Deaf golfers seek funds boost

The English Deaf Golf Association represents the interests of over 200 golfers with all levels of hearing loss and deafness writes Bob Waters for GoldMagic.com (24/02/12).

It will be staging its national championships at Luffenham Heath Golf Course near Ketton, Rutland from June 2-4.

Later in the year the EDGA will be sending a team to compete in the World Deaf Golf Federation championships at Tsu Country Club near Osaka, Japan in October. The event had been under threat since the Japanese earthquake and tsunami which struck the coast last year but officials have given it the green light.

Among those taking part will be architect and budding course designer Ben Stephens, who created the testing Normanton course beside Rutland Water. He said EDGA is desperately seeking funding for the trip.

“We’re on the lookout for sponsorship and would appreciate any help towards sending teams to international events, “ he says. “Over the past few years the strength in depth of the England team has enhanced our ability to be successful in both individual and team events at world level and we’d love for this to continue.”

Leading the campaign will be current EDGA champion Martin Anderson from Pocklington, East Yorks, who claimed the title at Hunley Hall in Brotton, North Yorkshire with a gross score of 321 over 72 holes. The EDGA also won the Deaf Home internationals at Castleknock, near Dublin.

For further information on how you might help their cause, visit: www.englishdeafgolfassociation.com