Several golf initiatives have been launched for people with disabilities
DERBYSHIRE GOLF has announced its support for several projects that provide coaching across the county for people with disabilities.
Delivered by James Whatley and Aaron Holtom of East Midlands Golf Academy at Morley Hayes Golf Club and Craig Pollard of Tapton Park Golf Club, the sessions are supported financially by funding from England Golf’s Innovation Fund and the Derbyshire Golf disability programme.
STUDENTS
Holtom delivered several sessions for the Royal School for the Deaf on the driving range at Morley Hayes, while Whatley helped students with learning disabilities from Derby College.
Pollard provided sessions at Tapton Park for adults with learning difficulties and, in all, ten individuals attended his coaching, which covered all aspects of the game.
Samantha Pratt, from Derby College, said: “This has given the students something to look forward to each week. James has given them all a basic knowledge of golf but most of all kept it fun at all times. It is an opportunity which the college, students and parents are most appreciative of.”
REWARDING
Whatley added: “This has by far been the most rewarding coaching I’ve done in my 12 years as a professional. The student’s enthusiasm is fantastic and they’re always smiling. We are already putting dates in the diary for more in September.”
Nigel Furniss, development officer for the Derbyshire Golf Partnership, said: “Derbyshire Golf is committed to supporting projects that create opportunities for people with disabilities to experience golf. The coaches who have been involved in these projects have been extremely supportive and we will be supporting several more projects of this nature.”
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