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WELCOME TO QUEENSLAND AMPUTEE GOLF INC.

THE FORMATION OF THE QAGA


In late 2003 Darren Woodrow stumbled across an article on the internet about 12 times world amputee champion Geoff Nicholas, a leg amputee from NSW. Darren being an arm amputee sent an email to Geoff stating his interest in amputee golf. Geoff’s reply informed Darren of the website address for Amputee Golf Australia (AGA) NSW, which in turn contained details of the Inaugural Amputee Australian Open Tournament to be held at Coolangatta - Tweed Heads Golf Club in March 2004.

Darren’s week at the 2004 Australian Open with other amputees from Australia and overseas, provided him with information of other international amputee tournaments. However attempts to obtain information regarding amputee golf in Queensland kept coming up empty. Further enquiries made him more aware of just how little information there was available about amputee golf amongst Queensland amputees. Many didn’t know amputee golf existed in Australia.There was obviously a need for a Queensland amputee golf association.

In mid June 2004 Darren set about establishing an amputee golf association in Queensland. With the assistance of other amputee golfers, he formed a QAGA committee and the Queensland Amputee Golf Association was formed in July 2004. He gained the support of 2 Brisbane radio stations to assist in raising the public awareness of the newly formed association and slowly but surely media interest started to grow and as a result Queensland amputees started to contact Darren. The Q.A.G.A. had been born.

Presently in its 5th year, the Q.A.G.A. now conducts regular monthly “social” golf events, which are open to and attract keen interest from both amputees and supporters alike. These events, together with golf coaching clinics are aimed at introducing more amputees to golf. The ability of friends and families to participate with amputees in these events provides a more friendly and supportive atmosphere in which the amputee can learn new skills, or regain confidence and abilities once thought lost.

The Q.A.G.A. also holds an annual “Amputee Championship” (for amputees only). This event regularly sees international amputees, as well as amputees from all over Australia attending. It is not restricted to the elite golfers amongst us, rather through the medium of golf, it serves to introduce all attendees to a supportive network of their peers that extends beyond both the boarders of Queensland and the shores of Australia. We urge you to share these experiences and to enrich your life through a “simple game of golf”.

 

GET SWINGING INTO GOLF!!!
WE ALL DID AND SO CAN YOU!!!

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“The Q.A.G.A is committed to promoting the benefits of amputee golf as a viable form of rehabilitation and recreation for all amputees throughout Queensland and Australia”.

OUR ACTIVITIES

As well as providing regular golf events and clinics, the QAGA aims to provide Queensland amputees with information concerning both prosthetic aids and golf equipment that will assist amputees in enhancing their abilities and performance. The Q.A.G.A. also provides Queensland amputees with information relating to Australian and International amputee golf events and tournaments. Many Q.A.G.A. members are very active in supporting and attending events held by other Amputee Golf Associations both in Australia and around the world. Whilst the Q.A.G.A. organises and hosts an annual major championship as well as regular monthly social golf events for amputees and their supporters, 2010 will also see the Q.A.G.A. host the 7th Australian Amputee Open Golf Championship.

Why play golf?

It has been proven over the years that golf provides a very effective form of rehabilitation for amputees. The skills needed in order to play the game enhance balance, coordination and stability. Golf is a less strenuous form of exercise than most, but at the same time it provides an effective way of improving and maintaining overall fitness and it is a sport that can be played at any age and almost anywhere throughout Australia. It builds self esteem and sense of achievement by providing an opportunity to enjoy and participate in an activity with our able bodied friends. Through its handicap system, it allows us to be able to compete with them on equal terms. The very nature of the golfing fraternity also provides a perfect opportunity for social interaction - ask any golfers - the 19th hole is a great way to relax with newly found friends.

Never played golf?

Several of our keenest golfers had never played golf before becoming an amputee. We take great pleasure in assisting new amputees to learn the game and to achieve their goals, so please contact us we will be more than happy to help! The only requirement you need is the desire to learn.

Joining the Q.A.G.A. gives you the opportunity to foster and form friendships. Many of our members report having formed friendships with other amputees that extend around the world. The medium of golf has provided them with the opportunity to reclaim and to enrich their lives.

The Q.A.G.A. is pleased to hear from all who may be interested, feel free to contact any of our committee members, their details are available from our “Contact Page”.

 

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