The Belfry…. What Happened Next?

In October this year, Sport Parkinson’s organised it’s first golf competition at the Belfry. The Sport Parkinson’s Four Nations Golf Tournament, there was no doubt the day had a huge impact on those that participated, supported and volunteered at the event – but had that continued?

We caught up with the captains to see what had happened since then:

Dave Andrews

England Captain: Dave Andrews

“Although we won the competition, it wasn’t the be all and end all. The best thing was mixing with fellow parkinson’s golfers in their element.

Since then in November, Andrew Hobbs (on St Andrew’s Day aptly) organised a meet up at West Midlands Golf Club. We had a good time despite the cold weather – everybody played amazingly well! If you shot your handicap, you would come in with 36 Stableford points, and I think Andy Hobbs came in with 43 as the hometown winner! Les had 42 Stableford points, while I also came in over 36 along with three others! Everybody played really well, so it was a fantastic day.

“We’ve continued to organise meet ups, not just within the England team – personally I’m looking forward to hosting (Scotland’s) Hamish at my home club West Hill in the new year. It is great catching up with newly found friends on the golf course.

“My handicap continues to improve; I’m getting in 4/5 games a week if I can. What would I say to anyone who is unsure about taking up or returning to golf with PD? I’d steal Andy McAulay’s line from the video (above) – Just do it!

“I think we’ve demonstrated with the event itself that everybody left with a buzz from what happened. Whether it was the goal for the social interaction, or the combination of things as it happened, it was fantastic for everybody. So, I think it just goes to show the benefits of golf socially and physically to people with Parkinson’s which is brilliant. Anybody that’s keen to start up? I think although golf is quite a daunting sport to get into, if you look at going along to a driving range or putting green you can start slowly and move on when you become more confident. “

Ireland Captain: Padraig Barry

“I think the highlight was meeting people from other countries who also have Parkinson ‘s and the challenge of playing with them on the second day. You don’t just play; you also talk with those you are competing against.

Ireland now has about 20 regular members, where we chat, and look forward to playing and growing as a supportive group in the new year. The camaraderie it created is invaluable.”

Andy McAulay

Scotland Captain: Andy McAulay

“(on the Belfry) It was amazing, it was literally the opportunity of a lifetime and I know that I’m speaking on behalf of all the lads in the team -we all felt the same way!

My favourite thing was actually being announced on the first tee! I was shaking a little bit more than usual but having managed to get a half decent drive away on each of the three days it was great!

There was one negative thing, well apart from me getting my contact lens stuck in my eye half way through day one – Scotland not winning of course! For which we got the bronze medal! Better than  wooden spoon! So, for me one of the things I like was the range of people that played within Scotland team, as well as the stories they had to tell.

We are planning on meeting up  when the weather improves a bit, so we’re very much keeping in touch. That’s all good! We’re looking forward to playing the future Sport Parkinson’s events!

I’m inspired by the tournament, to organise more for di