Sport Parkinson’s are bringing two events to Wales on the 3rd May – the first ever golf open Parkinson’s Tournament with free golf pro training for beginners and those returning to the sport, at The Vale Resort – and is open to all people with Parkinson’s.
Never picked up a club on anything other than a crazy golf course? Curious to have a go? We caught up with some of the Welsh Parkinson’s golf team to find out why they did and how golf helps them.
“I love golf.” Gareth Dingle enthuses “I’ve loved sport all my life. The best thing about golf, well there were a few, is that it’s a challenge against yourself. Having had PD for several years I have found that Golf has helped both in terms of exercise, but actually the social bit is important too, and isn’t mentioned much. Since joining in with the golf at The Sport Parkinson’s tournament at The Belfry, I’ve made a new great group of friends in the Welsh team and from other nations too!”
Gareth confirms “It’s worth remembering that sometimes doing 18 holes can seem intimidating on a bad Parkinson’s day, people don’t realise that you can just do nine or six, or just go to the driving range. But you are out exercising and chatting with good friends.”
Garen Williams, beginner golfer and Director of Sport Parkinson’s says :
“I was taken to my local driving range by a member of the Wales Parkinson’s golf team and since then I’ve been hooked. There are many benefits to playing golf, the movement, concentration, timing of your swing and it helps to improve your core strength which is beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s Disease. It is also a good opportunity to be outside and socialise with other people.
Come along and try golf, you may get as hooked as I am!”
Join Gareth and Garen, and make new friends, or catch-up with old at The Vale Resort on 3rd May 2022.
To reserve your space at any of the events or to buy a dinner ticket click here – deadline for applications is close of play Monday 18th April. We cannot accept on the day walk ups for these events as we tailor our packages for attendees.
To find out more on both the golf events, and all of the other opportunities available through Sport Parkinson’s to “Find Your Way to Play” check out our news feed and events page for the latest – any queries please email Claire Jones on claire@sportparkinsons.org