Former England Golf coach Steve Rolley has played a role in the development of many DP World Tour stars, including Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo first-round leader Justin Rose. On the eve of this week’s tournament, the pair reunited for the first time in 20 years.
Rolley is helping to spread the word about prostate cancer having himself been diagnosed with the illness in 2020 at the age of 69 shortly after being randomly chosen to take part in a trial.
The former PGA Professional has since fully recovered and was eager to have the chance to catch up again with former World Number One Rose as he makes his first start in Europe in 2023.
Rose, a Major winner having won the U.S. Open a decade ago, is enjoying a resurgence this year after claiming his first title in four years at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February.
On their reunion on the range at The Belfry, Rolley handed over a page summarising the work the pair had done together when Rose was around 16 years old.
After reading it over, Rose said with a chuckle: “So much is still relevant to this day!”
Rolley also reveals how Rose’s father, Ken, who died of cancer in 2003, initially watched over his shoulder on the first day of coaching at Worthing before the next day he dropped him off and left.
“My old man was highly invested in it and loved the game so that is obviously testament to you and your coaching prowess that he was comfortable,” Rose added.
For a third consecutive year, leading men’s health charity Prostate Cancer UK is the Official Charity Partner of the Betfred British Masters.
Over the last two years, in excess of £70,000 has been raised to help fund life-saving research into diagnosing men sooner and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer.
Rose, a former winner of the Betfred British Masters and host of the popular tournament, is proudly wearing the Prostate Cancer UK pin badge this week and will hope to play his part in raising more valuable funds.
Tournament Title Partners Betfred have once again pledged to support the fundraising efforts and will donate £500 for every eagle made during the week, as well as £500 for every player that drives the famous tenth green.
They will also donate £50,000 if a hole-in-one is made on the iconic par three 14th hole, the same hole that tournament host Sir Nick Faldo recorded an ace during the 1993 Ryder Cup.
