Sponsored: How golf can bring families closer together on Father’s Day

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we’re catching up with three sets of fathers and their children, with the help of American Golf, to take a look at golf’s unique ability to bring families closer together and give parents a bond with their children that is so hard to get anywhere else.

Over recent years American Golf has helped many families spend more time together, on and off the course, through events such as the American Golf Junior Championship, Family Championship and Long Drive Championship. The brand has met some incredible families who have stood out both for their ability and the strength of their bond.

Here we introduce you to three such pairs who have relationships that would be the envy of many and show how the best father’s day gift this year could be a gift of the game of golf….

Elle and Dean Gibson

Elle and Dean Gibson first met the team at American Golf when Elle took part in the 2016 American Golf Junior Championship. At just 13 years old and playing off 16, Elle plotted her way round the final, with the help of dad Dean caddying, to record an incredible nett 63 and take the girls title.

“I really enjoyed the day, everyone was really friendly which helped to calm my nerves,” Elle said. “It was great having my dad caddie so he could share the experience too.”

Elle has since gone on to finish second by just one yard in the 2017 American Golf Long Drive Championship, during which Dean showed far more nerves than his daughter.

Dean credits golf for the strength of his relationship with Elle and treasures the times that it’s just him, Elle and their clubs.

“As Elle has got better at golf I’ve spent as much time supporting her as I did playing but that is just as special as being on the course,” he said. “One of my favourite things is just grabbing a few clubs and heading down to Topgolf for a couple of hours with her. We’re guaranteed to have a laugh and enjoy the competition.

“Golf gives me time with Elle that is so unusual for a dad and a teenage daughter and I think it’s played a huge part in us getting on so well.”

Aaron and Vic Mohun

Aaron and Vic Mohun have been part of the American Golf family since 2015 when Aaron took part in the Junior Championship Future Stars category at the age of 8. Two years later, Aaron lifted the overall Junior Championship title with dad Vic caddying throughout the winning round.

Aaron and Vic then teamed up later in the season to take on the American Golf Family Championship. Their consistent teamwork took them through the qualifying rounds to secure a place in the final at Ryder Cup venue the Belfry where they enjoyed two days of each other’s company on the iconic course.

After spending an incredible year by Aaron’s side Vic reflected on the impact that golf has had: “I’ve been playing golf with Aaron for most of his life and I can’t say how much fun it’s been.

“To get to spend time with him away from school, work and life’s pressures at some fantastic golf venues is so special. I can’t think of another activity we could do that would give us the same chance to get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company so much.”

James and Ian Fox

The Malkins Bank qualifier of the American Golf Family Championship in 2017 was the first time James and Ian Fox had played competitive golf together.

They secured victory and a place in the final at The Belfry, all the time keeping broad smiles on their faces and enjoying the camaraderie.

Those smiles only got bigger as finals weekend progressed with them ultimately taking the matchplay final 3&2. That win secured them a spot in the American Golf Tournament of Champions in Mauritius in which, after sunning themselves for a few days along with mum Ruth, they took the overall title of Champions of Champions.

After the end of their journey from Mauritius Ian said: “When your kids become teenagers you expect them to go their own way and start making their own lives. James has done that like any normal lad but we still have our time on the course.

“Golf gives us a connection and common ground but most importantly it gives us time to get on and enjoy each other’s company. To be so successful with the American Golf tournaments was the cherry on top but golf is what has given so much to our relationship.”

If you want to see the full video of our Q&A with the dads and kids, visit the American Golf website. If you’re inspired to get involved and to see how you can win an early Father’s day present that Dads and their kids can enjoy together, click here.