This autumn, two golf clubs each received a Paragolfer, so that anyone in a wheelchair, or who has mobility impairments, can play the game, after the clubs sponsored a charitable project involving The Golf Trust. Nicole Wheatley reports.
Cae Menai-Davis has a lofty ambition. He wants anyone in a wheelchair or who has mobility impairments to have access to a Paragolfer within an hour’s drive of their home. This somewhat crazy notion led to seven other golfers – including Reflo’s Rory MacFaden and Geoff Swain – being convinced to play golf for 24 hours in Lofoten, Norway, this summer, raising funds and awareness of disability in the UK.
‘Project 24’ raised over £50,000 – and counting and has been made into a documentary called Under the Midnight Sun, which has been broadcast on Sky Golf. Most importantly, the money raised has already been put to good use with two new Paragolfers being delivered to Roehampton Club and Walmley Golf Club this autumn.
If you are unfamiliar with the Paragolfer, this is an all-terrain wheelchair that lifts people from a sitting position to a standing position so that they can swing a golf club. Aside from the many physical benefits of this feature, standing upright also offers the psychological benefit of communicating with others at eye level. It is an incredible piece of machinery that allows people who have not been able to stand up enjoy that freedom again.
Roehampton Club became the lead sponsor for Project 24. The club, led by CEO Marc Newey, was keen to help The Golf Trust establish a base in south-west London. Roehampton Club and founder of The Golf Trust Cae Menai-Davis agreed upon a programme of financial and practical support that included staff training and delivery of the sessions.
“Momentum is really growing for The Golf Trust now and we want to make sure that we can fulfil every request we get for help,” comments Cae Menai Davis, founder of The Golf Trust. “This means creating a network of clubs and coaches who can provide the best possible experience for our beneficiaries. The Paragolfer changes people’s lives. Not just those of the users, but of their family and friends who see the light come back into their lives. You really can’t underestimate the difference it makes.”
Durham Golf Club has seen this first hand over the two years it has been working with The Golf Trust. The club gets referrals from the charity and from organisations such as the RFU’s Injured Rugby Association, whose members have experienced life changing injuries.
“This machine makes smiles,” comments head PGA professional Tom Cranfield. “It’s incredibly rewarding as a coach to see the difference this makes to people’s lives. We all know how great golf is for mental and physical well being, but we also see the impact it has had on the members and the club itself. Having the Paragolfer here has transformed the club. They are so proud to be inclusive and have made changes to the clubhouse layout to be wheelchair accessible and make everyone feel welcome.”
Tom was first inspired by seeing the Paragolfer in use in America. He came across a disability golf tournament with around 100 Paragolfers in use by men and women out on the course. The Paragolfer is much more widely available in the States and the standard of play is something to behold as he explains: ”It was an astonishing sight to see a full tournament using these machines. I have never seen anything like it, but what struck me most was the standard of play. These golfers were competing at the highest level, and I genuinely believe that this is what we should be aiming for – to give disabled people the same opportunities as everyone else.”
As hosts of The G4D Open, which is organised by The R&A and DP World Tour, Woburn Golf Club has supported some of the very best disabled golfers in the world and has recently taken delivery of its own Paragolfer, funded by The R&A Foundation. A recent taster day attracted people from across three counties, demonstrating once and for all that the appetite amongst disabled people to play golf recreationally is definitely there.
“Having successfully hosted The G4D Open, we were delighted when The R&A Foundation presented us with a Paragolfer. We recently made improvements to our group coaching area, and when doing so, we paid particular attention to accessibility to ensure we can host events such as this,” Jason O’Malley, managing director at Woburn Golf Club, commented. “We are extremely grateful to the team at The Golf Trust for the guidance and support they have provided, and we are proud to be involved in making golf more inclusive and accessible for all.”
Although it’s still early days for the team at Roehampton Club, head PGA professional Ricky Pharo is already starting to see what the Paragolfer adds to the venue. “I’m excited that the club has agreed to house the Paragolfer as it adds a new dimension to learning and playing golf at the club which my team of Professionals will be pleased to support,” he said.
So, what’s the message for clubs wanting to introduce a Paragolfer and become part of this growing network? It is easy to use, fun to work with and extremely rewarding. The Golf Trust supports the club in the purchase of the machine, training of coaching staff and signposting of people wanting to use the Paragolfer. It really is a win, win.
There will be a Project 25 next year, taking in the areas of the UK and Ireland that have yet to house a Paragolfer, starting in Cornwall, travelling through Wales and Ireland, into the north of England and finally into Scotland, as Menai-Davis explains: “We want to showcase golf, raise awareness of disability and fundraise at the same time. We’re looking for venues that will host us as we play many, many rounds of golf and for facilities that want to become part of the network.”
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