A group of young Ukrainian golfers, displaced by the war following the Russian invasion and relocated across Europe, reunited in Scotland for a special high-performance golf camp called Project Ukraine. The initiative was organized by a group of women participating in The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership Development Programme. The project was inspired by colleague Veronika Rastvortseva, who shared an emotional first-hand account of her family’s experiences during an online workshop, prompting the group to pivot their program to support the Ukrainian golfing community.
The seven participants, part of the Ukrainian Golf Federation’s development pathway, gathered at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa in Peebles in the Scottish Borders. During the camp, they received professional coaching, clinics, health and nutrition sessions, mental skills training, and workshops on the Rules of Golf. Their itinerary featured a match against juniors from the Stephen Gallagher Foundation, entertainment by former world trick shot champion Geoff Swain, and a seminar with Close Nutrition.
The participants also visited St Andrews for the final day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, courtesy of the DP World Tour. There, they were interviewed live on Sky Sports by Nick Dougherty, met professional golfers Rory McIlroy and Adrian Meronk, and posed for photographs with tournament champion Ryan Fox on the Swilcan Bridge. Additional activities included sessions hosted by Peebles Golf Club, instruction from St Andrews University Director of Golf Ian Muir, and a Q&A and putting workshop led by Sky Sports presenter Sophie Walker and Putt Out.
Reflecting on the event, Rastvortseva—who attended with her daughters—described the week as life-changing, emphasizing the importance of bringing the children together like a family to play golf and escape their trauma temporarily. Toni Zverblis of Project Ukraine noted that the initiative aimed to provide hope, inspiration, and a space for the young athletes to focus on their passion.
Organizers hope to continue Project Ukraine to assist more junior golfers and families with education and regular access to golf courses. Representatives from The Ukrainian Golf Federation and The R&A praised the initiative, highlighting it as a powerful demonstration of golf’s inclusivity and the profound impact of supporting young athletes whose lives have been disrupted by conflict.
