Brian Parson winning the 18 hole competition at Trent Lock Golf Centre

Here is Brian’s Story.
Well this is how the story goes. After a carpal tunnel operation on my right hand that went wrong, I was under the surgeon’s knife again to try to relieve the swelling from my right hand. The minute I awoke from the anesthetic, after they had operated at my elbow, I had a tremor in my right hand.  As a result of this I was referred to the neurology department at Leicester City General Hospital. After months and months of appointments with different consultants, 3 years in total, I was eventually told that I had Parkinson’s disease. After arriving home, about an hour later, distraught, numb, in shock and completely devastated, my wife told my brother that I had Parkinson’s. Within the next hour all my family gathered at our house to give me support.

Well for the first two years it was awful. It came as a shock to my system to stop all of the things I loved about my social life; playing very competitive league darts 3 times a week, rugby on Saturday, football on Sunday plus many other thing I took for granted. The different drugs I was trying were causing me all sort of problems; from water and kidney infections, insomnia through to nightmares. It was absolutely horrendous and many times I thought about giving some unlucky train driver an early retirement. Reaching the lowest point in my life, my beautiful wife phoned the consultant at the hospital and politely told him how I was feeling. After his visit the same day, I was put upon a new tablet fresh from America. Within two weeks I was out of bed, leading a fairly normal life of sorts and doing little things often enough to the best of my ability. Then one Saturday morning upon clearing the garage out, my children found a set of golf clubs.

They said “let’s go into the garden and play with them”.
“I can’t play now ” Was my response.
“Give it a try”

So I did and two weeks later I discovered the Disabled Golf Society.

THE STORY BEGINS with DGS
I was browsing the internet and came across the Disabled Golf Society. After immediately joining online, a couple of days later I received a phone call from Graham Robertson introducing himself to me. I turned up to my first event at Stoneleigh Deer Park golf club and thoroughly enjoyed myself, even though I played awful. Encouraged by this I played several other events and met lots of new members. It was fantastic! Having not played for over 20 years I got something I could get my teeth into with my disability.

Since joining the DGS, I’ve received lots of help from other members with my game, especially one in particular. We were playing together at one of the events and I was hitting the ball shockingly bad. The ball was going in every direction possible (I couldn’t hit the ball to save my life!) and my back was hurting. Ready to pack it all in and throw my clubs away, Kevin Booth advised me to get some bigger clubs with longer shafts and to try this and that to improve my game. Taking his advised on-board (I had to listen for once in my life!), lots of hard work on the golf range and in the net in my back garden, I’m was so pleased with my improved progress. Thanks to Kevin’s guidance and other members I’ve played with at DGS events, I now play off 16 after starting on a handicap of 36.

With all this effort and encouragement, it lead to to one of the best and proudest moments in my life, by far (OTHER THAN WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE BORN AND MARRYING MY WIFE), of which I will take to my grave. I was chosen to play for my Country at Slaley Hall, in the Auld Enemy’s Cup. Even the disappointment of no national anthems being played on the day, didn’t spoil my enthusiasm. I would like to thank Graham, Sue, Kevin, Cerise and everybody else who organised it all. Thank you! Thank you so much for making it possible for me to represent my country and fulfill a lifetime’s ambition.

I now live, breath, eat and drink golf. My wife now calls herself a ‘golfing widow‘, because I can’t wait for the next event to get going so I can improve on my handicap. THE best advice I was ever given, is to talk to your golf balls. If you are nice enough, they listen to you and many members who I’ve played with, will tell you “it works”. ‘Come on noodles’ is the name for my golf ball. So remember ladies and gentlemen of the Disabled Golf Society…… Talk to your golf balls (lol)

Ending at that, thank you to all associated with the DGS, who have helped turned my life around. I would also like give special thanks my wife and children, who are so supportive of me and who allow me to play in these events.

Brian Parsons  (AKA. BARMY)

The golf clubs displayed at golf shops and pro shops are built to standardised specifications. If the customer doesn’t fit those specs, the equipment won’t fit the customer. Without the proper club fit, no golfer will reach optimal performance. It is a necessity for golfers to receive a custom club fitting, from a trained and experienced club fitter, before making a golf club investment.

A good professional club fitter will test the following seven interrelated variables during a custom fitting session: shaft length; lie angle; shaft flex; shaft type; grip size; golf club head design; and set make up. Each variable is briefly explained below:

Shaft Length: Among other things, shaft length will impact where on the clubface the ball is consistently struck. The correct shaft length will prevent a golfer from having to alter a natural swing arc in order to make optimal impact.

Lie Angle: This is the angle formed by the shaft and sole of the club. Having a correct lie angle will cause the centre of the club head to touch the ground. If the toe of the club head is raised, a hooking shot may result. Should the heel be raised, a push or slice may result.

Shaft Flex: The shaft flex impacts things such as trajectory, accuracy, distance and consistency. During the golf swing, the club “flexes” throughout until squarely meeting the ball at impact. An incorrect shaft flex significantly reduces the chance of making consistently solid contact.

Shaft Type: Here, again, personal characteristics make the decision. The composition of steel and graphite shafts, their kick (or bend) points, swing weights and torque ratings are considerations.

Grip Size: The right grip size can impact the golfer’s ability to return the clubface to a square position and release the wrists through impact. Also, with the variety of grip compositions, personal preference is a determining factor.

Club Head Design: With the advent of MOI (moment of inertia) importance, this factor has become a big consideration, particularly with higher handicappers. When shots are struck outside the sweet spot, a high MOI reduces twisting at impact, delivering shots closer to the target area.

After a custom club fitting, golfers will feel confident that they have made a good decision in their investment. The added confidence will enhance performance almost as much as the custom fitting itself.

What is custom fitting?

Everyone’s golf swing is different so it makes sense to adjust golf clubs to suit the individual. Custom fitting is the process for tailoring a golf club to suit your personal swing. Effectively golf club manufacturers know a set of clubs aren’t cheap so the least they could do is make them fit. Whatever your level, the aim is to ensure that if you do make a good swing, the club will be square at impact and should produce a straight shot.

What happens during a fitting session?

There are different methods according to golf club manufacturers but ultimately they are all trying to improve your game. To begin with simple measurements such as wrist-to-floor, height and hand size are taken and will point you to the right sized club and at what angle it should be to the ground. Then you will take a club and hit some balls. One method is to place impact tape on the bottom of the club and an impact board on the floor.

As you hit the ball the board will leave a mark on the tape showing whether the heel or the toe of the club is striking the floor first. The resulting mark will show whether the club face needs to be flatter or more upright. You can also measure the launch angle of the ball that will impact efficiency – all which affect distance. The angle in which the club approaches the ball and the sidespin of it can help fix your game too.

What do you need to bring with you?

Rather than bringing down your old clubs it might be better to start from scratch. It’s a big misconception that custom fitting is only for good golfers. Anyone can benefit. That said, if you plan to upgrade a new set of clubs with the same manufacturer they may be able to adjust your old set. In the end all you need is an open mind.

What difference will it make?

Custom fitting won’t cure all your bad shots. Coaching will sort that out. But if you do make a good swing, then the club will arrive correctly at impact and should produce a straight shot at your target. That alone will save shots during a round.

How much does it cost?

On its own custom fitting is often free of charge. But it is usually on the condition that you buy some clubs once you’ve been fitted. So it really depends on what your budget is. If you’re prepared to buy a new set of clubs it’s definitely worth getting fitted.

If you want top of the range analysis and fitting, head for Red Dragon Golf where a consultation can be done for £50 But if clubs are purchased then the consultation is FREE. Custom fitted clubs from Red Dragon Golf start from £179 with a wide range of products available from putter right through to driver.  If you still love your clubs then why not think about having the shafts, grips, lie adjusted so you can get the best out of what you got. James also repairs damaged clubs and is one of only a few club makers in the UK. For more details contact James, Red Dragon Golf 07811 956 552 or have a browse at his website www.reddragongolf.co.uk and quote Disabled Golf Society for your special prices.

The day raised over £27k for the Paralympic Team. Stan Bembenek, Vice President for DGS, and Graeme Robertson, National Co-Ordinator, took part in a series of challengies along with members too. Graeme chatted with Matthew Pinsent and the after dinner speach was given by 800m Gold Medal Winning Paralympian Danny Crates.To see more images of the Paralympic Team Charity Day, please click here.

Graeme Robertson, National Events Co-Ordinator for DGS said “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 Lydd GC which has to be one of the most welcoming and best centres for people with disabilities that we’ve visited this year, and members for their patience with us – we are looking forward to returning in August”

The winner was Lydd member, Mark Walters from Folkestone with 38 stableford points, 2^nd was Keith Dolman from Essex (28 points) and 3^rd was Chris Reed from (26 points). The DGS are returning to Lydd Golf Club in the summer, but for information on forth coming events please go to the events sections of the website.

DGS Event – Lydd Golf Club 14th March (16-3-12)

Photograph © Catrin Arwel. www.catrinarwelphotography.com

The Disabled Golf Society is looking for interested parties to sponsor our events throughout 2012. If you are interested and would like further information please contact one of our DGS Co-ordinators:

Christopher Smith – 01666 503918
email: enquiries@disabledgolfsociety.com

Graeme Robertson (DGS South) – 07932 061680
email: graeme.robertson@disabledgolfsociety.com

Kevin Booth (DGS North) - 07775 428725
email: kevin.booth@disabledgolfsociety.com

Nicki Jones (DGS Wales) – 07794 593618
email: nicki.jones@disabledgolfsociety.com

Alternatively you can contact
Christopher Smith on 01666 503918 or
email: enquiries@disabledgolfsociety.com;
Graeme Robertson, DGS South Co-ordinator on 07932 061680 or
email: graeme.robertson@disabledgolfsociety.com
Nicki Jones, DGS Wales Co-orinator on 01874 712852 or
email: nicki.jones@disabledgolfsociety.com;
Kevin Booth, DGS North C0-0rdinator on 07775 428725 or
email: kevin.booth@disabledgolfsociety.com

Latest Academy Taster Session for 2012

Wednesday 16th May – Malton Lane, Royston, Herts SG8 6PE
Taster Sessions: 11am – 1pm
Pro – Brian Mudge

Sunday 20th May – Rhondda Golf Club, Pontygwaith, Ferndale,
Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales. CF43 3PW
Children Taster Sessions: 1pm – 2pm; Adult Taster Sessions: 2pm – 3pm
This is primarily a swing school

Monday 21st May 2012 – Longhirst Hall Golf Club,
Morpeth Northumberland
Taster Session for all ages – 9am – 11am

Tuesday 22nd May – Acanthus Golf Centre, Thorpe Lane,
Tingley, Nr Wakefield, WF3 1SL
www.acanthusgolf.com
Taster Sessions: 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 24th May 2012 – Whittlebury Park Golf and Country Club,
Nr. Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8WP
Taster Session for all ages – 9.30am – 11.30am
Professional Coach - Richard Cartwright 07921 334241

Thursday 31st May 2012 – Sharpley Golf Club, Seaton, Seaham,
County Durham. SR7 0NP
Taster Session for all ages – 9am – 11am

Our objective therefore, is to identify these courses and hopefully persuade others to improve their facilities to accommodate us, both within the UK and beyond. So we are asking for your help once again, by providing information of golf courses/venues, that you would personally recommend. Once we have collected the information, we are looking to provide a new Disabled Golf Course Guide section on the website that will give a list of different golf courses/venues, which are disabled friendly.

We Need Your Help

Please recommend a course that you know will fit our requirements. If you know of a suitable course which may even offer special discounts to our members please complete the online form below.

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Building on the success of 2011, we have been able to book more venues across the country for 2012.  Listed below is the 2012 schedule.

March

Monday 19th – Kingswood, Thorne Road, Hatfield, South Yorkshire
Thursday 22nd – Bird Hills, Drift Road, Hawthorn Hill, Berkshire
Wednesday 28th – Abbey Hill, Monks Way, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

April

Monday 2nd – Peterstone Lakes, Wentloog, Cardiff, South Wales
Thursday 5th – Sharply Golf Club, Seaham, County Durham
Saturday 7th – New Malton Golf Club, New Malton, Royston, Cambridgeshire
Tuesday 10th – Mardyke Valley, South Ockenden, Essex
Monday 16th – Billingbear Park, Wokingham, Berkshire
Wednesday 18th – Trent Lock, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
Monday 23rd – Cradoc Golf Club, Brecon, Powys, South Wales
Tuesday, 24th – Lichfield, Staffordshire
Thursday 26th – Hart Common, Wigan, Lancashire
Monday 30th – Cumberwell Park, Bradford uopn Avon, Wiltshire

May

Thursday 3rd – Leeds Golf Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Thursday 10th – Stoneleigh Deer Park, Coventry, Warwickshire
Tuesday 15th – Houghwood, St Helens, Lancashire
Tuesday 15th – Wernddu Golf Club, Abergavenny, South Wales
Wednesday 16th – New Malton, Royston, Cambridgeshire
Monday 21st – Longhurst Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland
Tuesday 22nd – Foxbridge, Billingshurst, East Sussex
Tuesday 29th – Bondhay, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Thursday 31st – Crane Valley Golf Club, Verwood, Dorset

June

Tuesday 5th – Alice Spring, Kemeys Commander, Usk, South Wales
Wednesday 6th – Whittlebury Park, Towcester, Northants
Thursday 7th – Boothferry Golf Club, Goole
Monday 11th – TBA, Devon
Tuesday 12th – Alnmouth Golf Club, Northumberland
Monday 18th – Sandmartins, Wokingham, Berkshire
Thursday 21st – Gortsey Hill, Crewe, Cheshire
Tuesday 26th – Horsehay Village Golf Club, Telford, Shropshire
Friday 29th – Horton Park, Epsom, Surrey

July

Monday 2nd – Hay on Wye, Herefordshire
Wednesday 4th – Norwood Park, Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Tuesday 10th – Craig Waugh Memorial Trophy, Dunston Hall, Norwich, Norfolk
Thursday 19th – Northallerton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Thursday 19th – Llantrisant and Pontyclun GC, Llantrisant, South Wales
Tuesday 24th – North v’s South Match play, Kilworth Springs, North Kilworth, Leicestershire
Tuesday 31st – Rother Valley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

August

Wednesday 1st – Morlais Castle, Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales
Thursday 2nd – Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent
Thursday 9th – Mid Yorkshire, Pontefract, East Yorkshire
Thursday 9th – Rockmount Golf Club, Carryduff, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Monday 13th- Bromsgrove, Worcstershire
Monday 20th – Houldsworth, Stockport, Cheshire/Lancs
Tuesday 21st – Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Tuesday 28th – Goodwood, Sussex
Thursday 30th – Beacon Park, Wigan Lancashire

September

Tuesday 4th – Bristol, Avon
Thursday 6th – Willow Valley, Brighouse, West Yorkshire
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th – Auld Enemies Cup, Midlands TBA
Thursday 20th – Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees, North East
Thursday 27th – Ryde, Isle of Wight

October

Wednesday 3rd – Pedham Place Golf Centre, London Road, Swanley, Kent
Thursday 4th – Kingswood, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Friday 12th – Rhondda Golf Club, Tonypandy, South Wales

Please note these dates and venues are subject to change

To enquire about any of the events listed please contact Graeme Robertson, National events Co-ordinator on 0118 9790193 / 07932 061680 or email: robertson1963@hotmail.co.uk

The Disabled Golf Society is proud to announce that Sport England have invested their support in disabled golf. As part of their Sportsmatch Programme, the DGS, can increase its awareness, continue to grow and progress as a society. It will also help provide more facilities, events, equipment etc and to continue the good work the DGS has achieved, by encouraging more disabled people to try golf for the first time.

About Sport England

Sport England is focused on the creation of a world-leading community sport system.

We invest National Lottery and Exchequer funding in organisations and projects that will grow and sustain participation in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport. Our structure reflects this focus

Formerly known as the English Sports Council, we work in partnership with UK Sport, which has responsibility for elite success, and the Youth Sport Trust, which is focused on PE and school sport.

Accountable to Parliament through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, we also have a role protecting sports provision as a statutory consultee on planning applications that affect playing fields.

For further information about Sport England please follow the link www.sportengland.org or contact Christopher Smith on 01666 503918

Christopher Smith, a leading member of Disabled Golf Society, has been delighted by the response of the 2011 Taster Sessions and hopes that through the kind support from Sport England, this will encourage more people to come along and have a go in 2012. For further information call the DGS on 01666 503918 or email: enquiries@disabledgolfsociety.com

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