Sam Wright grew up in Nottingham as an all-round sportsman, but it was golf where his natural talent was apparent.

By 12, he’d earned a place in the Nottinghamshire Under-16s county team; by 14, he was competing for the Nottinghamshire men’s first team, going undefeated for two years; and by 15, he’d already broken a course record. His rise continued through the England squad, the Faldo Series, and into Division 1 college golf in the U.S. - a path that seemed destined for the professional ranks.

But life had other plans.

After a six-month spell in South Africa playing on the mini tour and attempting to qualify for the Sunshine Tour, Sam began to experience the effects of bipolar disorder - a force that would soon shatter the dream he’d worked his whole life for. The same drive that pushed him to excel on the course turned inward. This loss of identity, self-worth, and the fight against bipolar disorder led to years of instability, bouts of self-medicating, and the long, difficult work of recovery, and ultimately, finding a new goal.

Now sober, Sam has rebuilt his life with the same determination that once defined his game. He found discipline and purpose through amateur boxing, committed to his recovery, and channelled his experiences into studying psychology, ultimately earning a master’s degree from the University of St Andrews.

During the Covid lockdown, Sam founded Greatmaker, a golf clothing brand created to help golfers navigate the mental resilience that sport requires — an objective born directly from his own journey.

He credits mentor Ian Elrick, who guided him through national tournaments and became a grandfather figure, with shaping both the player and the person he is today.

With his life back on track, Sam is once again chasing the dream and is determined to play against the greats.