Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Jonathan Jones has been called up to represent GB&I in an updated format of the Phoenix Cup – disabled golf’s version of the Ryder Cup.
Jonathan’s victory last summer in the British Open secured him a spot in the Phoenix Cup match, which will take place over five courses – Gleneagles PGA, Panmure, Blairgowrie Rosemount, Carnoustie and the Trump International Golf Links – from September 16-21. He will join Europe’s top disabled players in the 25th anniversary of the event – which will pit GB&I against Europe rather than the traditional Europe vs USA match as the American team are unable to travel due to coronavirus restrictions.
Jonathan, 30, who works for North East housing association Bernicia, lives with Arthrogryposis, a disability resulting from a fusing of wrist bones from birth which limits his wrist movement.
His condition means Jonathan has had to work on creating maximum body rotation during his swing while not turning his wrists. The result is an exceptionally accurate golf game.
Four-handicapper Jonathan held off the challenge of 60 players from across the UK and Europe to lift the Disabled British Open at Stratford Park Golf Club last summer. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the call up to play, it really cements what a great win the British Open was last year for me. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great talent we have in Europe once again.”
