Disabled Golf Association Hosts First Taster Session at Calverley Golf Club

On Wednesday 27th of July, DGA (Disabled Golf Association) hosted their first golf open taster session at Calverley Golf Club in Leeds.

The ambition behind this was to invite disabled people to experience 'welcome to golf' taster events in the form of friendly coaching on the driving range and putting greens. Around ten people, including carers, turned up. This wasn’t about the numbers but was more about ‘planting the seed’ to see how it would go and where it could lead to. This was well supported by England Golf, Yorkshire Golf Development, as well as the golf club itself.

The afternoon was run by PGA Professional Jeff Whittam along with Assistant Coach Dan Atkins. Jeff, who has done coaching for disabled people before, knew everything that was required, and how to interact with the attendees.

The session began by showing the attendees how to swing the club and hit balls on the driving range. This was followed by a short game chipping session and ended with putting.

Dan, who is Titleist TPI Certified, which looks at body movement and limitations, said: “Golf is for everybody. There are so many different levels of golf, you don’t have to hit the ball 300 yards to enjoy it. Anybody, in any walk of life, can take up golf, and I think with golf, all it takes is one good swing or one good shot or connection with the ball, and you’re hooked.”

The Disabled Golf Association is hoping to work closely with Calverley Golf Club in the near future in the creation of the Disabled Golf Association's first ever golf hub, which would not only cater for disabled people who are thinking about trying golf for the first time, but also provide coaching for members with a view to helping them improve and hone their skills. Calverley Golf Club is all set on one level and is very accessible with wider doors on entrance, no steps and double doors to be opened if required.

Neil Patrick, event organiser and a trustee of the Disabled Golf Association, commented: “Would like to thank Calverley Golf Club for allowing us to hold our taster event, Jeff and Dan for their coaching and making us well at home on the day. It was nice to see people come and not let their disability stop them from having a go and enjoying themselves. Would also like to thank Terry Collins, who is Yorkshire President, for attending and for his support, Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs and Yorkshire Development Group, who helped fund towards the day, England Golf for their support, helping before the event to make sure we had things hit off well and Chris Wren from the Bradford & District Union of Golf Clubs.”

Established in 2010, the Disabled Golf Association (the DGA) is an England-wide volunteer-run registered charity.

One of the DGA’s main aims is to make golf more inclusive and ensuring that disabled people can play the game.

The DGA knows that sometimes it helps to be with like-minded people who understand where you are at with your disability, so you feel comfortable out on the course or in a social circle.

Disabled Golf Association is a charity and to help run events such as this they rely on volunteers, sponsorship and donations. If you would like to donate or become a sponsor, please contact [email protected]. More information can be found about the DGA on their website at www.disabledgolf.org.uk.