Finally, a British Open for all disabled golfers
I visited Old Thorns Golf & Country Estate yesterday in Liphook, Hampshire to attend the launch of the brand new Disabled British Open 2009 to be held there from 24-25th August.
The fantastic event has been set-up to allow golfers with a broad range of disabilities to compete in tournament conditions at the highest level.
Previously, events for the disabled have been limited to disability type only such as one-armed golfers or leg amputee golfers all organising competitions for their disability only. It is therefore unique to have an event where golfers of all disabilities can compete on an even playing field and I for one, think it’s a great idea.
One of the best things about golf is its unique handicap system which allows golfers of differing abilities to compete against each other fairly and it is key to the success of the Disabled British Open. You see, in this scenario a leg amputee, arm amputee and wheelchair bound person can truly compete together simply by using their handicaps and that’s superb.
As you can imagine, it’s a hell of a project to put together which requires buy-in from a whole raft of organisations and societies. Just a few of those involved are: Special Olympics Great Britain, Accentuate, Azalea, English Federation of Disability Sport, Sport Hampshire & Isle of Wight, South East England Development Agency, Lottery Funded Legacy Trust, The Society of One-Armed Golfers and The British Amputee & Les Autres Sports Association.
They’ve also had interest from SkySports who will televise the entire event to be held at Old Thorns. Everybody involved was keen to stress what a great event it will be, not just for the disabled but for golf itself and I totally agree. Anything we can do to get more people interested in golf is a great thing, disabled or otherwise.
The Disabled British Open are encouraging people of all disabilities to enter the new competition which will help boost the profile of disabled golf across the UK and ensure its future success. They are also asking for volunteers to help marshall the event and are offering a free NVQ Stewarding Course and subsequent qualification worth £500 to anyone that wants to help out.
Astonishingly, the event is totally free for spectators and offers a really great day out, including FREE Coaching from PGA Pros, a state of the art golf simulator and a FREE all day Old Thorns Spa & Gym voucher worth £15. The ‘Voice of Golf’ Peter Alliss will also be there to award the prizes. You have to ask yourself, why wouldn’t you want to go?
We’ll see you there anyway as we’ll be reporting on the event and maybe even doing a bit of marshalling…dear god, help us all…findthefairways and marshalling/crowd control does not sound like healthy combination. We only just leanred to read…
Check out www.disabledbritishopen.org for more information or phone Henry Alliss on 01730 711920.
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