Essex County Golf Partnership has played a significant role in ‘growing the game’ with a special golf day for 12 disabled people.
Sarah Bennett, head PGA professional at Three Rivers and the Essex CGP representative, organised the event at Regiment Way Golf Club in Chelmsford.
Bennett, along with Regiment Way head PGA pro David March and fellow head PGA professional Tom Hide (Frinton on Sea) worked with a mixture of adults and children, who had a range of disabilities, using Tri Golf and Golf Extreme to get a real taster for the sport.
A number of Tri Golf stations were set up enabling all areas of the game to be introduced including putting, chipping and the full swing.
In addition, a paragolfer – a specially designed wheelchair that allows the user to support their upper body weight and use it in the swing, was also available for the day to give the full golfing experience.
One participant said: “What an absolutely brilliant day, as a senior citizen with a recent disability I showed myself I can play golf. It was absolutely wonderful to see all the kids enjoying themselves and having a fantastic time”
Bennett said: “The parents expressed their gratitude at their children being given an opportunity to experience the game in an environment where learning was entirely at their own pace. The paragolfer provided a totally new experience which allowed wheelchairs user the opportunity to do the golf swing. As the Partnership our aim is to build upon the success of the day and encourage others to participate in future events.”
The day was funded by sportessex with the support of a number of Essex-based companies donating their services.
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