Supporting young golfer Tom Mathers as he takes his game to America

At Building Norfolk, our purpose is to help people across the county fulfil their potential. Our work is built around four pillars, Community, Education, Wellbeing and Growth, and now and again a story comes along that sits across all of them at once. The story of Tom Mathers is one of those, and we are proud to be supporting him as he prepares for a significant move this summer.

Tom, 18, is one of the most promising young golfers Norfolk has produced in recent years. This August he leaves the county to begin his studies at Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa, where he will be able to develop his game at a level that is difficult to reach here in the UK.

A talent recognised early

Tom first picked up a golf club at the age of three. His ability was clear from the very start, and by the age of five he had been invited to play at Royal Norwich Golf Club alongside children aged seven and over. From there he progressed steadily, going on to represent his county and lowering his handicap to an impressive one.

That kind of progress does not happen by chance. It is the result of years of dedication, and of a young man who has consistently put in the work required to succeed. His family have been there at every stage, and his mother, Kate, a beauty therapist and mother of three, has driven him to competitions across the region and championed his ambitions throughout. She has spoken of her admiration for his focus and work ethic, saying she has "been in awe of how focused he is."

An opportunity across the Atlantic

With limited opportunities to take his game to the highest level in this country, Tom looked further afield and earned a place in Iowa. He has been awarded a scholarship of £10,000 towards his annual fees of £15,000. The remaining £4,500, along with the cost of flights, food and equipment, falls to Tom and his family.

Kate has been determined that the financial side of the move should never stand in the way of her son's ambitions, and she has been fundraising to help meet the shortfall. It is exactly the sort of local effort that Building Norfolk exists to get behind.

How Building Norfolk is helping

Building Norfolk is contributing a monthly payment towards Tom's course fees for the duration of his studies, helping to ease some of the pressure on the family as they prepare for the move.

We would also like to do more. Tom still needs support with equipment, and we are keen to hear from local businesses and individuals who would like to help a talented young Norfolk sportsman make the most of this opportunity. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with the Building Norfolk team.

We will be following Tom's progress in Iowa closely, and we wish him every success as he takes this important step in his career.

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