Four IPF teams, made up of members and trustees, took on one of the country’s finest courses. The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect, catch up on each other’s progress, and understand additional ways the charity can support its members.

 

We extend our thanks to UK Sport for inviting the IPF to compete for the third consecutive year alongside national sporting bodies, including newcomers British Gymnastics and Paralympics GB. 

 

The IPF supports players who have sustained life-changing injuries while playing rugby, including those which result in the loss or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries, or acute, severe traumatic brain injuries which result in permanent functional disability. 

 

Many IPF members have been introduced to golf through taster sessions as part of the charity’s IPF Engage Programme — and have since fallen in love with the sport. 

 

IPF Trustee Judy Metcalfe, who was instrumental in setting up golfing opportunities for IPF members, explained:  

 

“Golf is one of the few sports where players with and without disabilities can compete on an equal playing field. There are no barriers. 

 

“We work closely with The Golf Trust, led by Cae Menai-Davis and his team. They coach several of our members and provide access to the Paragolfer (also known as Paramotion) — a specialist mobility device that raises wheelchair users into a standing position so they can swing a golf club freely and move around the course. It means everyone can play together, whether competitively or just for fun. 

 

“In my 12 years as a trustee with the IPF, it’s been incredible to watch the growth of disability golf and the positive impact it has had on so many of our members.” 

 

 

 

Life-Changing Impact 

 

IPF Welfare Officer John Burgess shared how the Paragolfer helped him rediscover a sport he thought he had lost forever: 

 

“After my spinal cord injury, I never imagined I’d play golf again — but the Paragolfer brought it back into my life. 

 

 “When you stand up for the first time in 20 years you are a little anxious because you wonder if the machine really will support you, but it does. You learn to trust it, and you’re in control — raising and lowering yourself via the control panel and driving around the course. 

 

 “It’s an incredible piece of equipment that can truly change lives. At one of our open days, an IPF member stood up in the Paragolfer and told us it was the first time in 30 years he’d been able to kiss his girlfriend face-to-face at the same level. That was a lovely moment.” 

 

IPF member Duncan Campbell, who plays with the use of one arm following a stroke, has even earned international honours since first trying golf just three years ago, and is now employed by the Golf Trust as a community coach. 

 

“Golf has changed my life,” Duncan explained. “I was reticent when I first tried the IPF golf taster day because I didn’t think I would be able to do it.  At the time, I was a 19-stone couch potato sitting at home scoffing chocolates and watching TV. Now, most days I'm out in the fresh air, walking around a golf course enjoying life. 

 

“Today’s tournament was an enormous amount of fun. I’m hugely grateful to the IPF, and in particular to Judy who has encouraged me throughout my golf journey. 

 

“Taking up golf, I felt like a sports person again for the first time since my stroke. It has improved my mental and physical health so much. It really has changed my life for the better.” 

 

 

Also competing at Edgbaston were IPF members Iain Millar and Hamish Minton, a relative newcomer to golf: 

 

“It was an unbelievable day,” he said. “I’m thoroughly addicted to golf now. For quite a few holes you put a strike on the scorecard, but when you par a hole or go under par it’s just the best feeling in the world! 

 

“For me, golf means being able to socialise with friends and family in a sporting setting again — something I’ve really missed since my injury. The coaching from the Golf Trust has been amazing. I honestly can’t put into words how much I’ve enjoyed learning golf.” 

 

 

A Day to Remember 

 

Hamish continued: “Events like today are so beneficial. They’re really wholesome and a nice way to take your mind off things. 

 

“The best thing for me about the IPF is that it doesn’t just focus on healthcare or on physio or mental health. It's also about having fun. And today was just that: fun.” 

 

For Iain Millar, a seasoned golfer who has represents Broken Playaz and Scotland on the EDGA Tour, this was his first outing with the IPF:

 

“I’ve loved it,” he said. “It's been a long time since I played with rugby lads and playing with these guys has been refreshing because we’re all the same, the banter is different. It means the world to be part of that rugby family again.” 

 

The IPF came an impressive second in the pairs’ competition, and trustee Judy Metcalfe took home the Ladies’ title. A huge congratulations to all who took part in a day where golf, camaraderie, and pure enjoyment were the real winners.