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Scottish Disabled OPEN 2017 - Day One...
So, having travelled the 440+ miles from TSG HQ in Essex to Scotland for 9+ hours, the TSG team finally arrived in St Andrews - The Home of Golf!
Once settled into our 5*star accommodation at The Fairmont Hotel (its where many of Tour players stay when participating in The OPEN) we headed to the Clubhouse to play the practice round. Located just 5 miles south of St Andrews Town, 'The Torrance' was designed and named after Sam Torrance, the well known and popular Scottish golfer.
The Course is, as you would expect in great condition and the views were stunning. We've all dreamed of being here on 'the' hallowed ground and whilst this wasn't The Old Course, it's everything we were expecting and more.
As we stood on the first tee and enjoyed the light breeze, we couldn't have been more excited to get started. It is going to take us a while to get used to this style of golf, so nothing to be expected scoring wise, just yet.
Paul started well in his practice round, playing conservatively for the first few holes but then opened the shoulders on the back nine. Only one Par today but plenty learnt for the start of the competition proper tomorrow. Now time for Dinner.
Scottish Disabled OPEN 2017 - Day Two...
Today we are much more prepared and having had our hearty breakfast we head off to the practice area. Some final adjustments to the swing on the range and we headed to the first tee. It was a promising start for Paul today. However, slow play and soupy conditions made for a 6 hour round (it is a Strokeplay competition, meaning EVERY shot counts) which meant Paul struggled to find any rhythm. But, after a pep talk from his Caddie (TSG website owner Ian Mullins), Paul put a little run together with a more aggressive approach to the greens. After only six holes, the weather turned a little nasty and the waterproofs were out in force but this lasted for no more than an hour.
With it difficult to keep his concentration over that length of time Paul faded a little over the last few holes but Team TSG certainly aren't out of the running yet. There's still two more days of golf to be played. Big thanks to our playing partners from Denmark, Holland and Spain who made it a very entertaining morning...we'll it was actually nearly tea time by the time we got in!
Scottish Disabled OPEN 2017 - Day Three...
Team TSG are up early again (6am), these official golf events certainly require some stamina, which makes the fact that most playing are missing a leg, an arm or a hand, even more inspiring, and what a difference a day makes.
Although everything suggested it would be tough conditions again with light rain and a three club wind for the first hour but before we know it we are searching for the sunscreen and I'm wishing I had put shorts on. However, despite this, Team TSG was scoring well. Only three over after six holes, all was looking good. Paul was suddenly playing with real confidence and was putting the ball in all the places the Caddie asked him to.
We kept this going right through to the 10th but alas it was unsustainable, mainly due to slow play (again!). This meant that Paul lost the momentum. However, a late rally meant Par on the signature hole 16 (450+ yard finish to a sea with cliff top view) and very respectable 96 gross recorded. I'm convinced this could have been sub 90 without the hold ups. Final day tomorrow, and whilst I don't think we'll be bringing the silverware home, we'll certainly be bringing home a bag full of great memories. Right, time to hit the bar, this Caddying malarkey is hard work, but equally rewarding!
Scottish Disabled OPEN 2017 - Day Four...
Last day in Scotland and St Andrews and Team TSG end the competition with a very respectable 94 gross. We finished midway in a field of 35, from 17 different countries. However, the most satisfying thing for his Caddie this week is that Paul improved on his previous day's score each day during the competition. In addition, new friendships were made and memories were created. Well done to all those that took part, you did battle against the course and the elements but also against the personal goals you set. Thank you to everyone we met during this golf event, you made an 'able-bodied' golfer very welcome. Paul, you did all TSGers proud this week and it was an absolute pleasure to be on your bag. Good luck to Paul in the Portugal Disabled Open in November!
Additional Information...
Whatever form a golf event of this kind takes; there are always plenty of people to thank. Organisations connected to Scottish Disabled OPEN include, most notably, The SDGP (for organising the championship), EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association (for sanctioning the event) British Inclusive Golf (for attending).
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