Murdo Fraser MSP, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, will tee-off at the Scottish Pan-Disability Open Golf Championship at Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport, Fife on Monday 6th September.

Ahead of the tournament, Murdo has lodged a parliamentary motion in the Scottish Parliament, which reads:

"That the Parliament welcomes the 2010 Scottish Pan-Disability Open Golf Championship, scheduled to take place at Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport, Fife, from 5 to 8 September 2010; thanks the organisers Scottish Disability Golf Partnership (SDGP) for all its work in putting on the event;notes that some of the top disabled golfers from Scotland and the rest of the world will participate
in the Open; recognises the important work of the SDGP, which is governed and operated by disabled people, and actively encourages and involves anyone of any age with a disability, serious health problem or mobility issue and their coaches, who wish to play golf; notes that SDGP members includes amputees, blind people, deaf people, people with learning difficulties, people with Downs syndrome, stroke and heart attack victims, wheelchair users and people with other similar issues, who wish to learn or play the sport, and hopes that the Open will be a great success."

Murdo Fraser said, "It is excellent to have the 2010 Scottish Pan-Disability Open Golf Championship take place at Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport and is a welcome boost to the local economy.  The scenery at Scotscraig makes for a stunning backdrop for what will be a top tournament being put on by the SDGP.  The SDGP were the first group in the UK to host an all inclusive pan-disability golf event and I congratulate everyone involved in putting on these magnificent events.  We in this country are fortunate to have an organisation such as SDGP who do so much to promote sport for all people with any disability and give them the necessary support.  Organising massive events such as an Open is not an easy task and I would like to thank everyone involved in putting on the Open."

Jim Gales, the Chairman of the SDGP and the current Scottish Open Champion said, "It's great that Murdo has agreed to come along to our Open, along with other dignitaries, local supporters and sponsors and help us publicise disabled golf.  We want to get the message out there that the SDGP is the best outlet for all disabled people, whether they are beginners, hackers, or the moreestablished competitive golfer".

About SDGP

The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership is now a Registered Scottish Charity and governed and operated by disabled people and is the only group in Scotland which actively encourages and involves nyone of any age, with a disability, serious health problem or mobility issue and their coaches, who wish to play golf and includes amputees, the blind, deaf, those with learning difficulties, downs syndrome, stroke and heart attack victims, wheelchair users and anyone with other similar issues, who wish to learn or play the sport.

The SDGP has evolved rapidly in recent years and provides golf training and competition for many hundreds of people and is this year targeting youngsters and junior members in an attempt to introduce them to the game.   We have encountered many new health conditions and mobility problems and want to encourage anyone to come and have a go as such problems should not be a barrier to playing golf.

The Open will be preceded by a free PGA supervised golf training day, at Wellsgreen near Kirkcaldy. The SDGP will provide a 30-minute lesson, practise facilities, golf on the adjacent course and catering to participants on Sunday 5 September from 10:00.

For more information, please contact Jim Gales on 01334 650963 or 07903 596552.

+ SDGP Media Release