Central Coast NSW leads the way for ParaGolfing in Australia

A few months ago I was walking to the first tee and a young lady was riding up the path on a ParaGolfer. She had a big smile on her face after spending time on the course. For those that don’t know, a ParaGolfer is an all-terrain wheelchair that raises the user into a standing position, to allow a more conventional golf swing.

The ParaGolfer has low-pressure tyres and a wide stance that allow it to be used in all areas of the golf course (including greens and appropriately designed bunkers), and on the driving range and practice area.

The ParaGolfer is regularly used by people with high level spinal cord injuries, but can also be used by anyone with mobility or stability issues.

Gosford Golf Club is home to one of only a handful of ParaGolfers along the east coast from Sydney to Port Macquarie.

Meg McIntyre, who travels to Gosford Golf Course from Port Macquarie for lessons in the ParaGolfer says, “Playing golf again is wonderful. And finding something to do, where I can actually improve, is also very exciting.”

In the past Meg had been a regular golfer, before her MS made it too hard to continue. That was four or five years ago. She adds, “… it’s not all about the golf. Since my mobility has deteriorated, my world has shrunk significantly. Returning to golf with the ParaGolfer, has enabled me to get back amongst people, to rekindle old friendships, to have a laugh, to enjoy nature, and to be part of ‘normal life’. I’m feeling the love!”

Jeannie Mansour, also a ParaGolfer at Gosford Golf Club enjoys the opportunity it gives her to get out on the course. She said, “I really enjoy the chance to get out and have a go.  I’m not up to a game (even 9 holes) just yet, although we currently try a couple of holes which is a start.”

“I started late in 2018 and then in 2019 covid arrived. That meant quite a break, as at first the courses were closed, and there were rules about social distancing and the like which made using the ParaGolfer impossible. Then when we restarted there was rain. If the course wasn’t wet enough, then there’d be plenty of rain on the days I was to come. I’m a rain magnet!”

Pandemics and weather aside, the ParaGolfer offers golfers with disabilities the opportunity to play golf on a regular basis. Jeannie adds, “It may well sound silly, but it allows me to be able to swing to hit the ball without falling. I can also hit straight (mostly), as when you’re strapped in, there is no body movement to worry about.”

Gosford’s PGA Professional staff encourage any golfers with disabilities to come and give it a try. “Golf is an excellent sport and we are so pleased that the ParaGolfer makes it possible for people of all abilities to play,” said Gosford Head Professional Tom Ballard.

“We offer a full range of coaching on the ParaGolfer; one-on-one coaching is a great way to get started on the course.” Tom added.

While both Meg and Jeannie differ on their favourite shots – “anything that connects club with ball, and makes that beautiful sound” said Meg and “the chip and run” for Jeannie – they both agree on their least favourite, and that’s the sand.

“I find it best just to miss the bunkers altogether,” Jeannie added.

For people living with disabilities who would like to give golf a try, both Meg and Jeannie offer the same advice: just go for it!

“Look up Empower Golf. Find a satellite clinic, and have a go! Don’t expect it all to happen quickly, and realise plenty of other positives on the way,” Meg said.