Mark Belcher 'cerebral palsy' Handicap 25
I was introduced to the game of golf by my father at a very young age of 7 at Lothianburn golf course, Edinburgh.
I became a full member at Lothianburn and have had many an enjoyable day playing golf there since. My present national handicap is 25.
Over the years i have managed the odd success, winning a monthly medal, qualifying for the 'b' championship and making it through to the quarter-final and also winning the 'simpson bowl' 2 ball foursomes match play.
During my years at Lothianburn I have had great support from the members (especially the 'senior section') and staff at the club, and I thank them all.
I have always enjoyed sport as a hobby and in my school days regularly competed in school events like swimming, horse-riding, table tennis and football.
I have actually been teaching a couple of my family members to learn to play golf over the last year or so, and i am pleased to say that they are improving each time they play!!!. Although it is still an easy �1 in my back pocket so far!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to thank all my friends from the 'golfing world' and the health and fitness industry over the last few years, without whom I could not have competed in football and golf, there are too many of you to mention individually..... but you all know who you are!!!!
Thanks also to my family for their help and support.
A few years ago i was involved with the Scotland and rangers cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke football sides. I trained with the Scotland side at Stirling university and the rangers side at the Kelvinhall. Some of the players at Scotland/rangers went on to represent the Great Britain side in the 2008 Beijing paralympics. A fantastic achievement and i personally wish all involved at Scotland and rangers, best wishes for the years ahead.
It was being involved with the football that led me to find out about the 'Scottish disability golf partnership' to be honest at the age of 37...i was feeling a bit too old for football!!!!
I joined 'the SDGP' this year and have already played in events at St.Andrews Dukes gc, Elmwood gc, Forrester Park gc, Swanston gc and looking forward to many more. Again, just like the football I have met some great individuals involved in the SDGP.
Hello members of 'the burn'!
As many of you know, I recently
represented the Scottish disability golf partnership SDGP in the first ever 4
nations cup for golfers who have a disability/health issue.
Team Scotland,
team England, team Wales and team Europe, competed at the prestigious
Celtic manor resort in Newport, South Wales.
Played over 2 days on the 15/16
march 2010 on the roman road g.c.
The roman road g.c. is 1 of 3
courses at the Celtic manor resort, others being the Montgomery and the twenty ten
which will be this year’s Ryder cup course.
Day 1 which began at 11.30am saw
Europe vs England and Wales vs Scotland.
England victorious over Europe and
Scotland likewise over Wales
Points awarded for each game saw
England lead, Wales 2nd, Europe in 3rd and us Scots last or 4th if you
prefer!
I know that does not look correct
but if I explain that it was combined players stableford points adding to a
team total, that was how the result on day 1 stood see the website for
confirmation!!!
[www.sdgp.co.uk -- link to other
events 4 nations cup]
Day 2 saw all players out in
English,Welsh, Scot and European 4 balls again playing stableford with
individual scores making a final team score.
The Scots rallied with all they
had. Sponsored shirts worn with pride!! We were not going down without a
fight!! Giving it all we had I am very pleased and extremely proud to say we
finished runners up in the 4 nations cup the auld enemy held on to win,
with Wales in 3rd and team Europe 4th. Congratulations England!
What was it like to travel 400 miles,
meet people you have never met, partner someone you have only seen a photo
of...play for your country, and have a caddy!! Thank you dad! You
done good!
Can’t put it in to words easily but I am
on such a high, proud, honored and been giving a lift in life that you can’t
imagine. I have met a wonderful group of golfers whom I hope to see
for golf events for many a year to come.
Celtic manor is a wonderful setting,
we had great weather, I have nothing but admiration for all involved. It was a
pleasure to represent the SDGP and Scotland. Congratulations to all who
organised such a wonderful couple of days. 2011 4 nations cup will see the SDGP
go 1 better!!
Thank you to the SDGP
sponsors of buy 4it golf, mirror tees ltd and golf blogger
uk. Thank you Celtic manor
I hope I done you proud Lothianburn?
May I wish you all a great 2010 season, good weather and many happy days
playing golf.
