Battle of the Balls Returns: Rugby vs Football at Wetherby Golf Club 2026

Key Points

• Wetherby Golf Club is hosting the return of the ‘Battle of the Balls’ charity golf event this month.
• The event features rugby legends competing against football legends in a head-to-head golf showdown.
• The football team seeks revenge after losing to the rugby rivals in last year’s inaugural match.
• David Doherty, teaching professional at Wetherby Golf Club, leads the rugby side.
• The event is confirmed for 2026, building on the 2025 contest.

Wetherby (The Leeds Times) May 12, 2026 – Wetherby Golf Club will host the return of its popular ‘Battle of the Balls’ event this month, as rugby and football legends go head-to-head once again in a competitive charity golf showdown. Following last year’s contest, the football team arrives looking for revenge after falling short against their rugby rivals in the inaugural match. Leading the rugby side is Wetherby Golf Club teaching professional David Doherty.

What Is the ‘Battle of the Balls’ Event at Wetherby Golf Club?

The ‘Battle of the Balls’ is a charity golf tournament pitting rugby legends against football legends on the greens of Wetherby Golf Club. As announced in a recent social media post by Wetherby Golf Club,

“Battle of the Balls returns for 2026 Our football and rugby legends are back on the green ⚽️ Who will take the title this year?”

This follows the inaugural match last year, where the rugby team emerged victorious. The event combines sport and philanthropy, drawing local attention in the Wetherby area.

Wetherby Golf Club, located in West Yorkshire, serves as the venue for this competitive yet light-hearted rivalry.

Who Is Leading the Rugby Team in the Battle of the Balls?

David Doherty, the teaching professional at Wetherby Golf Club, is captaining the rugby side. Described on LinkedIn as a “PGA Professional at Wetherby GC” and former professional rugby player and coach, Doherty brings a unique blend of rugby background and golf expertise to the event.

The Wetherby Golf Club website notes that Doherty specialises in “control of attention and mindset” in his coaching, completing the club’s team of three professionals. A Facebook post from Harrogate Advertiser highlighted his leadership role in the announcement.

No specific names of other participants from either team have been detailed in available reports.

When and Where Is the ‘Battle of the Balls’ Taking Place?

The event is scheduled at Wetherby Golf Club this month, with confirmations pointing to 2026 as the return year. A video post from Wetherby Golf Club on Facebook dated May 7, 2026, promotes the fixture with the caption referencing the rugby versus football legends matchup.

While exact tee-off times remain unspecified in reports, the club’s facilities are open seven days a week, with summer hours from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

The Harrogate Advertiser coverage, shared on Facebook on May 12, 2026, aligns with the local news focus on Wetherby developments.

Social media teasers, including an Instagram post mentioning “Rugby vs Football on the golf course and leading the … Wetherby Golf Club pro David ‘Doc’ Doherty! #BattleoftheBalls,” further build anticipation.

Why Are Rugby and Football Legends Reuniting for This Golf Event?

The football team is motivated by revenge after their defeat in the 2025 inaugural ‘Battle of the Balls’. Rugby for Heroes, referenced in a related snippet about a setup at another venue, indicates the charitable angle often tied to such celebrity sports events, though specifics for Wetherby are limited to the club’s promotion.

Wetherby Golf Club positions the event as a popular return fixture, encouraging supporters to back their chosen team. An earlier October 2025 video from the club teased

“Rugby vs Football legends – on the golf course? Stay tuned,”

signalling ongoing buildup.

The competition fosters camaraderie between two iconic Yorkshire sports communities.

What Makes David Doherty a Key Figure in Wetherby’s Golf Scene?

David Doherty, known as ‘Doc’, is a PGA Coaching Professional based at Wetherby Golf Club. His LinkedIn profile states:

“PGA Professional (University of Birmingham) and PGA Coach based at Wetherby GC. Coach Doc Golf; Golf Coaching specialising in Mindset and Control of attention.”

The club’s pro coaching academy page describes him as

“relatively new to the game of golf and Wetherby Golf Club,”

with a focus on mental aspects of the sport. Contact details provided include coachdocgolf@outlook.com or 07908279092 for coaching inquiries.

His rugby background adds relevance to leading the rugby legends team.

How Does Last Year’s Result Shape This Year’s ‘Battle of the Balls’?

In the inaugural 2025 match, the rugby team defeated the football team, setting the stage for the revenge narrative. The football side now returns determined to overturn the result at Wetherby Golf Club.

No detailed scores or standout performances from the first event are reported in available coverage. The rivalry remains a central theme in promotional materials.

What Charity Causes Benefit from the ‘Battle of the Balls’?

While the event is described as a charity golf showdown, specific beneficiary organisations are not named in the announcements. References to “Rugby for Heroes” appear in a Harrogate Advertiser Facebook post, noting a setup for a similar

“Battle of the Balls charity golf tournament,”

but this relates to The Welcombe Hotel and Golf Club, not Wetherby.

Wetherby Golf Club’s posts emphasise community support without detailing funds raised previously.

Background of the Development

The ‘Battle of the Balls’ originated as an inaugural event in 2025 at Wetherby Golf Club, where rugby legends bested their football counterparts. This success prompted the 2026 return, hosted again at the same venue in Wetherby, West Yorkshire. David Doherty’s involvement stems from his dual role as a former rugby professional and current PGA coach at the club, making him a natural leader for the rugby team. Social media announcements from the club and local outlets like Harrogate Advertiser began building hype in early 2026, following teasers from late 2025. The event reflects growing trends in celebrity charity golf days in the UK, blending sports rivalries with fundraising.

Prediction

This development can affect local sports fans and golf enthusiasts in the Wetherby and broader Yorkshire area by providing an accessible, family-friendly event that promotes community engagement and rivalry between rugby and football communities. Spectators may experience increased opportunities to support charity through attendance, potentially boosting local venue footfall and awareness of Wetherby Golf Club’s facilities. Participants and followers could see strengthened ties between the golf club and regional sports figures, encouraging future similar events and youth interest in golf via celebrity exposure. Overall, it offers a positive outlet for friendly competition amid busy local sports calendars.