Golfers tee-off in first pan disabled open tournament

Thursday, 01 August 2013

MORE than 60 golfers with disabilities flocked to High Barnet on Monday for the UK’s first ever pan-disabled Open Golf tournament.

Taking a swing: One golfer taking part


The event organised by The Golf Trust, an inclusive golfing charity, was held at The Shire London golf course in St Albans Road and brought together disabled golfers of all ages and abilities including amputees, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s sufferers, stroke survivors, blind, deaf and visually impaired people, as well as golf enthusiasts with learning difficulties.

Blind golfer Billy McAllister from Bedfordshire won the tournament, while Gina Collier from Northamptonshire, who has multiple mobility disabilities, finished as runner-up and women’s champion.

The Golf Trust brought together golfers through three different charities – the Disabled Golf Association, the English Deaf Golf Association and Special Olympics GB, a sports charity for people with learning disabilities.

Competitor Graeme Robertson, of the Disabled Golf Association, said: “Golf, with its handicap system, enables all to compete equally regardless of ability. The event showcased disabled golf and the power of the human mind to overcome adversity. This was my first opportunity to play in such a big event at a prestigious course since being diagnosed with MS.”

A spokesman for The Golf Trust added: “This was the first time that all of the disabled golf organisations have teamed up together for a pan-disabled open. It was an absolute success, we had a maximum number of competitors and received great help from volunteers.”

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