News Zone

Thank You!

Dear Trustees, Members, Players, Guides, Supporters and Friends of the Phoenix Cup Disability Golf Team,

It is with both pride and a touch of sadness that I write to let you know that I have decided to retire as Captain of the Phoenix Cup Disability Golf Team at the end of this season. After two wonderful years serving as your Captain, I feel that the time is right to hand over the reins to someone new, who can lead the team into its next chapter. Although this has not been an easy decision, I believe it is the right one.

Being your Captain has been one of the greatest honours of my golfing life. I have been privileged to represent such an inspiring group of people whose determination, resilience, friendship and sportsmanship have continually demonstrated the true spirit of disability golf. Over the past two years, we have shared so many unforgettable experiences, both on and off the golf course. We have celebrated victories, supported one another through disappointments, travelled together and formed friendships that extend far beyond the fairways. Those memories will remain with me always.

One of the greatest privileges has been representing our Association internationally and strengthening the wonderful friendships between our teams. I have been deeply touched by the warmth, generosity and hospitality shown to us wherever we have travelled. In particular, the friendships we have developed with ABG, their team and our hosts have made the Phoenix Cup so much more than a golf competition. It has become a family brought together by a shared love of golf, mutual respect and lasting friendship.

My sincere thanks go to all the Trustees, for your dedication, encouragement and countless hours of work behind the scenes. I also want to thank every player, guide, supporter, volunteer and sponsor whose commitment has helped make the Phoenix Cup the success it is today. Together, you have created something truly special.

Although I am stepping down as Captain, I am not saying goodbye. I am pleased to say that I will continue to serve as a Trustee of the Association and will remain fully committed to supporting its future. I look forward to continuing to contribute in that role and to cheering on the team for many years to come. I have every confidence that the next Captain will receive the same friendship and support that you have so generously given to me. The future of the Phoenix Cup Disability Golf Team is bright, and I know you will continue to go from strength to strength.

Finally, thank you for placing your trust in me over these past two years. It has been an immense privilege to serve as your Captain, and I shall always look back on this time with enormous pride, heartfelt gratitude and many happy memories.

I wish each and every one of you good health, continued success, wonderful friendships and many enjoyable rounds of golf. May the Phoenix Cup continue to flourish for many years to come.

With my sincere thanks and warmest best wishes,

Graham Moore

"Fife at St Andrews and Lanarkshire at Strathclyde both held brilliant Hubs today, with 18 golfers taking part ,  with a mix of familiar faces and new members, and a great spread of abilities and shot making on show.  The PGA Pros introduced a new format too: one Pro staying on a single bay for 20–30 minute one to one fine tuning lessons, while the other moved between bays, sharing tips and tricks.  After an hour they swapped over and added some bunker and putting practice.  Both Hubs will keep this format going forward.  Then it was out on the course for the Lanarkshire folks, who did manage to get wet, but returned some great scores and almost a hole in one!  Then thanks to the caterers at the course for their take out packed meals and drinks, while a massive special thank‑you to the team at the Eden Clubhouse for their fantastic support, from guiding and table help to club storage ,  just brill."

Phoenix has received new funding that will allow us to organise more Hubs and Games of golf later in the Autumn and throughout the Winter.  This support means we can continue to grow our programme and offer even more opportunities for people to enjoy golf in a friendly and inclusive setting.  While our association with St Andrews Links Trust will continue, there are already more than one hundred days and events listed on our diary page.  Many of our Hub style sessions do not appear there because they are arranged directly with new members and their local golf professionals at clubs and ranges.  There are also the regular community sessions such as the Carnoustie and Lanarkshire Hubs, which run every week for golfers in that area.  This new funding will help us keep expanding these sessions so that more people can take part and enjoy the game in a way that suits their needs and their local community.

The Phoenix teams are once again grateful to our Ambassador Gianna Rojas for continuing to support golfing members with disabilities and their coaches.  Most recently at the Pine Valley Phoenix, another substantial  donation was used to provide celebratory food and drinks for the team and the remaining funds were combined with a second donated fund, to set up a Hub at the Home of Golf for some beginners and newbies to the game.  Thank you!

A grand day out in St Andrews with a practice session sponsored by Phoenix, out in glorious sunshine, hitting those little white things straight down the middle, then on to the hallowed turf for a mixed competition sponsored by the Links Trust.  Breezy was another word for the day and a lot of thought having to go into shots on the approach to the greens, anything with height on it . . . . repeatedly travelled rapidly to another part of the course!  The Pro’s came out on the course with our members today to pass on their tips and tricks, before we all retired to the 19th for some well earned refreshments sponsored by Phoenix and discussions on who were the biggest sharks or bandido’s of the day and how many cuts to handicap could or should happen😀.  Special mention for the two new coaches coming along from Edinburgh and Renfrew, who helped out enormously throughout the day.  Thanks to our sponsors, and in association with the Links Trust, other charities and organisations, Phoenix members have had the chance to play in nine games of golf and 19 Hubs in July.

Members entry to the rounds of golf at Ratho Park and Muckhart Club is now open, details on the Diary page.

Phoenix is a rare and welcoming disabled golf community that opens its doors to people of every age and ability, giving them real chances to play, learn, and belong.  Our members range from eight‑year‑old juniors to golfers in their eighties, all mixing together naturally during rounds and at our Hubs.  The variety is part of the joy: one week we’re helping a young player find lessons with a local club professional, and the next we’re cheering on six of our oldest members whose combined ages recently topped 450 during two days of golf in Ayrshire.  Every Hub has its own feel, from small, friendly gatherings to busy sessions with twenty or more players.  Some focus on relaxed target games, others on coaching, competitions, or full rounds with trophies.  Thanks to volunteers and supporters, most Hubs are free or heavily subsidised, with practice balls, food, and encouragement all part of the experience.  Across over 450 Hubs and more than 1k rounds, the constant thread is the same: people of all ages and abilities coming together, learning, laughing, and building a community where everyone is valued.