One of Lancashire’s top golf courses will host a new national qualifying event in memory of Trevor Foster, a celebrated local golfer who died by suicide last year.
Foster, 64, was a well-known figure in the golf community. Hailing from Accrington, he rose to prominence in 1988 after qualifying for the British Open at the age of 28 by setting a course record of six-under par at Blackpool North Shore. During the tournament at Royal Lytham & St Annes, he briefly topped the leaderboard, ahead of legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Fred Couples.
Throughout his career, Foster became one of England’s most accomplished senior players. Off the course, he worked for over 40 years at Accrington Golf Club as head greenkeeper and bar manager.
In early 2024, Foster suffered a shoulder injury while playing at Pleasington Golf Club near Blackburn. During pre-operative checks, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition he hadn’t known he had. This, combined with existing mental health struggles, took a toll on his wellbeing. On December 28, 2024, Foster died by suicide at his home in Oswaldtwistle.
Since his passing, friends, family, and fellow golfers have raised thousands of pounds for the mental health charity Mind in his name. Now, Pleasington Golf Club will host a new memorial tournament in his honor.
Mark Bleasdale, general manager at Pleasington, said the England team captain had reached out about including a competition in Trevor’s name as part of the national Order of Merit series — a key pathway for England team selection.
“There are seven or eight such events across the country,” Bleasdale explained. “This will become an annual tournament, and we’re proud to host it.”
The Trevor Foster Memorial Trophy will take place on October 2 and 3, with entry priced at £100 for the 36-hole event. At the request of Trevor’s wife, Debbie, proceeds from the competition will be donated to Mind.
Bleasdale hopes the event will also raise awareness about mental health challenges within the sport.
“Golf was Trevor’s whole life,” he said. “So when someone who’s been involved in the game for 40 years suffers a major injury, on top of existing mental health concerns, it can be devastating. Talking about these issues is vital — even in golf, where they’re often left unspoken.”
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