply indebted to our sponsors, The PGA, for their generous support and commitment to making this event a success.
"With more than 7,000 PGA-qualified professionals nationwide, our partnership with The PGA through the PGA Play brand is the ideal way to elevate the growth of the game.
"By expanding access to lessons and coaching at scale, we are able to create equitable opportunities for all to enjoy golf."
Bud Johnston was making his first appearance in a Future Shapers Series event at the age of 40 and was thrilled by the experience.
"It was class," he said. "The day was a great mix of culture and golf – exactly what I was looking for.
"My personal highlight was my birdie at the 10th, but overall it was seeing how many golfers like me were out there doing their thing, especially the younger generation who have so much potential."
Fellow first-timer Mandy Davies added: "I hope this event inspires all the children who took part to keep progressing with their golf and help shape a better and more inclusive future."
'An excellent event – I'll be back next year'
Among the many attendees at The Belfry was Tayo Oguntonade, a TV presenter best known for his work on the BAFTA Award-winning show The Great House Giveaway on Channel 4.
Tayo explains what he made of the event and why he just had to be there...
"I have had a start-stop relationship with golf for about 10 years, and over the last two years I have been playing more consistently and introducing more and more people to the game. "That's why when the opportunity to go to the BBG event at The Belfry came up I knew I had to be there. I came with the co-founders of MaxGolf, a technology app dedicated to introducing more people to the game, and also invited some friends who had been keen on starting golf but didn't know where to begin.
"The day kicked off with a panel of inspirational speakers followed by some networking. It was great to hear people's stories; people getting back into it for the first time in years, people who turned pro last week and people who only ever see each other at a Future Shapers event but were happy to meet up again.
"Shortly after, the golfers went off to play but I stayed with the non-golfers that I was hosting. We had an array of things to do, for us and the family, but the true highlight for me was the lessons on the driving range – the non-golfers who joined me were over the moon, so much so that I will probably have to stop calling them "non-golfers" soon.
"It was an excellent event and I will definitely be there next year!"
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