News Page

NEW BUGGY TYPE INTRODUCED

Barry Funnell and Terry Kirby, who both play one-handed have advised Patterson Products over the introduction of a new 4-wheel buggy (as recommended by National Champion Mark Gibson).

Shown below are pictures of Barry playing at Wavendon Golf Centre in March 2012 just after its introduction. Handigolf has two of these machines.For more details see "Buggy Types" page.

Phil Meadows is 2011 most improved Handigolfer

Phil Meadows has been picked by our Handicap Secretary as the most-improved player of the season after great performances in the Southern Open and the Masters. Well done Phil and let's hope for continued improvements next season.

Terry Kirby wins Masters for 3rd time

In a year that saw the death of Ian Hayden MBE the Masters event had particular interest. Ian was the "model" Handigolfer for the sculpture that remains the Masters trophy. Commissioned by Bob Miles from Abingdon for the first Masters the event is now played for annually at Wavendon Golf Club Milton Keynes. The second place player receives the Chris Brown Memorial Cup.

This year Terry Kirby from Chesterfield won the Masters for the third time and Phil Meadows from Cambridgeshie won the Memorial Trophy. For once the event was played in good weather but was not without mishaps as Barry Funnell's Paragolf machine conked out after 14 holes and Tony Tofield's Trio buggy was damaged in transit.

However Handigolf will always be about the handigolfer in partnership with their buggy and so we look forward to the first event next year.

Phil Meadows returns with triumph at the Southern Open

Phil Meadows from Cambridgeshire has returned to Handigolf after a break for career and family commitments to win the Southern Open at Darenth Valley GC. After a good round atthe Nationals in Chesterfield Phil won his second event by a good margin.He is considering venues in East Anglia for an additional tournament next season. Well done Phil on both counts.

The British Open at Lytham 2012

We have had details submitted for wheelchair friendly accomodation for the above event and the information is copied below for anyone considering the pro golf tournament of the year


Dear Dr Greasley,

My name is Karen, I am the sales manager at Bond Holidays which is owned by my father in law. We are a family run company which can offer an individual service for every guest and we specialise in providing holidays for people with disabilities. The reason for my email is with regards to the Open Golf event taking place in 2012 at Lytham Golf Course and to see if we may be of interest to you for accommodation and transport for the event.

Bond Holidays have been specialising in providing holidays for people with disabilities for over 20 years and has been under its current ownership for 8 years. We offer holidays to 3 different locations in Blackpool and Lytham St Anne's and in particular our Lytham hotel would offer a fantastic base for this event.

The Lytham hotel is a modern stylish hotel which offers fantastic facilities for people with disabilities, located on St Anne's Promenade. It has 27 bedrooms which are made up from singles, twins, family suites, penthouse suites and adjoining rooms and has a capacity to sleep 51 people making it an ideal size for a group holiday. Every bathroom (except the 2 penthouse suites) is equipped with its own walk in wet floor shower and we can provide any specialist equipment that our guests may need free of charge. We regularly cater for groups at the hotel and we can tailor make any part of a holiday from the choice of menu, evening cabaret and coach excursion packages. The hotel also has a heated indoor hydrotherapy pool which can be used by guests staying at the hotel.

To accompany the hotel we also operate a coach fleet of fully accessible vehicles which are available for transport to and from the hotel and for day trips, which in this case would be to the Golf Course to suit the event. Our largest coach is a 2011 57 seater fully accessible coach which can carry up to 8 passengers in wheelchairs who cannot transfer to coach seats. The vehicle is fitted with a hydraulic lift which can be used for boarding the coach by foot if coach steps are hard to manage. We also have a fleet of minibuses which again are fully accessible fitted with lifts which can be used for transporting buggies and scooters to and from the golf course.

I hope we can be of interest to you, we have already began to take enquiries regarding the Open Golf event and it is looking to be a very special time in Lytham. If I can provide you with more information or if you wish to contact me to discuss the hotel I would be delighted to hear from you.

Kind Regards
Karen Burns

Sales and Marketing Manager



Bond Hotel Group

120 Bond Street, Blackpool

Lancashire, FY4 1HG



Telephone: 01253 341218

Fax: 01253 349452

Email: karenburns@bondhotel.co.uk

Web: www.bondhotel.co.uk

IAN HAYDEN MBE LOSES FIGHT AGAINST ILLNESS

Some very sad news. On Saturday May 14th 2011 Ian Hayden MBE, passed away after losing his fight against Hepatitis C and Cirrohsis of the Liver.

His family would be grateful if everyone who knew him could be informed of his passing.They have arranged a service to celebrate him and all that he was.

It will be held on Thursday 2nd June 2011 at 2 pm at St. Helens Church in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. All who knew him are invited by his family to join them to celebrate his life.

Ian was an inspirational sportsman and golfer to other disabled players and experienced able-bodied athletes. Even Kenny Dalglish, the current Liverpool FC manager and low-handicap golfer, was amazed at Ian's commitment and ability when they played together in the first Handigolf event to be held at Hesketh Golf Club in Southport.

He was the "model" golfer used to create our Masters Trophy which was commissioned by Bob Miles. Bob organised many Masters events at Radley College and it is now played for each year in Milton Keynes. This year's event in September will therefore have particular impact.

Ian joined The Handigolf Foundation about a year after it was formed and our credibility was under question. Within weeks he was smashing the ball round championship length courses often driving the ball to the same distance as single-figure players.He got down to a playing handicap of 13 and had the potential to get to single figures. It was only the relentless trauma of his illness that held him back. However he never complained about it and was totally inspirational.

Reproduced below, as a fitting tribute is an article featured in Club Golfer 1990 when Ian was hooked on golf.He is using an ELVA buggy that was quickly replaced by his Batricar buggy that features on The Masters Trophy. Also see that he quickly worked out that the broom-handle putter was the way forward for Handigolfers, a technique still used by event winners today.

Ian Hayden MBE knew how to win with a smile !!

GIBSON RETAINS TITLE

2011 National Results

The 2011 Nationals and Northern Open were held at the challenging Tapton Park GC in Chesterfield.The Title was won by Mark Gibson (Belfast) with a stunning nett 68. Terry Kirby (Hull) came second with a nett 78 to win the Northern Open Title and Phil Meadows (Cambs.) returned to competitive golf after a 10 year break and came in third with a nett 79.
Joe O'Reilly (Watford) was doing well until his buggy overheated beyond repair on the very steep 8th fairway Tony Tofield and Keith Robinson (both Kent) struggled under the conditions and came well down the field.

Terry Kirby's team won the team prize with 101 Stableford points (best 3 cards). Paul Hankey, Eric Tofield and John Potter were 1-2-3 respectively in the able bodied section and Derrick Meadows ans Simon Mugglestone took the other disabled prizes.

Overall a great event at this new venue and thanks to Tapton GC for hosting the day so well.

NEW ENDEAVOUR BUGGY AND TRAILER FINISHED

The new buggy,funded by The R&A and made by Eco-Trax of Bicester is now finished and about to start proving trials.
As shown below it is possible to raise the seat and keep it level or tilt it. The Paragolfer always tilts as it is raised which does not suit some players. It also has a locking mechanism to stop the rear wheel scuffing greens and digging into bunkers which can happen on the Paragolfer if driven carelessly. Fixing the jockey wheel straight also helps when loading the machine onto its purpose built trailer.

The trailer was made by Baroni Martin in Yardley Gobion near Milton Keynes and funded by a donation from The Honourable Company of Oxfordshire Golfers which is based at The Oxfordshire golf course near Thame.

The buggy is shown below in its highest position with the full tilt option on the seat setting.For more photos see the Buggy Types page.

ANOTHER GENEROUS DONATION FROM OXFORDSHIRE GOLFERS

The Honourable Company of Oxfordshire Golfers has made another generous donation of £600 to Handigolf. It will be used to complete the specialist trailer needed for the new "Endeavour" buggy made by Eco-Trax and funded by the R&A. We have had great benefits from this very considerate golfing group and an engraved plate will be put onto the trailer in appreciation of their efforts.

BRITISH DISABLED OPEN PERSPECTIVE

Handigolf had three players in the 2nd British Disabled Open played at the East Sussex National Golf Centre on the 20th/21st September. Mark Gibson came 5th= out of 21 players in Category 2 and Terry Kirby came 14th out of 25 in Category 3.Tucker Chance had to withdraw after the first round.Barry Funnell our Masters winner could not get into the event as he entered late and it was over-subscribed.

For full results Google "Disabled British Open".

The organisers intend to introduce pre-qualifying criteria next year that will include a wide-ranging selection procedure. Watch this space.

MARK GIBSON WINS THE "MOST IMPROVED" TROPHY

After another active golfing season Eric Tofield,in his role as Handicap Secretary, has awarded the "Most Improved" trophy to Mark Gibson for his reduced handicap from his golf club in Northern Ireland and his performance in the "Nationals".Well done Mark who has been the first Handigolfer for some time to get below 20 handicap.

SOUTH AFRICAN WINS HANDIGOLF MASTERS

Barry Funnell won the 2010 Handigolf Masters played as usual at Wavendon Golf Centre Milton Keynes. He scored 32 Stableford points to pip former winners Tucker Chance and Terry Kirby into second and third spots. Also shown in the photo is Simon Mugglestone who won the "Les Autres" prize with 35 points. The event was played in blustery and showery conditions the day after Terry and Barry played an informal warm up to get Barry fully "hadicapped" for the forthcoming British Disabled Open in Sussex. Terry won the warm-up but as usual the South African way of saving the good shots until they matter prevailed.

Mark Gibson retains National Title 2010

At the new venue of Cobtree Manor near Maidstone Mark Gibson hit a stunning 63 (nett) 84 (gross) to win the title by 4 shots from Terry Kirby 67 (nett). Tony Tofield came in a creditable third in the title chase on this challenging course. Many thanks are in order to the organisers of the event and the Maidstone authority for allowing the event on their course.This was a particularly good result for Mark who had the wing mirror of his motor home smashed off by a passing HGV in Kent just before he arrived !!

Tucker Chance gets coverage in leading disability magazine

Nationals and Northern Open postponed

Terry Kirby has had a successful shoulder operation and has had to cancel most of his active participation for 3 months on surgeon's advice. Hence the Northern Open has been postponed until next season and The Nationals will take place on July 5th at Cobtreee Manor Kent on July 5th as shown on the Diary page.

Help for student reseacher wanted

The following request has been received by the Chairman and you are asked to deal directly with the researcher if you can assist.

Dissertation Research

My name is Amy Spencer and I am currently undergoing my third and final year at the University of Chichester studying Sport and Exercise Psychology. I have to conduct a Independent Project which consists of applying knowledge, concepts, techniques and research methods I have learnt to an in-depth study of a particular question, debate or problem within sport, exercise or recreation. I am highly enthusiastic to see whether there is any difference in motivation between disabled and able-bodied golfers. I would also like to investigate how and why people are motivated to part-take in this particular sport. I am asking if there are any experienced disabled golfers who like to play at competitive level or even enjoy playing golf just to reduce their handicap and are willing to allow myself to conduct around a half an hour interview and discuss self-determination and motivation levels. I would be very grateful if you could contact me if interested at: aimee_89@tiscali.co.uk

Thanks again

Amy Spencer

Two great donations from Oxfordshire golfers

The Honourable Company of Oxfordshire Golfers (Hon. Sec. Roger Harmann) have raised two donations for The Handigolf Foundation this year (£750 + £500) this season. They have requested that it is put towards buggy development for the improved play of competitive golf by UK Handigolfers. The Foundation is most grateful for these unexpected donations and is intent on making the most of them.

GENEROUS DONATION FROM NORTH EAST GOLF CLUB (MATFEN)

The ladies section of the above golf club led by Iris Stafford has given The Handigolf Foundation a donation of £200 which came out-of-the-blue. We are most grateful for such donations from within the sport and it will go towards buggy development.This year has been quite expensive in terms of buggy breakdown but they have been used in some new venues paerticularly the British Disabled Open at Old Thorns

TENERIFE OPEN NOV 29th-DEC 3rd

Details have just come through about this tournament this year!!! It seems that communication channels are not that effective.See the web link below for more details

click here for the tournament details

MAJOR GRANT FROM R&A

After a considerable campaign, the R&A have awarded our charity £5000 for the development of our golf buggy design. The Paragolfer and Powergolfer (both made in Gernmany) are very complex and very expensive. We need to decide how to improve the specification and how to get it designed and made by a British manufacturer for the continued development of UK disabled golf. Watch this space.

2009 Masters Results

The 2009 "Masters" was once again played at the wheelchair-friendly Wavendon Golf Centre in Milton Keynes. For the first time this year the "Chris Brown Memorial" trophy was awarded to the second place player (nett). After a poor start Terry Kirby caught up Tucker Chance and got first place to become holder of the Masters trophy. Tucker held his nerve to grab the "Chris Brown" trophy.

Disabled British Open 2009 results

The Handigolf Foundation had four players in the + 18.5 Handicap section of the Disabled Open played at Old Thorns Hants. in August. The full results are shown at http://www.disabledbritishopen.org/ but our best player was Northern Ireland's Mark Gibson who is our current National Champion who came in a very worthy 8th in his section. Well done Mark and let's have more entrants next year.

2009 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mark Gibson travelled over to our National Championships from Belfast and won with a nett 72 playiong off 19 handicap. The Darenth Valley course was as tough as it can be with high winds, dry fairways and spiked-spongy greens. However it was the same for everyone and Mark prevailed on his home-made buggy. Who needs a Paragolfer !!!
The event was organised as ever by Eric and Tony Tofield with their friends from West Kent and other local clubs. The sponsors were local IT people Modular Solutions and Davis Accessible Transport of Sevenoaks. Hence the motorbike !!!

THE HANDIGOLF FOUNDATION AT "BEYOND BOUNDARIES"

Terry Kirby and Andy Greasley spent the two days before the Nationals trying to find new members and funding at this big exhibition at Farnborough airport. Mark Gibson and Eric Tofeld also called in and added their support.It was a good success as we were next the the mobile golf range run by Karen and Vaughan who have played in our events as able-bodied coaches who now coach Greg Airth.

Several promising players had a go so we can expect a few new members for next season.

NEW TOURNAMENT DETAILS

The inaugural "disabled british open " has been arranged for August 23rd and 24th at Old Thorns club in Hampshire.

It is open to Handigolfers as Henry Alliss has cleared it to allow buggies onto greens.

However the handicap limit is 28 and I advise Handigolfers with handicaps over 35 not to enter as they will not be competitive and risk our viability at this stage.

We will campaign to get the limit increased to include a wider range of disability in the future.

Entry is by printing off the application form from www.disabledbritishopen.org at a cost of £50 for the accomodation and 2 rounds of golf on a top course.

ENGLISH GOLF PARTNERSHIP HANDICAP PROPOSAL

Shown below is a new proposal for disabled golf handicaps which is most interesting above 28. It only differs from ours in that you come down more slowly but does assume everyone belongs to a golf club.