People of disability of all ages and abilities have been able to tee off at Conwy golf club, giving golf a go in a successful taster day.
A double figure number of people turned up for the session, all with different impairments, thanks to the backing of Principality Building Society who have donated money to the programme.
All 11 participants are aiming to sign up for the golf lessons on the back of the taster day, organised in partnership with Disability Sport Wales officer Mark Richards and Kim Boulden of Golf Development Wales.
“The day was incredibly rewarding and a great success, so congratulations to Conwy,” said GDW development officer Kim Boulden.
“It was a good turnout with some great feedback. Golf is well known as a sport for all ages, but it can also be inclusive for everyone to be able to play.”
Richards was delighted with the success of the day. “Everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves and one man in particular was delighted to be back on a golf course after previously having had a stroke whilst playing in his captain’s year at North Wales Golf Club.
“This gentleman did not believe he would ever play golf again and told us that he had been given a huge chunk of his life back. He hopes that this is the beginning of a full return to golf, after fearing he would never hit a golf ball again.
“It was a really enjoyable event that allowed us to re-introduce golf to those who have acquired impairments as well as let others try a fantastically inclusive sport for the first time.
“Everybody enjoyed the event and wanted to sign up for lessons which will be starting shortly.”
Golf doesn’t just offer people the chance to develop fitness and coordination, but also to build skills for life such as confidence, self esteem and perseverance. GDW now has 45 trained PGA Professionals offering inclusive sessions throughout Wales.
Sessions are adapted according to a players ability, with numerous forms of the game on offer. GDW is committed to developing a grassroots structure that provides beginner opportunities for all.
For anyone of any ability who wants to give golf a go, head for the GDW website www.golfdevelopmentwales.org .
