Progress Power lights Ben Eccles’ path to golfing greatness

In the world of professional golf, the journey from tee to green is often met with challenges both on and off the course. From travel logistics to course adaptation and financial pressures, professional golfers often must navigate a landscape rife with obstacles. 

For Ben Eccles, a professional golfer from Geelong, the support of sponsors has been instrumental to his golfing career.  Among these patrons is Progress Power, an innovative energy developer, whose backing has helped Eccles reach his aspiration of playing in the 2024 British Open qualifying round. 

Eccles’ expedition into golf began in the UK, where his father introduced him and his older brother to the sport when he was just six years of age.  

“It was a long journey, but my passion and skills really took off when we moved to Australia in 2006,” says Eccles, who is now 29. 

Transitioning to life in Australia, Eccles joined The Sands Torquay Golf Club where he quickly honed his skills. Fast forward 18 years, and today Eccles' career has taken him to more than 40 countries and has included notable victories at the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2015 and 2023. Eccles has also completed six international tours including Dp World Tour, European Challenge Tour, Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Mena Tour and Australia Tour. 

Despite the travel and success, Eccles says the sacrifices demanded by his profession have meant he spends a significant portion of the year, sometimes up to 40 weeks, away from home. And when he’s not competing, he is preparing for the next tournament.  

“Preparation involves a lot of things such as understanding what you need to do, how the course is playing and how the body feels,” he says.  

In the realm of professional sports, sponsorship serves as a lifeline for many athletes, offering crucial support that extends beyond financial assistance.   

“Sponsors are incredibly important and without them it wouldn’t be possible,” says Eccles. “Golf is a performance industry, so obviously if you play well, you get paid more and if you don’t perform well, you don’t get paid. So, with the support of sponsors it helps not only with the cost aspect but also with how things are away from the course. It means you don’t have to worry about money or living costs while you’re competing.” 

For Eccles, his partnership with Progress Power transcends traditional sponsorship; it symbolises a shared commitment to excellence and ambition.  

Eccles' affiliation with Progress Power began with a chance encounter with Craig Carter, Progress Power’s founder and Managing Director. Bonded by a mutual passion for golf, Eccles and Carter quickly formed a friendship. It was through this connection that Eccles found resonance with Progress Power's ethos and its mission to shape a more sustainable future.  

Progress Power is developing the Springvale Energy Hub, a multi-stage development in suburban Melbourne, comprising 115 MW utility-scale battery storage, a solar farm and emerging renewable technology. 

“Progress Power has been amazingly supportive, and I really value the company’s values of innovation and progress." he adds.  

As Eccles prepares for his upcoming UK tournament, he remains committed to his pursuit of greatness. For him, golf transcends mere competition; it’s a journey of self-discovery and resilience.  

“My best advice to any golfer, whether they are starting out or are professional, is to just go out there and have fun. It’s a difficult game that takes a lot of time to get better at, but if you can enjoy every minute of being outside on a golf course then you’ll enjoy the challenge of it.” 

For further information contact Francesca Carter: 0438562729