Generations on the green

For 16-year-old Lewis and his dad, Chris, golf is far more than just a hobby, it’s a shared passion. Together the pair have made Mytime Active’s Hatchford Brook Golf Course their home away from home.   

When he isn't traveling the country as an escalator engineer, Chris, 48, can usually be found on the golf course. “Golf is my way to unwind and disconnect,” he says. “I leave my phone behind and I’m free for four hours. Beyond the mental reset, the physical side of walking nearly four miles each round keeps me active.  

“I love that every round is different. It’s relaxed, we all get along and have a laugh; it’s the people you play with that make it. There’s a great community here and lots of fantastic socials and charity day events too.” 

A rising talent 

Lewis’s journey with golf began early. Inspired by his family, he initially joined Hatchford Brook Golf Courses’ Academy as a young boy and took a brief break before returning around a year ago. Since then, his game has taken off. 

Lewis, who is currently studying carpentry at college, plays golf three to four times a week, fine tuning his game, and competes regularly alongside older members in competitions. His dedication recently paid off when he qualified for the NAPGC national final, finishing an impressive 28th out of 53 players. 

Lewis says: “Golf is a very skilled game; it’s not easy to be good at. It takes a lot of practice. I would love to turn professional one day.” 

Hands-on experience and coaching support 

Central to Lewis’s development is his strong connection with the club itself, where he even completed work experience in Year 10, getting a hands-on look at everything from greenkeeping to clubhouse operations.  

Lewis explains: “Hatchford Brook has been good to me.  I’ve been really looked after by the Mytime Active team. My game has been helped by Hatchford Brook’s PGA Golf Professional, Cameron Edmunds. We’ve known each other for several years now and we now regularly practice together in rounds that push us both to our limits.” 

Chris explains: “Cameron and Lewis have a little bit of a playing series. It’s always an exciting game to watch as it regularly comes down to the last hole between them both.” 

Investing in the future at Hatchford Brook 

The customer experience at Hatchford Brook continues to improve thanks to Mytime Active’s ongoing investments in the facilities. From improved gym equipment and the TopTracer technology on the driving range to a revitalised, greener and healthier course. 

Chris says: “The greenkeepers have worked really hard and at the moment, it’s the best it’s ever been.”