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A BRIEF HISTORY
Handigolf is for physically disabled people who have to be
seated to play all golf shots. The Foundation was started in 1988 and is now
promoted by the UK charity " The Handigolf Foundation" run by true volunteers,
many of whom are disabled players themselves. The essential electric
buggies have been used on prestigious golf courses in the UK, France, Sweden,
Holland, Germany, Austria and Italy. Similar machines are used in America and
Australia.
Tournaments also involve other disabled groups such as amputee, one-arm and blind golfers. It is also usual to instigate able-bodied club players alongside disabled golfers.
There are around 100 Handigolfers in the UK alone using the handicapping system unique to golf to compete on equal terms with other golfers. In 1997 The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the USGA issued a "Modification of the Rules" to take into account the playing styles essential to disabled golfers.
At present Handigolfers' playing records are analysed and a maximum Handicap of 54 is recorded. In competitions a maximum allowance of 45 is allowed. Most disabled players who take the game seriously soon get to 36 and below.
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HOW DO YOU PLAY ?
Specially designed electric buggies are used to
transport the golfers and clubs to all parts of the course. The wide wheels
create less ground pressure than a walking golfer with spiked shoes. Swivelling
seats allow the golfer to play from any side of the buggy but side-saddle shots
are the most effective. Seat belts are used to secure golfers with low levels of
trunk support.
EQUIPMENT
The buggies cost approximately
£1800 each. However members can hire them from the Foundation at £170 per
year.
Anybody interested in trying out a buggy can arrange to meet with with their
nearest Handigolfer at a driving range to try one out.
Golf clubs are tailored to individuals' needs and the Foundation has lightweight clubheads and bent shafts that enable players to miss their knees. players play two-handed and one-handed if they require additional balance and stability. Players are advised to take guidance from their local golf professional over club requirements.
WHERE CAN YOU PLAY ?
First approach your local golf
club. If it is Municipal you may get more support through the local
Leisure Services at the Town Hall. The essential requirement is permission
to take the buggy onto the greens. Please be patient and get in touch with
us if the club requires demonstrations before they give permission. Remember
that able-bodied players do not have perpetual permission to take buggies and
trolleys onto courses. It is only under the agreement of the greenkeeper
and the "Greens Committee".
You may have to go further afield to find a suitable course. Get in touch with the Foundation to see where we have already gained access.
ANNUAL EVENTS
North Lincs Open,
Normanby Hall, Scunthorpe
"Bob Reynolds Memorial", Parks Golf Club, Southport
BALASA Games, Broome Manor Golf Complex, Swindon
Sportability Event, Rookery Park, Lowestoft
Dibden Pro-Am, Southampton
Dickie Henderson Event, Sandford Springs, Basingstoke
Bolton Open, Regent Park, Bolton
High Elms Golf Festival, Bromley
"Chris Brown Memorial", Milton Keynes
Northern Open, The Hesketh Golf Club, Southport
East Dereham Sportability, Norfolk
Duxbury Park Special, Chorley
The National Handigolf Championship is rotated each year amongst these events and the "Most Improved Golfer" is awarded at the end of each season.
There are also annual events in France, Sweden, Holland, Germany and Italy that members may be eligible to enter and receive financial support from The Handigolf Foundation.
FUND RAISING
We have had support from The Royal
and Ancient Golf Club and RADAR. However these donations are not
guaranteed and your support is welcome. our charity makes an
excellent beneficiary for monies raised within the sport of golf and we receive
donations from Captain's Days and other club events. Our charity is very
efficient in its use of money as all posts are filled by volunteers who receive
only essential expenses and often do not claim them. So rest assured that
any money you donate is used to its best effect.
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CONTACTS
The Handigolf Foundation
Chairman: Dr Andrew Greasley
Stone Cottage,
Launton Road,
Stratton Audley,
Oxon.
OX6 9BW.
Tel 01908 655102
Fax 01908 653858
Secretary: Mr Ray Lee
404 Westthorne Avenue
Eltham
London
SE9 5TL
Tel no.0208 850 7407
e.mail
rayndpam@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATED GROUPS
The One Armed Golf Society
Secretary: Mr Hugh Ross, 11 Campbell Terrace, Torrance,
Glasgow G62 4HR
Tel 01360 622476
English Blind Golf Association
Derrick Sheridan MBE, 25 Langhams Way,
Wargrave, Berks, RG10 8AX
Tel 0118 940 1959
BALASA (Amputees)
Golf Coordinator: Mr John Byrne, 361 Victoria Street.,
South Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 0EF.
Tel 0208 841 2895
THE FUTURE
Multi-disability teams representing
regions, counties and countries at all levels including The Paralympics.