Members and coaches of the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership (SDGP) travelled to the Isle of Arran last weekend to play two of the islands best golf courses.  Machrie Bay and Lamlash Golf Clubs played host to the SDGP after they travelled from several areas of Scotland.

The SDGP's Secretary, Steve Bramwell said, "Roadwork's on the island hampered all the tourists and visitors but, thanks to the Towpath Trust, we managed to arrange local transport to get us across to Machrie Bay.  This was a smashing little 9-hole course on the flat side of the island and, courtesy of Dougarie Estates, we had a grand day playing with some members.  Elizabeth Ross and the club
members and staff certainly put some hard work into our day's golf and we thoroughly enjoyed the Tea Room, course and some very well maintained, but tricky greens".

Jim Gales, the Chairman of the SDGP said, "Two days of great weather and a very warm golf club welcome awaited us on the island.  This was our first group trip to Arran and after our reception; it is certainly a place our members would love to return too.  The Lamlash members and especially  Jim Henderson of the club, also pulled out all the stops to welcome us and again, in great weather we played a smashing course.  This game was also a counting event for our GolfbloggerUK sponsored Scottish Order of Merit Championship and it was a great place to hold it, well worth a visit".

Derek Milne, one of the SDGP's newest members, said, "It was a little difficult getting back into the game after a long gap since my accident, but I'm starting to put together some decent scores and now after such a friendly welcome on Arran, I certainly hope to get back there soon.  Smashing people and the two courses were great".

The Scottish Order of Merit will be utilised for 2011, when the SDGP will for the first time, have the opportunity to host the Nations Cup, which will be the biggest disabled team golf event in the world.  Four teams of twelve golfers each, plus their coaches and guides, will compete over four days for the title of World Team Champions.  The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort at Cumbernauld will host the event in July 2011, where teams from Scotland, England and Wales will take on a team consisting of disabled golfers from around the world.  The teams will be made up of golfers with varying disabilities, including amputees, cerebral palsy, the blind and numerous other health
conditions"

The next games for the SDGP will be held at Alloa Golf Club, at Machrihanish for the inaugural Scottish Championships and Niddry Castle Golf Club.  

More information on the SDGP is at www.sdgp.co.uk.