Amputees taken to course for golf open with a difference

MEMBERS of the Queensland Amputee Golf Association could teach most of us a thing or two about the sport, despite their disabilities.

Amputee Graham Cox at Tweed Heads Golf Club. Photo: John Gass / Daily News. Picture: John Gass

MEMBERS of the Queensland Amputee Golf Association could teach most of us a thing or two about the sport, despite their disabilities.

The association will play at Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Golf Course this Sunday and many of their players are serious contenders at golf.

QAGA was founded in 2004 to help amputees rehabilitate and compete, even if they have no prior experience playing the sport.

Treasurer and tournament director Graham Cox was a keen golfer before he lost his arm in a hovercraft accident in 1994.

After a suggestion from his wife he has been with QAGA since its inception in 2004 and plays as often as he can.

"My wife said 'why don't you go and play golf', probably the sorriest words she's ever said," Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox loves the social aspects of the game as much as he enjoys smashing a ball down the fairway.

"Why play amputee golf? For me, amputee golf is about amputees," he said.

"We have a great time when we're all together.

"It's allowed me to go to places I would've never been before."

Mr Cox also said many of the association members can compete and win against able bodied golfers.

"We have a social network with able bodied people as well.

"I'd say eight times out of 10 an amputee kicks most of their butts."

The enthusiastic golfer said he's never thought of himself as disabled, and hasn't let his missing arm slow him down.

"I laid four and a half thousand pavers at my place and dug the dirt out," he said.

"I don't think I'm disabled in any way.

"To me it's just part of the parcel."

Mr Cox encouraged golfers to come down and have a swing with QAGA, disabled or not.

"People are more than welcome to come and play with us," he said

"We've got a monthly game on and anyone is welcome to come and join."

When we asked Mr Cox about his future with QAGA, his response was simple.

"Until I can't swing a club I'm not giving it away," he said.

Anyone interested in joining the association for a game should head to their website at qaga.org.au.