Golfer back on course after recovering from stroke
BBCA golf coach who has returned to the sport following a life-changing stroke is being described as an "inspiration".
Andrew Hayes, from Taunton in Somerset, had a stroke in December 2024 after experiencing high blood pressure and a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - or mini stroke - days earlier.
He said: "I lost the whole of my right side and it took five days for me to just move my thumb and five weeks to be able to write."
The 51-year-old returned to work at Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre in March 2025. Mark Washington, contract manager at Everyone Active, which helps run the club, said Andrew's positivity and attitude were "staggering" and "we're very proud to have him as a colleague".
The stroke resulted in loss of movement on Andrew's right side and required rehabilitation.
After spending six days in hospital, he returned home to begin exercises to regain movement in his hand, arm and leg.
"They would put coins in front of me and asked me to pick them off the table. I had to do as much as I could to get the signals from my brain to my hands, legs and feet again."
The golf professional hopes his experience will inspire others to return to doing what they love after a health setback.
"It was really tough and really dark sometimes, but I got through it with the support of my wife, my family and the guys here."
Ed Cullen plays golf at Vivary and noticed Andree was unwell following the TIA. He said Andrew's return to the sport had been "exceptional".
"It can inspire people who have had a stroke and worry about what can happen to them, what that the future holds.
"I look at Andrew and the future is positive but you've got to have a positive mental approach," he said.
Washington said: "We're thrilled to see him continue what he does best on the golf course by sharing his knowledge and passion all while demonstrating how a person can break down barriers to participating in sport with sheer determination.
"We hope Andrew's story inspires golfers who may be going through something similar."
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