Stuart Gurney gets to grips with a clubgolf launcher

Deer Park Festival

A group of West Lothian children with disabilities experienced golf for the first time this month after clubgolf and West Lothian Council organised a festival alongside the Scottish Blind Golf Society’s National Matchplay Championships at Deer Park Golf and Country club in Livingston.

The majority of the children were from the West Lothian based No Limits Club, a West Lothian Council accredited club and provides a variety of sporting opportunities for children with disabilities. Festival organisers hope the experience will encourage them to take up the game.

Lothians District Young Sports Personality of the Year and Scottish Boccia team member, Stuart Gurney from Polbeth, was one of the children involved in the festival. “I’ve never played golf before and I found it a great challenge,” he said.

Councillor Peter Johnston, Leader of West Lothian Council, said: “The Scottish Blind Golf Society's Open competition is a prestigious event which we are proud to welcome to West Lothian. This event shows how sport can be non-discriminatory and can be played and enjoyed by all.

“The addition of a golf festival and fun competition on the second day for local children with a disability shows the desire of the event organisers to help more people to enjoy the game of golf. The children and families taking part in this event hopefully had a great time and enjoyed the hospitality that the Deer Park golf club has to offer.”

West Lothian’s Deputy Provost Jim Dickson presented the prizes to all competitors and children.  The event was followed by a celebratory dinner at Deer Park Resort.

Deer Park joined the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf, this year and its three volunteer coaches have already taken 30 local primary school children through its Stage 1 programme.