Making golf more open (From Swindon Advertiser)

Making golf more open

5:34pm Thursday 10th March 2011 in Local By Flicky Harrison

GOLFER Christopher Smith is a man with a mission.

He aims to get people with disabilities on to the golf course.

He belongs to the Swindon Disabled Golf Society which held a free taster day at the base in Broome Manor Golf Club last week. About 20 people turned out to try their hand at the game.

During the day the new golfers had a chance to have a lesson with a professional, try out the course, use the facilities enjoy some refreshments and take a turn in the specially adapted buggies.

Christopher said: “There are a number of disabled golf societies but they are usually specific for the blind or those with one arm. We are a pan-disability club and welcome everyone from those suffering with multiple sclerosis to amputees.

“We use the Stand Up And Play Buggies for those in wheelchairs. The buggies can tilt and swivel and the golfers can stop at the ball and use the controls to elevate themselves back to their real height so they can play golf as if they are standing up.”

The buggies are a lifeline for many people who have been keen golfers but after their illness or injury left them in a wheelchair they felt they could never play again.

The national events organiser for the club, Graham Robertson, was 6ft 2” tall but he was reduced to the height of a 10 year old child when he was diagnosed with MS and now uses a wheelchair. But now with the Stand Up and Play buggies he is back to 6ft2in and playing on the golf course.

“One of our members said that thanks to the buggies he has kissed his wife properly at his full height for the first time in 10 years,’’ said Christopher.

The Swindon club has only been running for a year and already has 437 members aged from 13 years to 60 years. The taster days will continue to run regularly as the club aims to encourage former golfers and new ones to take up the clubs.

Christopher said: “We are on a mission. Anyone who has left golf knows how much it means, some feel that after convalescence they are not welcome back.

“We want to change that. We are offering the taster sessions for any group or individual to give golf a try.’’ The Swindon club has the backing of the sport’s ruling body the Ancient and Royal and the Professional Golf Association who teaches the coaches how to train those with disabilities. The club is planning on going international by arranging a Disabled Ryder Cup competition.

The next free taster session is at Cumberwell Park in Bradford on Avon on March 14 from 11am. Call 01666 503918 or visit www.disabledgolfsociety.com.