Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa hosted a team match with Golfing with Disabilities on 16 September, bringing together disabled and able-bodied golfers for a day of competition, conversation and inclusive golf at the Merseyside venue.
The event was promoted by Golfing with Disabilities, a UK-based organisation founded in 2024. Its work focuses on making golf more accessible to people with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments, with an emphasis on inclusion, mental wellbeing, rehabilitation and adaptive coaching. The organisation also arranges social gatherings and matches where disabled and able-bodied golfers can play alongside one another.
The event at Formby Hall brought together two teams of twelve golfers. The day began at 10am with coffee and a briefing ahead of six matches, during which players were introduced to the format and the special rules for the day by Formby Hall’s Director of Golf & Leisure, David Goscombe.
The first match teed off at 11.21am, with the club captain and lady captain leading the field. All six matches were closely contested and played in a friendly spirit, with the overall competition ending in a draw.
David Goscombe said: “It was truly inspirational to watch this event unfold, and we couldn’t be prouder of our members for organising something so special. Huge credit goes to our club captain and the whole committee, who put in the work to make the day happen. We were simply honoured to host it.
“Seeing everyone enjoy the course and the facilities, and come away with such a positive experience, meant everything to us. Inclusion for all is something we take seriously in golf, and it’s very much part of our ethos here at Formby Hall. “
The event concluded in the hotel restaurant, where players gathered for sandwiches and chips after play. Golfing With Disabilities also presented the club captain and lady captain with a commemorative trophy in recognition of Formby Hall’s role as host.
For Formby Hall, the day provided an opportunity to support a format of golf centred on participation and access while giving members and visiting players the chance to compete together on the same course.
Discussions are already taking place around the possibility of hosting similar events in the future, with Formby Hall keen to see the match develop into a regular fixture.