Just like that? Anthony Blackburn has a lovely little story about his late dad, John. “He was a singer and one of his claims to fame was that he was the warmup act for Tommy Cooper at a night club in the northeast,” reflected Blackburn of a memory so golden it could be housed next to the bullion in Fort Knox.

“In fact, he met my mum in that club. He had a voice somewhere between Dean Martin and Perry Como.” For the good times, indeed.

Dementia would claim John 16 years ago. Amid the grief and the loss, his son would find energy and inspiration. Here at The Open of 2024, that drive to help “anyone facing a challenge later in life” continues to, well, open doors.

Back in 2016, Blackburn started Golf in Society, a tailored service aimed at assisting people living with ravaging illnesses like dementia, Parkinson’s disease and depression.

“All dad wanted was a little bit of help to enjoy his favourite things towards the end of his life,” said Blackburn. “He discovered golf. It was nine holes, then three, then just putting. He was the inspiration for Golf in Society.”

From an initial, toe-in-the-water session in Lincoln eight years ago, Blackburn now has upwards of 20 partner golf clubs dotted around the UK. Royal Troon, the centre of the golfing world this weekend, is one of them.

While the leading groups were preparing to blast off in the final round this afternoon, Blackburn was at a roundtable discussion with some of the big hitters from the golf and health industry.

For Blackburn, the chance to share knowledge, ideas and experiences with like-minded figures was a cherished moment on a par with hoisting the Claret Jug.

“It’s great for me, a little snotty lad from the Middlesbrough area to have had this opportunity,” he said with a chuckle. “When I first started Golf in Society, I couldn’t even get a conversation with anyone in the golf industry. Now, I’m at The Open. Our ambition is to create a national network where families can access our services.

“Those early days were hard. I’m not a golf pro. I was a 12 handicapper, with no university degrees behind me. I was a retailer by trade. I lost that business back in 2009. There was a lot of stress in my life, a marriage breakdown and the death of my father. I had no credibility, but I wanted to give it a go.

“I got £5000 of what I call ‘faith capital’ from a company called Unlimited who support social entrepreneurs. I started with one patient and one carer and quickly got up to eight. The rest is history.”

The benefits of golf for body and mind are considerable and well-documented. In addition to offering stimulation, building confidence and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the patients, Blackburn’s golfing sessions provide some much-needed respite for the carers too.

“The unpaid carers endure a huge burden,” he added. “Towards the end, it’s a very, very tough journey to do alone. They often don’t get respite. During a two-hour session, the carers can go off and do what they want, knowing their loved ones are safe.

“You speak to a lot of carers and say, ‘did you ever think your regular reliable respite break would be at a golf club?’ and they say, ‘never’. That changes perceptions. People often think golf is elite, exclusive and not for everyday society. But golf gives back in spades.

“It’s been so rewarding for me. If, through this wonderful game, people can enjoy their life for a little bit longer, then it’s all worth it. Golf can improve grip strength, balance and cognitive skills. The patients maybe don’t realise that. They just think they are having a putting competition. I call it health by stealth.

“About 50 per cent of those we support have never played it before. But once they get that spark and the competitive spirit, it snowballs.”

The meeting of minds at The Open, meanwhile, will give Blackburn plenty of food for thought. “There’s a lot of talk about reimagining a golf club as a health hub,” he said.

“Imagine a 12-week programme at a club that involves occupational health, physio, coaching, well-being support, counselling, socialising, everything?

“Being here is an important moment for our project. The word ‘The Open’ is fitting too. We open doors for people who thought they were closed.”