NOT HINDERED BY DISABILITY 

Magaliesburg – All golf players have a handicap, which is established according to their skill level, but it is a totally different situation if your handicap is a physical disability.

Hats off to the players at the 2018 Canon SA Disabled Golf Open, which was held from 14 to 16 May at the Magalies Park Golf Club.

This annual event is organised by the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) and covers various disability divisions and boasted with 70 entrants for their 20th annual competition. 

Although the 54-hole event started in foul weather on Monday, the remaining two days delivered great playing conditions and the players clearly enjoyed the opportunity to be pitted against some of the greatest in the world.

The field included, amongst many others, three times World One-Arm Champion Reinard Schuhknecht, UK war veteran and scratch golfer Mike Brown and four times champion Daniel Slabbert.

 
So much can be taken from these courageous men and women whom, in many cases, did not only overcome the trauma which led to their disabilities and continues with their lives, but also took on a demanding sport like golf.

Judging by the smiles, chatter and laughter on the field, they enjoy their sport as much as any other enthusiast.

With their First Swing Programme, SADGA awarded children the opportunity to play in a shortened version of the championship as part of the “Go for Gold” reward programme.

The programme is intended to encourage children to earn national colours. Two of the participants are now trainers and took part this year in the official championship. This is clearly a feather in the cap for SADGA and stands as proof of a successful initiative.

After the final round the leg-amputee from England, Mike Browne, took the honours as champion with a 12-shot victory, competing in his first disabled championship. Previous winner Slabbert had to stand aside for Iglin Grobberlaar, who squeezed past him to take second place with one stroke. 

For more results and information about them, visit the SADGA website at http://www.sadga.co.za