South – Downshire Golf Complex, Berkshire
(Qualifying for International)
Wednesday 31st August 2011
Downshire Golf Complex
Easthampstead Park
Wokingham
Berkshire. RG40 3DH
England South Qualifier, 31 August 2011 – Tension was mounting as 17 DGS members teed off with the sole aim of qualifying to be part of the England Team (well that, and having a good time)! We were delighted to have Anthony Netto from the Stand Up and Play Foundation come and join us in the driving range, and to have the support of Wayne Owers, the Pro at Downshire Golf Complex.
“Today was a little different from our normal, social event days. Everyone was friendly enough, but you could feel the tension at the first tee” said Graeme Robertson, National Events Co-Ordinator. “By the time we got to the 19th, people were coming back saying how badly they’d played trying to mask the fact they knew they’d all performed to their official handicaps, which is all you can ask. It’s going to be a tough job for the support team to make selections. The International will be a fantastic event to be a part of, being held at a top championship course, Slaley Hall in Northumberland”.
Regular events are held using Stableford scoring across England and Wales, but the Disabled Golf Society selected two venues for its members to try out for a coveted place on the team – at Downshire and at Dewsbury on 8th September.
The winner of the day’s event was one-armed golfer Paul Cunningham from London (who won on count back with a score of 39); Christopher Smith (also 39, Coronary / Mobility, Gloucestershire); and Kevin Booth (36, Arthritis, South Yorkshire).
Graeme Robertson, National Events Co-Ordinator for DGS said “I first learned to play golf at Downshire so it was wonderful to return today. When I was diagnosed with MS and couldn’t balance or stand so well, and with a general weakness all down my right side, I thought my playing days were behind me. After being a keen sportsman, if you’d asked me what I missed the most since my diagnosis it would be not playing golf. 12 years later here I am returning to golf and all the stronger for it, having improved my core strength and concentration”. He went on “My thanks to Downshire Golf Complex and members for their patience with us”.
DGS is a pan-disability, not-for-profit organization; membership is free and event costs are kept low so they are ideally looking for sponsorship for events. More information is at www.disabledgolfsociety.com with the society returning to play at Downshire on 15th September 2011.
About Downshire Golf Complex
Downshire Golf Complex has a reputation as one of the finest ‘pay and play’ courses in the country and offers a range of top quality facilities in a delightful setting within the Berkshire countryside.
Rated within the top ten municipal courses in the country, Downshire is not only home to an 18-hole championship course but also has a 9-hole pitch and putt course, a well-stocked Golf Shop and a 30-bay driving range (15 fitted with Power Tees®). We also offer extensive conference and banqueting facilities within our functions suite at competitive prices.
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure/leis-downshire-golf-complex.htm
