Alex

Ex Grenadier Guards

Currently Green Keeper, Gainsborough Golf Club/Ping Europe, Lincolnshire

Alex joined the Grenadier Guards when he was 19 years old.  On a tour in Afghanistan, he was shot in the head by the Taliban from a distance of 20 feet, resulting in the loss of one eye.

Alex found work through the On Course Foundation, which provides members of the Armed Forces, who have been seriously injured, with the skills to participate on a level playing field and also gives them employment opportunities within the golf world.  Founder of the On Course Foundation, John Simpson said, “Alex was our first candidate and he had never played golf before.  He now plays off an 18 handicap. Golf has given him great confidence.  He did a six-week placement at Gainsborough Golf Club and was then taken on full time as a Green Keeper.”

HR and Compliance Manager for Ping Europe Nick Dear said, “Alex is doing very well.  He conducts himself according to the high standards and expectations of any employee.  He continually demonstrates a desire to learn and adopt new skills.  He is a very, very nice lad.  The Poppy Factory has helped fund Alex’s first year.  It is a fantastic organisation taking time out to help those injured in the Armed Forces to get back into everyday working life.”