tel:01666 503918

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

With the success of the 2012 tour, the Disabled Golf Association Events Tour (Provisional) – 2013 is packed with more new events from around England and Wales, plus many old favourites. The Auld Enemies Cup, Vice President Cup, Dave Wilkinson Trophy (TBC) and the British Disabled Masters (Craig Waugh Memorial Trophy) will be the highlights of the tour along with new specialised events – The Shire Disabled Open, Marjorie Coulson Trophy and Golf Trust Unity Day. Other highlights of the tour included at return to Rockmount Golf Club in Northern Ireland, after the successful launch last year. The DGA Academy Sessions will also be part of this year tour after a successful 2012.

Please be aware that the schedule is only a provisional one and is subject to change, plus many more events have still to be confirmed. Please keep checking the website for further details. (To see the Race to Wales Golf Tour 2013, please click here)

Disabled Golf Association Event Tour 2013

You can select events from tour list below, to register your interest in participating. Please note not all events are available due to either dates/venues to be confirmed or event is invitational only.

(To see the Race to Wales Golf Tour 2013, please click here)

For further information please contact
DGA Co-ordinater (England) Graeme Robertson on 07932 061680
or via email: graeme.robertson@disabledgolfsociety.com

Photograph © Catrin Arwel. www.catrinarwelphotography.com

The Disabled Golf Assocation is looking for interested parties to sponsor our events throughout 2013. If you are interested and would like further information please contact one of our DGA National Co-ordinators:

Christopher Smith (Chairman) – 01666 503918
email: enquiries@disabledgolfassociation.co.uk

Graeme Robertson (Director & National Co-ordinator) – 07932 061680
email: graeme.robertson@disabledgolfassociation.co.uk

Nicki Jones (Director & Wales Co-ordinator) – 07794 593618
email: nicki.jones@disabledgolfassociation.co.uk

First there was The Paralympics, then there was The Ryder Cup now The Disabled Golf Society combines the two in Kent on the 8th & 9th October for the Golf HandicUP Trophy. A new concept in disabled sport where players with all types of disability will play and compete for the first disabled golf trophy between England and France.

Thanks to European Funding we are able to welcome a team of disabled golfers from France who will enjoy the best coaching and courses that England has to offer. Starting at Lydd Golf Club, Romney Road, Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent. TN29 9LS (Link to Lydd directions)  on the 8th & 9th October other events will continue at other locations in throughout UK.  In turn we will travel to France to experience the facilities of The St Omer golf facility.

The following taster sessions have been organised and will be delivered by PGA Professionals. All lessons are free and each participant will receive light refreshments as well as a fun introduction to golf and high quality coaching.:

The Oast Golf Centre, Tonge, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 9AR
Coach – Gary Bason, gary@gbgolfcoaching.co.uk

Thursday 25th October, 11am-1pm
Thursday 1st November, 11am-1pm
Thursday 8th November, 11am-1pm
Thursday 28th February 11am-1pm
Thursday 7th March, 11am-1pm
Thursday 14th March,  11am-1pm

Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9BX
Coach – Nigel Lee, nlee.golf@btinternet.com

Sunday 21st October, 2pm-4pm
Saturday 17th November, 2pm-4pm
Sunday 10th February, 2pm-4pm
Saturday 2nd March, 2pm-4pm
Saturday 23rd March, 2pm-4pm
Sunday 14th April 2pm-4pm

Marriott Tudor Park Golf Club, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4NQ
Coach – Jason Muller, jason.muller@marriotthotels.com

Thursday 11th October, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Thursday 15th November, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Thursday 22nd November, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Thursday 7th February 12.30pm-2.30pm
Thursday 14th March, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Thursday 18th April, 12.30pm-2.30pm

Any disability/learning difficulty groups or individuals who would like to attend please contact the coach to reserve your place(s). Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis and each session will have a maximum of 15 participants.

For further information please contact:
The Disabled Golf Society, Christopher Smith on 01666 503918 or
email: enquiries@disabledgolfsociety.com

Kent County Council Disability Sport, Contact Mike Bishop
email: mike.bishop@kent.gov.uk

Kent Golf Partnership,  Contact Gary Bason
email: gary@gbgolfcoaching.co.uk

Recently appointed DGS Director, Stan Bembenek from Crowthorne, Berks is also Chairman at his local Reading Town FC. So when they held a Charity Day it seemed only right there should be a team of disabled players from DGS in attendance showcasing the sport that is disabled golf.

The venue was Theale GC which provided some interesting challenges on a mixed day of sunshine and showers. Formerly our Honorary Vice President, Stan is also Marketing Director at electronic components business BT2000; with effect from 1st September 2012, Stan takes over financial responsibility for DGS. In his spare time Stan takes time out to chat with patients at Royal Marsden about his journey with bone cancer, as he says “It’s not what you can’t do, it’s what you can do”.

Competition results are as follows… 3rd Alan Moulpied (DGS) with 35points; 2nd Martin Cooper (Reading Town FC) with 33 points; 1st was Stan Bembenek with 36points. Longest drive was won on the 18th by Michael Overton; Nearest the Pin on the challenging 6th par-3, by Karl Hughes (Reading Town FC).

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

After a fiercely fought battle, the Auld Enemies Cup returned home to Scotland as a team of 14 players from the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership (SDGP), took on the might of the Team England and Wales from The Disabled Golf Society and Welsh Disabled Golf.

The event, a pan-disabled ‘Ryder Cup’ style 3 day event took place on Friday 14th (6 x foursomes), Saturday 15th (6 x fourballs) and Sunday 16th September 2012 (12 x singles) and was played at Breadsall Priory Hotel and Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, nr. Derby, Derbyshire DE7 6DL with this Marriott resort providing a fantastic venue for such an event.

Stevie Cunningham, Captain for SDGP said “A massive thanks to every member of Team Scotland for their efforts in helping to win the Auld Enemies Cup at the weekend. I am really proud of you all & to call myself your Captain.

You played exceptional golf & supported the team when you were not playing which helped to keep the momentum going. The winning team members are: Jim Gales MBE – Vice Captain; Bob Drysdale; Kevin Harmison; Colin Brock; Andy McDonald; Malcolm Gerdes-Hansen; Garry McNulty; Ian White; Jim Davidson; Jocky Elliott; Paul Cunningham; Kerr Scott; and Davy More.A special mention also goes to our Guides Paul Shepherd & Norrie Ross for giving up their time to come along & help wherever possible both on & off the course & driving the minibus.It is very much appreciated.

Also thanks go to Graeme & Sue Robertson for finding such a fantastic resort & to all of the Team England members who played some fantastic golf & made the match one to remember & look forward to seeing you next year.”

To view more images, please click here.
To download the complete results of the Auld Enemies Cup, click here.

Scotland & England players assemble on the Moorland Course

John Vanaman, David Cooksley both from Nottingham share a joke with the Scots, Jim Davidson & Ian White

Stan Bembenek, Vice President DGS, hind quarter amputee from Crowthorne, Berkshire takes a break!

SDGP celebrate their victory

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.

DGS members in the south east were drawn from the order of merit to compete in one of two ProAms at Stoke by Nayland, scheduled just before the 2012 English Challenge to showcase emerging talent and disability golf. The event was hosted by England Golf and disabled teams were represented from The Disabled Golf Society (DGS), BALASA, The On Course Foundation, SOAG, and the English Deaf Golfers Association. After playing their best ever games, we are delighted to announce the winning team was from DGS and would like to extend warm wishes to all who were lucky enough to take part and all those they represent.

For more details about this years 2012 English Challenge, please click here to visit website.

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.

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