TYRELLS Wood's Rob Humphrey admitted it had been a 'humbling' experience after recently being given a guided tour of Headley Court, which helps badly injured soldiers through rehabilitation.
The Leatherhead Golf Club head professional was among a group of PGA professionals receiving special recognition for their part in coaching injured soldiers and helping rebuild their lives in the process.
The PGA Golf Buddy programme pairs up professionals with soldiers, many of whom have suffered life-changing and serious injuries while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Golf Buddy initiative, which sprang out of the Battle Back project, has placed around 20 soldiers with PGA pros across the country with the aim of introducing them to golf as part of their rehabilitation.
It was in recognition of their contribution that the pros were invited to attend the Surrey base where they were given a tour of the defence medical rehabilitation centre and presented with plaques by Lt Col Tristan Crew, who is clinical development officer for the base.
"The association between Tyrrells Wood and Headley Court goes way back before my time," explained Humphrey.
"The members are extremely supportive of Headley Court. A few years ago one of the captains donated a buggy for Help the Heroes so it is always available for their use.
"I haven't actually been involved in the Golf Buddy programme as of yet but we always allow them access at the club and run a couple of charity days for them to raise funds.
"I have been to Headley Court a few times but this was my first proper tour of the facility and it was very humbling."
Lt Col Crew said: "What the PGA pros are doing in the Golf Buddy programme is very special; it makes a massive difference to these soldiers.
"Sport is ideal for our guys, many of them who have been used to competing on the rugby and football field and the unique handicapping system of golf enables them to compete against their peers.
"More importantly they get a lot of self-esteem and confidence from playing golf.
"The support of the golf community has been vast with 230 golf clubs giving us free green fees while PING and Callaway have generously supported us with equipment."
The PGA pros utilise their coaching skills to help soldiers overcome a range of physical disabilities with a new target for many of them of qualifying for the Captain Pietsch Trophy which sees injured British war veterans take on their American counterparts in what Lt Col Crew described as 'their Ryder Cup'.
PGA captain Eddie Bullock, who attended the presentation, paid tribute to both the soldiers and work of the PGA members.
He added: "It has been very humbling to listen to some of the experiences of the soldiers at Headley Court.
"I was fortunate to represent the PGA during a trip to Afghanistan last year and the one thing I remember is being able to put a smile on faces because of the game of golf.
"I would like to thank all the PGA members involved in this programme. They have all done it quietly without any fuss and I'm sure their efforts are appreciated."
