info@sadga.co.za
Here is Graeme’s story……..
‘From a young age, I always wanted to become a professional golfer and my first membership was at Tenterton Golf Club in 1996 when I was 11 years old. After 3 years of constant practice and hard work, I reduced my handicap to 9.6 and was going to be recommended for Kent County coaching in early 2000.
In January 2000, I was involved in a road traffic accident. I sustained a life changing traumatic brain injury which left my body semi-paralysed on the right hand side. I had to learn everything all over again. I relearnt tasks as simple as eating an orange, getting dressed and cleaning my teeth. I spent 10 years rehabilitating and at the same time, completed my education and relearnt the basics of the golf swing. I now swing the club with my left hand only. It took a long time to adapt but finally I got the ‘swing of it’ and am now considered to play a rather decent game of golf. It was in 2010 that I finally knew what I wanted to do, become a PGA Golf Coach and teach people with disabilities the magical game of golf.
I now play at the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells. At this club I can play a round of golf, interact with my playing partners and teach people the basics of the golf swing to people with disabilities. I am constantly improving my game and regularly play in DGA events. My ultimate goal is to be part of Team GB Disabled Golf team.
Coaching from golf pros has helped me personally. It helped me to understand that I can improve my game one step at a time and need to be mentally focused to reach my goals. One of the great things about golf is, all the time you are working on your game, you are having great fun and benefiting from a huge sense of achievement. Golf gave me the self-belief I needed to progress in many aspects of my life and through coaching people with disabilities, I aim to enable others to achieve the same.
Difficulties to overcome
I have needed to overcome difficulties with my concentration between shots and holes and have had to adapt to playing with one arm. My aim is to encourage people to play golf, no matter what their disability. I firmly believe that anything is possible and through my coaching I believe I can support people to meet their personal challenges head on!’
Graeme will be travelling with his guests Ronald & Dael Erlank.
We are looking very excited to meeting Graeme and welcoming him to his 1st Canon SA Disabled Golf Open.
