England to host the World Deaf Golf Championships this summer!

This August, England are hosting the World Deaf Golf Championship at Forest of Arden Golf Club in Birmingham. Prior to this, England Deaf Golf are putting on a prestigious event in May at Whittlebury Hall which consists of an all day golfing event, and a three course evening meal in order to raise funds for the England Deaf golfing team.

I spoke to Rod Oaten, the chairman for England Deaf Golf, to find out more about the forthcoming events:

Can you tell us more about the WDGC and it’s significance this year?

This summer it is the thirteenth World Deaf Golf Championship which we are hosting in Birmingham. This event is particularly significant as our England Deaf Golf President, Kevin Whalley, held the first ever World Deaf Golf Championship 25 years ago with 58 golfers from 8 countries in attendance.

Ever since, the tournament has been held bi-annually around the world and the number of participants grows each year. We are expecting 144 golfers to celebrate our 25 years jubilee championship. This is a remarkable feat for Kevin especially when you consider the state of correspondence was via postage 25 years ago!

What is the selection process like for golfers wanting to be chosen for the team event?

For the World Deaf Golf Championship 2020 the selection process begins by looking at which players are at the top ranking and subsequent order of the merit table where points are earned from performances played over last two seasons.

All selected players are expected to perform at the next two events with one of them being held at Forest of Arden Golf Club, the venue for the WDGC. There, our officials will handpick some qualifying players to be part of the teams.

What is your role within the event?

My role prior to the tournament is chairing the England Deaf Golf and also as one of the organising committee members of the WDGC event. However, during the tournament, I will be playing as a golfer in the Seniors section.

Are there are any specific golfers you would like to tell us about?

Paul Waring, the winner of WDGC2018 recently turned professional! We saw the amount of commitment and training Paul has made toward his golf technique, this was an example for many of us trying to follow in his footsteps.

With regards to consistency we have to recognise Mike Burris whose performances rarely waver. Lydia Ingman, winner of the ladies at WDGC2016, and with even keel, Donna Cross also hold the flag for England Deaf Golf too.

How important is deaf golf to your golfers? What do they get from you that they don’t get at a mainstream club, for example?

The foremost of deaf golf is the social and sporting interactions between deaf golfers at our events. This is highly positive for their wellbeing and mental health, and we also can support them at their local golf clubs to remove communication barriers or to support any other impeding issues.

This doesn’t only apply to the experienced, elite deaf golfers but it goes all the way down to grassroots level. We also work with and promote golf to deaf children too as they all will benefit from our support and simply associating with the spirit of golf.

For any would-be golfers who want to get involved in the sport, who should they contact or how can they kick start a golfing hobby?

Online, anyone can find our website and our contact details are on there. In recent years, we have welcomed a couple of new players who had no prior experience playing golf with other deaf golfers before, and they have never looked back! In fact both of said players have made the selection for WDGC, which is beyond their wildest dreams!

There are over 20 local deaf golf societies so you can be sure to find one not too far away.

Finally, can you tell us about the fundraiser you’re hosting in May and how the general public can support golfers in the run up to the WDGC?

The sole reason of this fundraiser is so that we can raise funds to equip the team with matching kits without burdening our players with further expenses. I would love to see the general public dig deep in their pocket and support their National team, or even their favourite player, by simply attending our fabulous all-day golf tournament and all night event banqueting.

The event is an all day golfing event followed by a red tie evening presentation with a three course meal, where all those attending are encouraged to wear something red to support England Deaf Golf.

 

If you are interested in supporting the England Deaf Golf team in preparation for the World Deaf Golf Championships, check out their website www.england-deaf-golf.com or view their fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/england-deaf-golf