The Social Golfer’s Par 3 Championship has been gained by Essex-based amputee golfer Paul Houghton after an exhilarating play-off at Pelham Place Golf Centre.
Members of The Social Golfer travelled from throughout England to fulfill and compete on the Kent venue on August 23.
The open event— now in its ninth yr— was performed over 27 holes with the highest six gamers advancing to an 18th gap shootout, and later, the Grand Remaining.
Every finalist had two balls to safe their place within the Grand Remaining, with the 2 gamers nearest to the pin on the 18th inexperienced qualifying.
Houghton secured his spot within the play-off together with former Par 3 champion Steve Slater (Herts), with Houghton taking the title after his tee shot got here to relaxation simply 18 inches from the pin.
BITTERSWEET VICTORY
Houghton, a veteran incapacity golfer who has represented his nation in worldwide occasions and performed on the EDGA Tour, skilled a bittersweet victory, as he acquired the devastating information that morning that one in every of his closest mates had handed away.
Commenting on his win, Houghton mentioned, “This win is particular. Not solely is it my first win at The Social Golfer occasions, however it’s going to all the time remind me of my pal Mike, who has all the time been a fantastic help to me and my incapacity.
“What I like about enjoying in these tournaments is that nobody treats me any otherwise from an able-bodied golfer, which reveals how far we have now are available combating prejudice in our sport. Nevertheless, we’ve nonetheless acquired an extended method to go to realize full parity, however sports activities like golf supply us that chance.”
The 4 shedding semi-finalists included two girls, Linda Fagg (Kent) and Judy Lilley (London), together with Steve Hunt (London) and Mark Crane (Kent).
Different winners on the day included the Golf Information Visitor Trophy winner Mike Aherne and runner-up Si Elie, each of whom are from Kent.
The sector, starting from 7 handicappers to 36, and the course — the most effective par-3 programs within the South of England— made for a massively gratifying contest.
Talking after the occasion, Ian Mullins, Editor of The Social Golfer, mentioned, “I’m so satisfied for Paul. Not solely has he been a fantastic supporter of our occasions, but it surely’s nice to see him display his expertise to a wider viewers.
“The broad smile on his face because the successful putt rolled in reveals how a lot pleasure this recreation can convey to anybody from all walks of life!”
“I’d additionally like so as to add a giant ‘thanks’ to our sponsors, Gogogo Sport Rangefinders and Golf Information Journal, each of whom proceed to advertise incapacity golf in any respect ranges.”
