The Disabled Golf Association (DGA) has hosted its first taster session at Calverley Golf Club in Leeds.
The Welcome to Golf taster event was aimed at those thinking about taking up the game, with friendly coaching on the driving range and putting green. Around 10 people, including carers, took part in the event, which was supported by England Golf, Yorkshire Golf Development, and the golf club.
The afternoon was run by PGA professional Jeff Whittam and assistant Dan Atkins. Jeff, who has delivered coaching for disabled people throughout his career, took participants through hitting balls on the range, a chipping session, and some putting.
“Golf is for everybody,” said Dan following the session. “There are so many different levels of golf – you don’t have to hit the ball 300 yards to enjoy it. Anybody, in any walk of life, can take up golf and all it takes is one good swing or one good shot and you’re hooked. A disability is not an inability and there should be no boundaries to playing the game.”
The Disabled Golf Association is hoping to work closely with Calverley to create its first-ever golf hub – to cater for disabled people who are thinking about trying golf for the first time and to coach current members.
Neil Patrick, event organiser and a trustee of the DGA, said: “We would like to thank Calverley Golf Club for allowing us to hold our taster event at the club, and Jeff and Dan for their coaching and making us feel at home. It was nice to see people come and not let their disability stop them from having a go and enjoying themselves. We would also like to thank Terry Collins [YUGC president] for attending and supporting the event; the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs and Yorkshire Golf Development Group, who helped fund the day; England Golf for their support; and Chris Wren from the Bradford & District Union of Golf Clubs.”
The Disabled Golf Association is a charity and to help run events such as this it relies on volunteers, sponsorship and donations. If you would like to learn more, please contact neil.patrick@disabledgolf.org.uk and visit www.disabledgolf.org.uk
