England international Rosie Belsham has secured a sponsorship deal with Northumberland hotel and golf estate Matfen Hall.
The collaboration will provide Rosie, 22, with access to Matfen’s facilities and support to enable her to compete at the highest levels of the sport – including funding for Qualifying School in Morocco in December. The sponsorship will also help cover additional travel and accommodation expenses.
Matfen will also provide Rosie with access to the state-of-the-art gym and spa facilities, with the team also working towards securing premium golf apparel and leisurewear.
Rosie, a former Northern Golfer Champion of Champions winner and Baylor University graduate, said: “My journey in golf has been incredible. I started playing seriously at 14 and made a life-changing decision to study and play in the US. The four years I spent at Baylor have been invaluable. The experience, both on and off the course, has helped shape me and reaffirm my commitment to this incredible sport.”
Rosie’s connection with Matfen dates back to her time with the North of England squads coached by JJ Vallely.
“Matfen has always been a special place for me,” Rosie added. “The facilities are outstanding, and the environment is perfect for focused training. When the opportunity arose to partner with them, it felt like a match made in heaven. Their support means the world to me as I transition into professional golf.”
James O’Donnell, Matfen Hall’s head of commercial development, added: “Rosie really impressed me when we met to discuss this opportunity – her passion for the game and very obvious talent is only outmatched by her level-headed approach and her humility. In the four years that Rosie has been studying at Baylor, Matfen has developed in a number of ways. Golf has always been an important aspect of our offering; however we have invested heavily in the facilities for our members and guests over the last year with more to come in the future. Much like Rosie, we aim to have a bright golfing future ahead – her impending rise to, and in, the professional game is an opportunity to showcase Matfen on an international stage.
“Matfen is fully committed to playing an active part in Rosie’s rise to the professional game. The sponsorship deal is initially for the year ahead; however, we hope it will be a catalyst to Rosie’s future success and look forward to building upon the longstanding relationship Rosie has with us.”
Rosie’s immediate goals include gaining experience on the Ladies European Tour Access Series, with the aim of securing her Ladies European Tour card at Qualifying School in Morocco.
“The support from Matfen allows me to focus entirely on my performance without the added pressure of financial constraints. It’s an incredible relief to know I can compete and focus on my game with their backing,” Rosie added.
“The journey through the Ladies European Tour is a stepping stone to the LPGA Tour. With the support from the whole team at Matfen, I feel confident and prepared to take on the exciting challenges ahead.”
