‘Ryder Cup’ golf event in Belfast raising awareness of mental health

A special ‘Ryder Cup’ golf tournament is being held this weekend to raise awareness of mental health in Belfast and beyond.

The competition will bring together teams from across the city in what organisers hope can become an annual event on the calendar.

Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues (TAMHI) is hosting the event, called the Mental Health Belfast Ryder Cup. It is being held this Sunday, June 9 at Cliftonville Golf Club (12pm start).

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Joe Donnelly, TAMHI CEO, hopes the event can shine a light on mental health issues in Belfast and raise crucial funds.

He said: “The focus is mental health awareness in the city most adversely affected by suicide and prescription drugs for depression and anxiety.

“Golf is an amazing sport for bringing people together. The golf world has just lost a golfer to suicide in terms of Grayson Murray. Golf has a typical reputation as being a prestigious sport, but it is honestly a sport anyone can play, enjoy and realise both physical and mental health benefits.

“We expect to engage 50 men from throughout Belfast in what we hope will be an annual tournament. This is a FUN-raiser and thanks to support from Newington Credit Union all the teams will be branded with team T-shirts for each area.

“Ulster University have supported the prizes as a valued North Belfast Neighbour who support the local community. We have holes sponsored by the Harp and Crowe Credit Union, Ballyhackamore Credit Union, NIE, Our Club Our Community and NIHFA.

“We also have a a funding link for each part of the city to see who is the most generous.

Anyone interested in supporting us in anyway email joe@tamhi.org or call 07713599369.”

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