Fifty-one disabled golfers headed to The Shire this week to take part in the annual Golf Trust Open. The field was made up of people of all ages, from varied backgrounds, with a vast range of different disabilities, proving once again that golf is a sport for everyone.
The winner of the day was Anthony Roberts, a survivor of a traumatic brain injury, who scored 39 points, narrowly beating double amputee Danny Gunster, who was taking part in his first ever disability event. Seventeen-year-old Tom Blizzard, who has autism, shot an impressive level par to take third place.
“It’s a dream come true to win at The Shire among peers that I look up to within disabled golf,” commented Sussex-born Anthony, who took up golf post-injury and has only been playing for two years. ”I use golf to manage a brain injury and functional neurological disorder that affects my vision, posture with nerve pain so I hope that this win can show others golf is a great sport to channel pain and anxiety to achieve fulfilment. Credit to The Golf Trust for bringing us all together. A special day for all of us and I’m very proud to win wearing the shirt from the brain injury charity Headway Sussex that helped provided rehabilitation after my accident.”
The women’s event was won by Ellie Perks with 34 points. The 15-year-old dwarf golfer took up the sport through Golf for Disabled Children at Hagley Golf Club. Other category winners were Danny Gunster – 0-18, Ian Jones – 19-27, deaf golfer Danny Brandford – 28+ and Academy winner JJ who has Down’s Syndrome.
“This is such a joyful event,” commented Cae Menai-Davis, founder of The Golf Trust. “The highlight for me this year has been seeing the progression that golfers make through the programme. Three of the players here today have gone from being paralysed, to learning to play, joining a golf club, and taking part in their first competition in less than 12 months.”
