Review of year one at GWD
GWD captain’s thoughts,
Well as we come towards the end of 2024 and our inaugural year running competitions as the Golfing with Disabilities organisation, I can honestly say that despite setbacks due to adverse weather at times in my opinion it’s been a success.
Our first event was an international (talk about jumping in at the deep end) against those pesky neighbours the Scottish represented by the SDGC, who always have a strong side.
This was played over 3 days at Herons Reach golf resort in Blackpool and aptly named ” the New Enemies cup” and I’m happy to say we came away with a very close fought victory. Thanks to Jim Gales and Adam Storrie for bringing your side down, much appreciated.
We had a fantastic 2 days in Northampton playing Overstone GC and Brampton Heath GC against sides made up of club members. Thanks to Chris Alder for setting up these 2 days, a great time was had by all.
Next came an international against Wales represented by the WDGA at The Abbey at Redditch over 2 days in very testing conditions (it wouldn’t stop raining), despite this everyone mucked in and persevered with great thanks to the green staff for allowing us to take buggies out, though the course held up remarkably well.
Sadly we couldn’t manage a victory this time and Wales walked away with “The Anglo- Celtic cup”, but we hope to get revenge next year at Cardigan Bay. Thanks to James Savastano and Mike Overton.
Our penultimate event took place in Hampshire with the first and third days at Bramshaw GC. The first day turned out to be a practice day for what was to come, a very enjoyable game against a Bramshaw GC team led by Capt. Rob Barrington where we were sadly roundly beaten.
The 2nd day of the 3 was played at Cams Hall estate with the invitation from the Hampshire PGA.
Each team consisted of a PGA professional, 2 amateurs and a disabled golfer, hopefully this was enjoyed by all who took part and we hopefully showed that disabled people have something to offer on a golf course.
A great experience for ourselves to watch our team professionals showing us up close and personal how they do it .
Our final event was a one day affair against a Ferrybridge GC team which was a Texas scramble pairs match. This was extremely close as we drew 2.5 games each in matches though Ferrybridge pipped us by 1 point overall.
Now for the thank yous.
The SDGC
Herons Reach GC and Matt Mustow
Brampton Heath GC and Chris Alder
Overstone GC and Roy Stanton
The WDGA
The Abbey GC and Rob Davies
Bramshaw GC and Rob Barrington
Cams Hall GC and the Hampshire PGA
Ferrybridge GC and Shaun Garbutt
Finally a massive thank you to all 28 members ( who travelled the length and breadth of the country) out of nearly 70 now registered with us who took part in these events on behalf of the GWD.
Personal thanks to Glenn Jackson, Neil Patrick, Phil Allan, Wal Watson, Dan Atkins, Janet Patrick (sustenance provider) and not forgetting Jo “David Bailey” Graveson for helping make my job very easy this year.
Heres to 2025 and a glorious golfing year.
Cheers
Paul “Stumpey” Daley
GWD captain.
