Latest news with #G4DOpen
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Jersey man born with no hands says golf 'saved his life'
A Jersey teenager born with a congenital limb deficiency (CLD) said learning to play golf had been "life-saving" for Dalton, who lives by the motto "no hands, no limits", has underdeveloped arms, no hands and only the use of his left leg. The 19-year-old played in The G4D Open earlier this month, competing against talented golfers from across the said he discovered golf while trying out many sports to see which he could enjoy playing without pain. Mr Dalton said he played lots of sports as a child but as he grew older the growth-related issues in his legs became painful. He said he started playing golf because the sport did not cause pain for his prosthetic Dalton said: "The second I picked up the golf club and whacked that golf ball I loved it."He continued: "It's just been fantastic. People don't realise how more than just a sport golf is - it's such a social sport." 'Part of a family' After he left school, Mr Dalton said he felt "lost" and was a "nervous kid" but golf helped him to build his said: "Finding a sport that I could play and I enjoyed, it felt welcoming and warming and life-saving."Mr Dalton added playing golf improved his mental health because being good at the sport and winning competitions gave him a sense of achievement. Mr Dalton explained that he held the golf club under his armpit and used his body to said his prosthetic leg caused him the most issues while playing as it was difficult and uncomfortable to stand on uneven surfaces which could affect his Dalton has played in European Disabled Golf Association (Edga) competitions which made him feel "like part of a family".He said that although everyone playing had different disabilities, they all "came together and found the amazing sport of golf". Mr Dalton has been playing at the Royal Jersey Golf Club since he was said their junior golf programme was "really supportive" and helped him improve his game and Dalton will be playing in tournaments in Ireland, England, France and Portugal later this said: "A few years ago I would not have thought we'd be planning multiple competitions away [...] It's just fantastic. "It's opened up my world completely."
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
World ranking disabled golfers compete at G4D Open in Woburn
Some of the world's most talented golfers have arrived in Buckinghamshire for the third staging of The G4D Open. The golfers, who have varying disabilities, compete over the Duchess Course at Woburn in Milton Lau, who has a world ranking of 93 and plays at Cambridge Country Club, said the sport helped her become "more settled in myself as an autistic individual".She added while the disabilities "are how we get classed in this tournament... first and foremost it's the golf that matters". The inclusive championship began in 2023 and features nine sport classes over multiple impairment 80 men and women players, both amateur and professional, compete for three days from Thursday to Saturday across 54 holesMs Lau started playing golf in 2021 as she had struggled with the "social side" and noise of other team said: "Golf really helped because it does build confidence and it is somewhere I feel I can completely be myself. "I can stim, I can make noises, I can fidget, I can do whatever and most people understand that is how I process the world. "The other side is it's an outdoor sport. I have a lot of sensory issues and that makes it challenging because of the noise or temperature changes... but it's putting myself out there and just seeing what I can do." Professional golfer Brad Smith, from Norfolk, said he had lost his leg after he was diagnosed with bone cancer about eight years said he was amazed at how inclusive the sport could be, adding events like G4D showcased "how good disabled players are" and how they work around limitations."The world's best players turn out and play. This is our major championship and brings the best in the world," he said."Hopefully it inspires kids even adults thinking of taking up the game." The director of golf development at the R&A, which helps organise the event, said the life stories of the golfers were "inspirational". Kevin Barker added the competition provided the opportunity to change perceptions of the sport and show its inclusivity. Players range in age from 18 to 79 and 20 countries are represented at the competition. A handicap system is also in Foster, 92nd in the world, said it was "the pinnacle for disability golf, this is basically the open for us." "We have all been classified based on the disability we have. I'm in standing one as a through hip leg amputee, but it doesn't mean I'm with other amputees"It's essentially kind of the level that it is when you wear the prosthetic." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Local favourite Anderson looking for redemption in the West
Former champion Barry Anderson (Cork) is back in the semi-finals of the Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship after a thrilling victory over reigning champion Keith Egan (Carton House). The 34-year-old, who won this crown in 2017 but was beaten in the final two years ago, had to dig deep against Egan. An outstanding approach on the 18th paved the way for a birdie to send the match down 19, and he eventually advanced from the quarter-final after Egan almost chipped in. 'It's nice to get through a tight match like that,' said the Sligo native is now based in Cork. 'Keith is such a great competitor, tough to grind down, he's just so solid all round. It was a real tough game, to come out on the right side of it was brilliant. 'I put myself under pressure on 18 but managed to get a birdie then so that was a nice buzz going down the 19th. I was happy enough to even get that far. 'But this morning did more for my confidence, I played really well, I actually played almost flawless so I really took a lot of confidence from that. 'The whole way through the championship I kind of feel I am growing into it a bit more. Each competitive round I get under my belt I feel a bit more comfortable, so looking forward to tomorrow. 'This evening was brilliant, the weather really does make a difference, it's such a buzz playing in front of a big enough crowd, it's rare we get to do it. It makes all the practise worthwhile when you play well in front of the crowd.' Anderson built the momentum during his impressive 5&4 victory over David Reddan (Castleknock) in the Last 16 and he will now go on to face debutant Dylan Holmes (Greystones) in the final four. The 18-year-old, playing in his first championship at this level, secured a brilliant 1up win over experienced campaigner David Kitt (Athenry) in the Last 16. Holmes was made to battle all the way by Jonathan Keane (Lahinch) in their quarter-final tie, and despite not taking the lead for 18 holes during their contest, he secured safe passage through to the final day of action down the 19th. Returning professional, Stuart Grehan (County Louth) was the first player to book his place in the final four, thanks to a comprehensive 6&5 win over James Fox (Portmarnock). Grehan had been taken up the 19th twice already this weekend, including when he narrowly defeated Robbie Cannon (Balbriggan) in the Last 16. But the 32-year-old, who turned professional in 2017 and recently regained his amateur status, piled on the pressure early against Fox. He raced into a 6up lead at the turn and finished things off on the 13th. Tomorrow morning, he will do battle with former Ireland teammate Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint). Campbell held his nerve and secured a 2&1 victory over Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock) in the last match to finish on Monday evening. Meanwhile, Brendan Lawlor began the defence of his ISPS Handa G4D at The West crown with a solid opening +1 round of 72. The former G4D Open winner birdied the fifth but a double bogey on the eighth, meant he went out in 37. The Carton House man bounced back with a birdie on 12 but a bogey on 16 ensured he finished over par for his round. He is clear of Alan Gaynor (County Sligo) on +9 and Aidan Grenham (Ballinasloe) three shots further in arrears. Paul O'Kelly (Portmarnock) and Cian Arthurs (Roganstown) complete the top five.
