The Sports Parkinson’s Golf Open 2022

What a fabulous day that was!

On Tuesday 3rd May the Sport Parkinson’s golfing community gathered for the inaugural Open Tournament at The Vale. The verdant National Course, displayed the green green grass of Wales in all its glory, and after a testing practice round the day before – much talk on the pace of the green, difficulties present in the water features, and tactical medication management. PD Golfers from all over the UK and Ireland bonded over dinner, a love of the sport and the specific challenges that Parkinson’s represents.

The National Course (Photo – Kevin Bywater)

After registration, bacon butties, hot coffee, obligatory photos and warm up- the Parkinson’s golfers took to the course at 930am.

Paul Jenkins, gave each golfer a warm introduction as they teed off, and scorecard in hand the golfers played their best on what was a warm day – with thankfully only a short drizzle.

First golfers returning at 1:30PM, with the last still smiling, laughing and joking after 5:30PM, tension mounted in The Clubhouse as the validated scorecards were collated and the spot prizes returned. The general consensus was that it was “certainly harder than yesterday! But good fun”.

After a speech from Charlie Appleyard we all sat down to dinner and awaited the moment of truth….

L-R David Beaven, Les Darvill, Charlie Appleyard, Tom Davis, Mark Smith and Andy Hobbs (photo Graham Watkins)

Paul “Bobby” Stridgeon, Head of Physical Performance for the Welsh Rugby Union, presented the trophies and prizes. He also spoke on his golfing experience – and passionately about the importance of social exercise – mental health being just as important as physical health.

Winners of The Sport Parkinson’s Open 2022:

Longest Drive: Andy Hobbs

Nearest the Pin: Tom Davis

Division Three: David Beaven

Division Two: Mark Smith

Division One and Best Gross Score: Les Darvill

Les Darvill, Winner of the First Division and Best Gross Score Cups.

Whilst Les and Andy had competed in The Four Nations Tournament at The Belfry last year, i t was also great to see first time competitors Tom Davis, Mark Beaven and Mark Smith receive awards. It shows just how competitive and inclusive golf is with the handicap.

Thanks to Linda and the team at the resort for looking after us all!

All of us here are now looking forward to golf at the Try-Athlon and of course the Four Nations Tournament at The Belfry in October.