A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR THE
WENTWORTH FOUNDATION!
On Saturday 28 February, the Wentworth Golf and Tennis Foundation welcomed scholars, patrons, trustees, mentors, coaches and special guests, including Club Captain Jon Noble, Lady Captain Olivia Mehta and golf legend Bernard Gallacher to its Scholar and Patron Event — a celebration of achievement, community and opportunity.
Founded in 1991 by Elliot Bernerd, the late Willy Bauer and Bernard Gallacher, the Foundation was built on a simple belief: talent deserves opportunity, regardless of background. For nearly 20 years it was chaired by the late Malcolm Walker, whose legacy lives on through the Malcolm Walker Award. This year’s recipient, Matti Adamkiewicz — one of the inaugural Tennis Scholars in 2015 — was recognised for his progress, leadership and continued commitment to the Club.
The event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to break down barriers in golf and tennis, where cost and access remain significant challenges. Supporting more than 250 children annually, the Foundation delivers school outreach programmes, provides world-class coaching to 40 scholars, offers one-to-one member mentorship, and distributes £30,000 each year to local youth organisations.
Its long-term impact is clear: scholars gain confidence, resilience and academic engagement, progress to county and national competition, and go on to university, careers and leadership roles — often returning as mentors themselves.
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to expand its outreach to 30 schools, grow its scholar programme and deepen partnerships to secure sustainable impact.
The afternoon concluded with a chance for guests to meet the scholars — a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a young life being transformed. The future is bright, and it belongs to the scholars.
