By Duncan Mackay

Wales golf scheme launchedMarch 11 - A new scheme has been launched in Wales to help develop inclusive provision, opportunity and practices which will ensure that disabled people gain access to golf clubs across the country. 


It has been launched by Golf Development Wales, who are now included in the INSPORT programme from Disability Sport Wales.

"This is an important scheme that can have a real impact, we are delighted to be able to support these golf professionals as they take their lessons back to their respective clubs," said Zoe Thacker, from Golf Development Wales.

Sailor Stephen Thomas, who has represented Britain in four consecutive Paralympics, helped launch the programme. 

The ground breaking initiative is backed by International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) chairman and leading Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, who is helping provide financial support to enable coaches to provide a thousand free golf lessons for blind and disabled golfters. 

"It's great to see an initiative that is designed to give more people the chance of taking up sport," said Thomas, a double below the knee amputee as a result of meningitis in 1996.

"Obviously I'm used to being on water, but I also play ice sledge hockey, so golf is something I'm really keen to get into.

"Hopefully one day it will be in the Paralympics, it's a global sport so why shouldn't it be."

Handa, who has promoted schemes across the world helping blind and disabled play golf for 25 years, was delighted to see the new programme in action.

"Sport brings people together and unites communities around the world, so we are proud to see our programme facilitating the opportunity for blind and disabled golfers to access specialised coaching," he said.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]