About us
The people behind Stroke Play Golf
Two friends, a golf buggy and a simple idea — now joined by a stroke survivor who has spent over 30 years in golf at Longhirst.
CEO & Founder
Andrew Biggs
A keen golfer who had a stroke in January 2026 — and found his way back onto the course.
I had a stroke in January 2026 while driving my car on the motorway. Blue lights to a hospital 220 miles from home, not quite sure what was happening or what would happen.
Fast forward to now and I look 100% — I often hear “you don’t look like you’ve had a stroke”, which can be a challenge because my symptoms are all hidden.
I’m a keen golfer and it has been a big part of my life. Last year, before my stroke, I ran golf events for people involved in property, to build up relationships and their support network. After the stroke, getting back onto the course was a big driver — and I’m pleased to say I’ve done it eight times now, with a buggy and the support of a great friend, Mark Eadle.
That got me thinking. Golf is now more expensive — hiring a buggy alone can cost £50 — and I don’t believe there should be any barriers to people enjoying what they love, either physical or financial.
That’s what started the process of launching Stroke Play Golf: a not-for-profit that will enable golfers and non-golfers to come together to socialise and, if they want, hit golf balls. That could be driving around the course in a buggy, or one putt on a green. No competition or scoring — just community and enjoyment.
Director & Founder
Mark Eadle
Over 40 years in professional sport — and still surprised by what golf gave his friend.
Mark has been involved in professional sport for over 40 years, as both a player and a coach, with a background spanning professional football, real tennis and golf. He now runs the Real Tennis Club in Jesmond, Newcastle, alongside his work in golf, which has included providing golf experiences on cruise ships and running golf entertainment events.
For Mark, however, Stroke Play Golf is about something very different.
“I’ve spent my whole life around sport, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen sport give someone as much as golf has given Andrew since his stroke in January. I’ve watched it give him confidence, purpose, friendship and, most importantly, a reason to get back out there again.
That’s really where Stroke Play Golf came from. Andrew and I haven’t set this up as a business or to make money. It’s come from the right place. We simply saw something that was making a difference and thought: why can’t we help other people experience the same thing?
And we’re quickly realising that it isn’t only about the person who has had a stroke or experienced a health setback. It’s about husbands, wives, partners, children and friends. It’s about people being together again, having a laugh, hitting a few golf balls, playing a few holes if they want to, or simply coming along for a cup of tea and a chat.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’re building. We want to grow Stroke Play Golf across the North East, but ultimately I’d love to see communities like this all over the country.
This isn’t really about golf. It’s about people, community and putting smiles back on faces. Help us make a difference.”
— Mark Eadle
SPG Partner
Graham Chambers
A stroke survivor himself, with more than 30 years working in golf at Longhirst.
As a stroke survivor myself, there was an instant synergy when I first met Mark and Andrew and heard about their vision for the project. Having worked in golf for over 30 years at Longhirst, becoming involved felt like an incredibly natural and organic decision.
Golf has always been about so much more than simply playing the game. It’s about friendship, conversation, confidence, routine and that invaluable feeling of belonging. After a stroke, rediscovering those things can be every bit as important as getting back out onto the course.
I’m incredibly proud to be involved in helping launch this project and excited about what it can become. If we can help stroke survivors take those first steps back into golf — whether that means playing a few holes, hitting some balls on the range, or simply coming along for a coffee and a chat — then we’re achieving something very worthwhile.
Most importantly, it’s about giving people the opportunity to socialise, interact and reconnect again. As someone who understands that journey personally, seeing people like me regain confidence, friendships and enjoyment through golf will make this project incredibly rewarding.
Governance
How we’re set up
Our purpose
Stroke Play Golf exists to create a welcoming, affordable community where people whose lives have been touched by a stroke — and their partners, families and friends — can play golf at their own pace, meet others and rebuild confidence, connection and enjoyment of life.
Created in the North East and starting with Longhirst Golf Club (30 September) and Beamish Park Golf Club (16 October), with more clubs to follow and the ambition of taking Stroke Play Golf nationwide.
Stroke Play Golf is a not-for-profit organisation that is currently being formally established. Our registration details, registered address, directors and annual accounts will be published here as soon as they are confirmed.
Get in touch
Help us make a difference
Whether you've had a stroke, care for someone who has, run a golf club, or simply want to help — we'd love to hear from you.
Email us at visit@strokeplaygolf.org.
Or call Andrew on 07775 989882.
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