Veterans take part in Ryder Cup-style tournament

The 2025 competition has been held at two golf courses in Sandwich

Veterans and servicemen from Great Britain and the United States have been taking part in a Ryder Cup-style competition for charity.

The Simpson Cup, which raises money for the On Course Foundation (OCF), is a transatlantic tournament contested between teams of 13.

OCF offers servicemen and veterans in both countries the opportunity to play golf in order to help restore self-confidence and provide a sense of purpose after an injury.

The tournament has been taking place at Prince's Golf Club and The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich in Kent and ends at 17:00 BST on Wednesday.

Tirthraj Thapa, from Maidstone, said it was a "great honour and privilege" to represent Great Britain for the third time.

He added: "It (OCF) has given me a new purpose to go out there, be with my friends, just like back in the military, [to] go out in the range and hit some balls."

Mr Thapa had his left leg amputated above his knee and was medically discharged after standing on an IED while serving in Afghanistan.

"After my injury I had nothing to do in my life, I was just staying at home, and OCF has given me inspiration [and] motivation to go further in my life and to do something in my future," he said.

GB team captain Andy Stevens was discharged from the army as he had post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Golf, for me, has been a lifesaver," he said.

Following a tie at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York in 2024, the tournament stands at 6–6 over its 12 editions.

The 2025 tournament was 3-3 going into the final day.