Kent’s Ken Powell has become the first ever Paragolfer to reach England Golf’s Race To Woodhall Spa Final, sponsored by Your Golf Travel.
Ken amassed 38 points at his home course of North Foreland to finish just a point behind winner Mason Hannant, and in doing so, secured his spot at the final in August at Woodhall Spa.
He said: “I’m extremely thrilled to come through the regional qualifying at North Foreland. The setting was perfect for good golf. The course was in magnificent condition and the weather was kind, with just a gentle breeze.
“I was a little nervous representing my home club, but I received a lot of encouragement from the membership. Fortunately, I had a good game and the short game was hot!
“It’ll be great to showcase the Paragolfer in the final at Woodall Spa and hope I can play well. Just being there is a bonus!”
GO FUND ME PAGE
The 67-year-old from Ramsgate in Kent suffered two spinal strokes in 2021, leading to him being hospitalised for almost a year, and he feared he might never play golf again.
But after two-and-a-half years of being in hospital and going through rehabilitation, Ken was able to set up a GoFundMe page to be able to buy a Paragolfer.
He added: “It was like starting golf all over again. I had played to a fairly good standard before – but then I was trying to hit a golf ball using just my arms.
“The Paragolfer raises you up to the golf position. So I’m sitting down in the buggy and, when I go to hit a shot, on the control panel, I put it into the mode to raise me up and it raises me up in the air. That obviously allows me to swing because you can’t swing from the position of sitting down.
“Hopefully the Paragolfer will encourage others who never thought they would play golf again, to have a go, as it gives so much enjoyment.
“Hopefully I can keep improving, I would love to get down to a single-figure handicap and just enjoy the whole golfing experience with old and new friends.”