Above: Sandhurst Club PGA golf professional Christian Hamilton teaches Limbs 4 Life children’s golf clinic participant Jack a thing or two about golf. By Bridget Cook
A PROGRAM at Sandhurst Club which gives amputees the opportunity to become involved with golf is seeking further sponsorship so they can extend across the country.
In April 2009, Limbs 4 Life launched the first amputee golf coaching clinic with the support of golf professional Christian Hamilton from Sandhurst Club and the PGA Learning Centre.
The purpose of the clinics is to provide amputees, and those born without limbs, with the tools required to become involved with golf and have the confidence to participate.
The Limbs 4 Life gold clinics for amputees and those born without limbs are run on regular monthly timetable, with many of the participants travelling long distances to take part. The clinics are complemented with an annual Limbs 4 Life golf tournament at the Skye club.
Mr Hamilton, who pioneered the Limbs 4 Life training program with fellow PGA pro Stuart Leong, said the development of the children’s program with was a vital step in developing a curriculum which one day they hoped would be taught throughout Australia and internationally.
“Of all the coaching and teaching I and others undertake in golf, this area is one of the most rewarding,” he said.
“Not only does the golf activity create an opportunity for the children to develop new skills and assists with their balance and movement, it is also an activity which is designed to involve the entire family.”
Mr Hamilton said he could see the program extending in a number of ways, but further sponsorship would be required to do so.
“I can see golf becoming increasingly used in conjunction with occupational therapy and as both a physical and social pathway for people to recover after a severe injury,” he said.
“The development of the Limbs 4 Life golfing program has been made possible through the strong support of the members of the Sandhurst Golf Club, the PGA and the Sandhurst Community.
“However, we are at a stage now where we need some extra sponsorship to develop the curriculum so ultimately we can extend this Limbs 4 Life Sandhurst program across Australia.”
PGA chief executive Brian Thorburn said the initiative was a huge credit to Mr Hamilton and the Limbs 4 Life team.
“The Limbs 4 Life program is an outstanding example of why golf continues to be one of the most accessible sports in Australia,” he said.
“I hope we soon see the program expanded across the country.”
Any company or organisation who would like to assist can call Limbs 4 Life executive officer Melisa Noonan on 1300 782 231.
For more details on the clinics visit www.limbs4life.com.
