tel:01666 503918

The Disabled Golf Association are delighted to be able to announce details of the 2013 De Vere / ISPS Handa Blind and Disabled Golf Tournament. There are to be 6 FREE regional events held at prestigious De Vere locations throughout the north of England, leading to a grand final.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Mottram Hall – Manchester – 7th May

Oulton Hall – Leeds – 8th May

Belton Woods – Lincolnshire – 9th May

Slaley Hall – Newcastle – 15th May

Carden Park – Cheshire – 15th May

Herons’ Reach – Blackpool – 21st May

There is no maximum handicap allowance as we want to make these events as accessible as possible and cater for a range of disabilities. It will be individual stableford scoring on the day ¾ handicap allowance. The top two winners from each regional event will be invited to play on our grand final at Mottram Hall prior to the PGA seniors and will be hosted as our guests. Most of the tee times allocated are from 10.30am to 11am for each of the regional qualifiers, with breakfast being provided in the morning and a light lunch after golf. Buggies will be provided where needed and we will also cater for any carers or assistants who will be attending.

The grand final will be held at De Vere Mottram Hall on Monday 3rd June which will comprise -12 Person Golf Final Monday Afternoon, Hospitality Evening, Dinner and Prize Presentation.

On Tuesday 4th June there will be a Brunch hosted by De Vere, ISPS Handa and the PGA. The 3 top scores from the Monday Final will participate in the Celebrity Golf Challenge with Freddie Flintoff, Colin Montgomerie and Harry Redknapp.

Places are limited (with each event capped at 20 golfers) so for further details please contact graeme.robertson@disabledgolfassociation.co.uk

We at The Disabled Golf Association are pleased and honoured to announce that The Shire London Golf Club are to be one of the first golf club in the United Kingdom which offers FULL DISABLED Membership. This offer is a rare opportunity in the UK and we hope more clubs will follow their lead.

Thanks to the understanding nature of the owner of Shire Golf, Cae Menai Davis, it was not difficult to highlight the main features of this membership scheme. These features are based on the need for fixing the initial membership at a cost which does not put off the person who may be on a limited or fixed income. The amount of golf played can also be a problem for the golfer with disabilities who cannot play on a regular basis. It also includes the use of an “on course” buggy which 90% of disabled players require. It also includes six lessons and full use of the purpose built, disabled friendly club house. Finally, once the completed score cards have been returned a formal CONGU handicap can be obtained.

As a Disabled Golf Association member the Cost of Disabled Membership at The Shire Golf Club is ONLY £100.00 (6 Rounds of Golf, 6 Lessons with Professional Coach and including the use of a golf buggy). Membership is available from April 2013.

For more details you can either contact Christopher Smith on 01666 503918, email: enquiries@disabledgolfassociation.co.uk or contact The Shire London Golf Club  directly:

The Shire London Golf Club
Saint Albans Road,
Barnet, Hertfordshire
EN5 4RE
Tel: 020 8441 7949
Email: golf@theshirelondon.com

Members in the London area were invited to join players from the Special Olympics and members at The Shire for a very special event – The Golf Trust Unity Day. Members from The Disabled Golf Society CIC (DGS) all came away feeling it had been their great privilege to be a small part of this super day organised by Cae Menai Davies. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time playing in 3-balls, one member from The Shire, with one from Special Olympics and one from DGS. Not content with just a massive 3-ball competition on the day, Cae also had a huge group of school children at their Academy Course, and arranged a taster session for DGS member Barry Reed from Hertfordshire who currently plays from his wheelchair after a T5 injury following a motorcycle accident.

It was quite an experience for our newest DGS member, who is totally blind, Billy McAllister and his caddie Sam from Bedfordshire. The event was filmed by Hertfordshire County Council. What can we say about The Shire – ably led by Tony, this is a club who have a true heart for disabled golf – this is hardly surprising as this spectacular course itself was the first Seve Ballesteros designed course in England; the club house and facilities are superb and the members true superstars. We would love to see The Shire set themselves up as a centre in the area where we could direct our members to enjoy great tuition and great golf at reasonable prices going forwards; we hope to work closely with The Shire going forwards to set up a disabled golf tournament to match any other in the UK next year, so exciting times ahead indeed.

To view more images of this event, please click here.

After months’ worth of rain in such a short time in God country (Wales), Hay on Wye golf club were kind enough to play hosts and invited Team Wales of the DGS to their Gem of a course. It’s a 6,000 yard 9 hole course with 18 completely different tees. The facilities of the course are all disabled friendly without a single step in sight and only a small climb up the first fair way.  Ground staff and members worked hard to get the course looking in top condition and they certainly did that. Sponsors from JW’s plant hire and a shirt sponsor from The Cock Hotel made the day possible and not enough thanks can go out to them for their support.

The day seen members that have attended the taster sessions that have been provided earlier in the season for beginners and novice disabled golfers, a development that Welsh Disabled Golf wish to continue with the support of local authorities, fundraising and sponsors, and a hand full of experienced golfers that have been participating for years. Local business including Likes Land Rover, Powell skips and The Boars of Brecon have had a huge part in the participation of developing golf for the disabled.

Both teams had 12 players with the front 9 holes being a 2 ball better ball which lead to a half time score of 3 points apiece at the turn. The second 9 was a singles format where all 12 would play their opposition in match play scenario which went to the wire. The final match that was still in play included captain Keith Wallace who was 1 up going in to the final whole, Keith’ experience proved to be of huge benefit where he closed his match out with a comfortable 1up victory for Team Wales to take the match with a 9 and half – 8 and a half victory.

A presentation of the nearest the pin and most accurate drive were shared between Team Wales and the able bodied Summer Hill Select. Team Wales were presented with the trophy by Nial Forrest of Summer Hill Golf Club and it will be kept in the clubs trophy cabinet where it will be played for again next year.

After the tireless set up work from Chris Smith and Graeme Robertson of the DGS in getting the start of disabled golf in Wales things are starting to take off. After the two events that took place in south Wales I was approached to see if I would like to take charge of the region on Wales. I was a little uncertain at start because I wasn’t sure if I could do the job and justify all the time and effort that has been put in by both Chris and Graeme because of what such a great job they have been doing. I agreed and was overwhelmed with the support both always have to offer. As time went on we have become a family among ourselves and in Wales we are about to follow in the same direction in having a pan disability International Team. I have met so many new people who I can’t actually call friends, I call you all “inspirational friends”. After the work that our family have put in it is now a proud moment to invite such amazing inspirational friends to compete in the first Team Wales match against Summer Hill Golf Club on the 27^th July. The team selection below is as follows.

Captain

It didn’t take long for me to pick the captain because of the long term support that this member has given to the DGS even before I was involved and that is my regular Playing partner Keith Wallace, Keith is a leg amputee who lives for golf, fishing and the occasional bet at the horses. He was my first playing partner in a DGS event and made me feel like I had known him for years. Keith also works full time but has a very accommodating boss who lets him play in our events even on weekdays.

Martin Audas

Martin is a tall chap with a tall personality, He has been unfortunate to have had a number of setbacks through cancer but just by talking to him you can tell he never lets anything get to him. Martin is also an adopted Welshman from England.

Douglas Camani

Douglas is a new member of 2012 and boy has he done well. Douglas has a progressive condition in his back that limits his movement from time to time but he certainly doesn’t let that stop him playing golf. Douglas has also improved no end with the new lease of life he has found through our organisation.

Peter Morgan

Peter is a team mate of mine from the Auld Enemies cup and after having a stroke he has become blind. Peter before the stroke was a very competitive golfer. It took some time after the stroke to get the motivation but after a lot of hard work put in by him, his best friend & caddie Garth and with support of his wife Jeanne he is starting to get back to his normal self. Peter won his first event recently and is looking to be getting back to his former self.

Jordan Rosser

Jordan is only 12 and has improved so much so he won the event at Bryn Meadows in the pouring down rain. Jordan has asburges and in the short time he has been involved his confidence with dealing with people can only be described as excellent. Jordan is supported by his mother Emma and is a success story of the path way that we have set in place.

Tony Davies

Tony is the veteran of the organisation but is full of youthful aspirations. Tony plays golf all over the world when he can and has become a regular member of our organisation despite only having the use of one arm and losing one of his legs he still gets out when he can which he unfortunately lost in a motor cycle accident.

Michael Overton

Michael is a keen motorcyclist and an exceptional golfer despite having a below knee amputation. Michael is a true specimen of not letting anything getting you down and lives like to the excitement levels he did before losing his lower leg.

Peter Gunning

Peter is a very close friend of mine that I have known for a good number of years but unfortunately 5 years ago he fell off a step ladder resulting in having to get his elbow completely rebuilt, the operation was as successful as could be but limits his manoeuvrability which hampers his distance he can hit the ball but don’t let this fool you because he hits it strait.

Mark Merrett

Mark is already a part of the Special Olympics team and has a handful of medals to his name. Mark has Epilepsy, Asburgers & Dyspraxia but takes every day in his stride. Mark also supports many charities through volunteer work and promotions.

Nick Jones

Well I don’t know what to say about myself other than this job has put many of things in to prospective and has changed my life for the good. I enjoy meeting new members all the time and look forward to continuing to do so. I have a mobility issue that prevents blood to the hip bone that creates a cycle of hardening and softening of the join resulting in relapses and periods of good health. This event is going to be one of the most rewarding tasks I have ever been involved in.

Two wild carded players will be selected in support of the organisation and they will be confirmed at a later date.

The Disabled Golf Society provided some fun with a golf simulator provided at the Mobility Roadshow in Peterborough. Despite the rain people were drawn from all over to this huge event. We met up with friends from the MS Society, sponsors Sirrus Automotive and TGA Mobility whilst at the show, and made some great new friendships while we were there. Sue gave out hundreds of leaflets and all aimed to spread the word that disabled people can enjoy playing golf!

To view more images, please click here.

The Launch of NET60SIX is to be held on 14th June at 4pm at the Driving range at Acanthus Golf Centre in conjunction with the Disabled Golf Society. There will be an individual KNOCK OUT and chance to try this amazing range game, its open to all golfers whether disabled or not, the idea is to promote Disabled Golf North and NET60SIX.

Please bring family and friends as afterwards we will be having an ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET at the CHILLI LOUNGE located upstairs.(Lift available). The cost of the day will be £15 including the buffet. Please come along and support Disabled Golf North at this event, as we intend to set up a league for disabled golfers using the NET60SIX range game as soon as possible, giving another option to play the game we all love.

For more information please contact:
Kevin Booth on 07775 428 725 or
email kevin.booth@disabledgolfsociety.com

Disabled Golf Society is proud to announce that Grip-Par are to sponsor their first event at Boothferry Golf Club, nr Goole, on Thursday 7th June. Grip-Par are a relatively new company and Inventor Stuart Walsh hopes to have a long term relationship with the disabled golf society with Boothferry been the first of many sponsored events. Here is their companies mission statement.

Grip Aid Ltd est. 2010 has been developing and manufacturing support and sports gloves with a unique strapping system that relieves pressure and tension from the hand and forearm giving users ultimate hold on objects with minimal pressure applied. We have found that applying our strapping system to a number of purpose built gloves we have benefitted general people and those that suffer from a physical or medical condition affecting their hands.

Grip-Par - Ladies

Grip-Par - Mens

Grip-Par - Juniors

Grip-Par® products are for everybody but find they particularly benefit people from young to old with conditions that affect their grip such as; Arthritis, Stroke, MS, Sports Injuries, Disfigurement and other physical or medical conditions. Our mission is to supply all people with a glove product that reduces the chances of injury and long term damage and also to aid those that cannot get back into any physical activity due to their condition. The current government policy on physical activity (Author: Department of Health, Physical Activity, Health Improvement and Prevention Publication Date 29 April 2004) is very diverse across all age groups of which we cater our gloves for (5years – 85years) and we look to return as many people suffering with serious, mild and permanent conditions back to physical activity as possible with the use of our gloves and approach governing bodies, trusts, associations and major retailers with the intentions of generating more awareness and saturation of our products in the UK, EU and World marketplace.

We can apply our strapping system to a number of glove types delivering specialist made gloves and product to wider markets and users. We ensure quality and credibility by received approval and testimonials from governing bodies such as the R&A (Grip-Par Golf Gloves) and Advanced PGA professionals as well as a host of other organisations and trusts.

www.grip-par.com

Well settled in here at last

Naturally we were very sad that we did not have the opportunity to spend more time in saying our goodbyes to the many friends that we have met during our time with DGS. The memories and gratitude for all those great times we shared will remain with us always, especially when I look at the great trophies that I was fortunate to have received and naturally my “England Experience”

I’ll be a regular watcher of the DSG website and shall look forward (with envy) at the subsequent match results. If you go to www.santiburi.com/golf  and other variations! you’ll see my local course where I’ll be later today..

Rest assured I’ll keep in touch.

Warmest regards.
Dave and of course Claudia

Have you ever heard somebody say “My Driver is the same one Tiger uses! “ (Ermmm well NO, actually it isn’t!  Every Tour Pro has been fitted down to the finest measurements to exactly the correct specification they require) that club is a mass produced piece of equipment that bears absolutely no resemblance to the Tour Pro’s clubs.

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.