The Durham County Golf Union has introduced new golfers to the sport thanks to a programme of disability golf events and coaching this summer.
The governing body for men’s amateur golf in the county has worked alongside community golf instructor and European Disabled Golf Association tour player David Stocks and PGA trainee Kitana Hollins to deliver the programme – with support from Beamish Park-based PGA professional Chris Cole and several community golf instructors.
David – who has Charcott Marie Tooths (CMT) which effects his peripheral nerves, and has competed in international events in recent years – has led coaching and introduction events with new and returning golfers throughout the summer. The sessions have taken place across the county at community events, summer fayres, Beamish Museum, and golf clubs including the county’s disability golf hub at Beamish Park Golf Club – welcoming people with a broad range of disabilities and levels of golf experience to take part in the sport.
The team has also worked with England & Wales Blind Golf and Newmedica to host fully funded golf taster days for those who are registered partially sighted or blind. Having started in August, future sessions will take place on October 22, November 20 and December 18 at Beamish Park Golf Club. The team has also worked closely with organisations including Golfing With Disabilities, Pearey House Centre For Visually Impaired, Learning For Life, Pioneering Care Partnership, and Everyone Active.
Andy Hill – who is part of the team leading the programme – said: “We’ve had some incredible success with our programme this summer and that’s down to the hard work from everyone who has been involved – particularly David, whose passion for introducing people to the game is fantastic.
“The focus of the programme at this stage is to provide opportunities to try the sport and show people that there are so many ways to enjoy this game – from putting and hitting shots in a net or on a driving range to getting out on the golf course.
“The programme will continue in the coming weeks and months, and we’re keen to see it grow and develop in 2026. Every club affiliated to the Durham union can reach out for support from David and the team and we’d love to hear from you. We’re also keen to hear from more people with disabilities and their families and support networks who play golf or would like to give it a go.”
For more information and to get involved in the programme, contact Andy on office@beamishgolf.co.uk
