Donation helps tee up Golf at Leuchie
A generous donation from a group of golfers in North Berwick has been teed up to secure new golf equipment for guests at Leuchie House.
The funds were donated by members of the West Links’ Tantallon Club, famed for a long-standing tour known as The October Classic.
The group comprised brothers Nigel and Ronnie Pugh, Bobby Walker and the late Dennis Stewart, and although their Tour has now ended, the club had some money left in their kitty and considered Leuchie’s golf plans to be the ideal fit.
Leuchie have been exploring the introduction of golf sessions for guests, following an uplifting visit from Aimi Bullock, Development Director at EDGA – a volunteer-led organisation spanning 34 golf federations around the world.
Aimi gave a demonstration of some of the golf options available to people living with a disability, and although her visit coincided with a dreich day, the golf equipment can be used indoors or outdoors.
With a couple of ‘holes’ set up in our Quiet Lounge, our guests soon got into the swing of it, enjoying putting and chipping, and – to the delight of our physiotherapist Louise - working on their dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination.
Aimi, who herself was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013, said: ““I am fit and healthy at the moment, but to come to Leuchie and see what can be done for people who perhaps have more progressed forms of the disease, or other neurological conditions, is just amazing. To hear the stories of the difference the physiotherapy and technology makes to people’s lives is really uplifting.
“It will be nice to see golf added to Leuchie’s list of activities. We run a sample session where we introduce people to a form of golf, one which is designed to be fun and where everyone can get involved. It has gone down really well with the guests at Leuchie.
“It’s great to use for therapy and physical activity – to see people using their minds to control their bodies. The health benefits of it are incredible, and we have seen some people go from whacking the ball to getting a bit more controlled and their minds working in a different way. Among the people who have tried it at Leuchie, there has been lots of determination and no shortage of competitiveness either!”
EDGA focuses on boosting awareness of the inclusive nature of golf, developing capacity within the golf industry, and providing opportunities for golfers with a disability at all levels throughout the player pathway. You can find out more at: www.edgagolf.com
The golf session was also attended by Alan Oliver, Participation Officer with Scottish Golf, who is also delighted to see Leuchie embracing a sport with such a deep connection to East Lothian.
