Wales Golf Partner with the Stroke Association

May 4, 2018.
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Wales Golf have linked up with the Stroke Association to encourage those who have survived a stroke to try golf or get back into the game they love.
As part of this years New2Golf campaign, Wales Golf have partnered with the charity to highlight the accessibility of golf and demonstrate the benefits of golf for those who have survived a stroke.
Up to ten facilities across Wales will roll out the scheme this season, all offering free or low cost beginner group lessons, specifically tailored to stroke survivors. Each facility has a dedicated inclusive golf trained professional who will be able to adapt to individuals’ specific needs, ensuring all participants gain a really valuable experience.
Parc Golf Club in Newport, led by inclusive trained PGA Professional Joe Vickery, undertook a pilot scheme last season which proved hugely successful and has continued this year. One participant who took part in the trial scheme was Peggy Cumbers. Peggy had a stroke in August 2016 which left her with slight left sided weakness, balance problems and a severe lack of confidence.
Prior to the stroke, golf was a big part of Peggy’s life, having enjoyed many years as a member of Pontnewydd Golf club in Pontypool, with the pinnacle of her career being when she volunteered at the Ryder Cup when it came to the Celtic Manor in 2010.
When the opportunity to play golf again was presented to Peggy at her local stroke club, she was delighted to get back into a game she had always loved.
“I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play golf again, I wasn’t sure I would be able to after my stroke, so when the possibility was there, I had to give it a try, “said Peggy.
“The inclusive trained professionals at the club were extremely friendly and positive and this makes a big difference to the stroke survivors.
“The facilities at Parc Golf club are great for people with disabilities, so there was no concern about getting about. I was previously concerned about falling when I first attended as I can be a little unsteady but I was provided with a really safe environment which gave me confidence to try and it felt wonderful swinging a club again”
“I’m so grateful to the scheme for giving me the confidence, guidance and encouragement to play golf again. I look forward to the sessions each week, it’s wonderful to be in the club again and socialising and I would encourage anyone who is a stroke survivor to take advantage of the scheme.”
Wales Golf are encouraged by the positive reaction they have had to the pilot scheme and hope this will be an ongoing partnership with the Stroke Association,
“This year’s New2Golf Back2Golf campaign, supported by the R&A, is all about tailoring golf to your needs and abilities, a Pick ‘n’ Mix approach to the game and this is a perfect example of that”, said Wales Golf Director od Development Hannah McAllister.
“Those who have survived a stroke often lack confidence to do what they did before the stroke or try anything new but the benefits on health and well being we have seen through the pilot scheme have been overwhelming and we’re excited to roll this out Wales wide so more stroke survivors can access these benefits.
“I’d encourage people to visit our website and determine their nearest participating club and get along there. More clubs will be rolling out the scheme across the coming months and we hope each year there will be even more clubs signing up.”
To register your interest in attending please contact the Development Team at Wales Golf – sian.simmons@walesgolf.org
Notes to Editor:

• There are 22 inclusive golf hubs who run pan disability, impairment specific or inclusive coaching.
•  56 inclusive training golf professionals in Wales.
• Wales Golf use the Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities in their Championships and encourage all clubs to use these. – The R&A and the USGA have produced A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities. This publication contains advice and permissible modifications to the Rules and they provide a means by which disabled golfers may play equitably with able-bodied golfers or golfers with other types of disabilities.