Season Finale: Teeing Off at the Home of Golf!

Get ready, everyone, because we're heading into the grand finale of our golfing season, and it's shaping up to be absolutely spectacular!  We've got an unbelievable opportunity for our members to play golf at some of the most prestigious courses in Scotland.  Yes, you heard that right! We're talking about St Andrews, Balbirnie Park, and Carnoustie.  And the best part? Members can play these incredible courses for FREE, on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of October.  This event marks the absolute finale to our entire golfing season.  It’s going to be the deciding moment for the Scottish Order of Merit title race for 2026.  Currently, we have Alan Robb, Jim Hamill, and John Pennycott leading the pack.  These three are at the forefront of what has been a fantastic season, with dozens of disabled golfers participating across the season's qualifiers.  It’s going to be an unforgettable conclusion to a brilliant year of golf.

Another two cracking courses, one day of glorious sunshine and one day not!

Players travelled from England, Scotland and its Islands to take on Ratho Park, plus Muckhart’s Arndean and Naemoor courses.  The day at Ratho Park started in proper traditional style with catering that set everyone up nicely.  Eighteen players were due to tee off just before noon, although a few missed out on a sponsor funded refund by not turning up in time, a painful way to learn punctuality.  Great to see three new members out on the shorter but still tricky course, happily showing us seasoned campaigners how it should be done.  Round one leaders were newbie Bill on 37, Colin on 36, and another newbie, Alan, on 34, with a healthy pack sitting on 33.  One mystery of the day: why someone decided to sprinkle sugar on their chips, Must be a West Coast delicacy, or a dare gone wrong.  Overnight rain arrived and every weather app in the country agreed that Clackmannanshire was in for a soaking.  They were right. It started just before the first tee time and barely stopped until we were heading home.  The course was still in great nick, but with heads down and umbrellas up, we didn’t get to admire it properly.   The catering, however, was spot on ,  hot, plentiful and very welcome.  Three players — Bill, Colin and John — all posted 38 points in the wet, putting themselves ahead of the rest.  Our sponsors have now refunded the entry deposits, and golfers, coaches and Trustees are encouraged to give them a shout out on their posts and social media, acknowledging the £900+ they donated for this event?  After 36 holes, the overall winner was Bill M with 75 points, Colin M second with 74, John P third with 71, and Jim G and Jim H tied on 68.  Cheers to Jim for the scoring, with help from Graham and John on the soggy score card hieroglyphics, and a thank‑you to all our sponsors for the food, golf and prizes, plus the Greenkeepers, Management, Staff and Professionals at both clubs.  Their help and support made the event a success for all our disabled golfers.  Scores are on the doors for the Scottish Order of Merit Tables 

Kansas City's Adaptive Golf Initiative: More Than Just a Game

It's wonderful to hear about the new adaptive golf competition being organized in Kansas City, Missouri, by Jack Hansen.  For those who might not know, Jack is a participant in the 

32nd Phoenix Cup, which already tells you a lot about the community and spirit behind this event.  He shared a really personal insight, something many of us who love a sport can relate to.  About fifteen years ago, as his vision started to decline, he reached a point where he genuinely feared he would have to give up golf entirely.  That's a tough realization for any passionate golfer, isn't it?  But instead of letting that fear win, Jack is channeling that experience into creating something incredibly positive.  This isn't just about hosting a competition; it's also about giving back.  They're using this golf event as an opportunity to support other charitable causes, which is just fantastic.  The main championship is scheduled from October 19th to the 22nd.  Following that, on October 23rd, they're hosting the "Eyes on Impact Charity Scramble."  The name itself, "Eyes on Impact," really speaks volumes about their shared mission.

Tuition

Our Hubs are friendly golf gatherings where people of all ages and abilities can come along, pick up a club, and enjoy the game in a relaxed setting.  It is a place to learn, practise, and meet others, whether you are completely new to golf or already confident on the course.  The aim is to create a warm and supportive space where everyone feels welcome and included and where confidence grows through simple guidance and shared enjoyment.  Hubs take place at golf clubs, academies, and driving ranges across Scotland with many professionals and volunteers involved.  Everyone is welcome, so come along and give it a try or contact us for more details.

We realise that at any golf training session, nobody can hit balls continuously for two hours, so our PGA Pros have introduced a fun new coaching format ,  where one Pro offers focused one to one tune ups from 15 to 20 minutes, while the other moves between bays sharing quick tips.  After an hour they swap and can add bunker and putting practice.  It’s been a huge success, and all our Hubs will use this format from now on. 

Thanks to the caterers, staff and Pro’s  at our Hubs in Edinburgh, Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Perth  and Fife, who have all welcomed several dozen golfers over the last few weeks.  Also, thanks to sponsors in England, Ireland and Scotland, who have combined to donate another a 4-figure sum, Phoenix will run more Hubs and games throughout autumn and winter, helping us grow our inclusive programme. With over a hundred events already listed and weekly community Hubs running year round.  This support will open the door to even more golfers.

Welcoming the New Phoenix Captain

Phoenix Disability Golf is delighted to announce Peter Osborne as the new Captain of the Phoenix Cup, with his wife and coach Kara Osborne proudly by his side.  Peter is already a familiar and much respected figure in our community.  He served as Vice Captain for Team Europe at the 32nd Phoenix Cup in Ohio, helping guide the squad to a memorable and hard‑fought victory.  His leadership, calm presence, and deep understanding of team golf made a real impact, and we are thrilled to see him step confidently into the Captain’s role.

Peter brings a truly unique story to the Phoenix Cup. Diagnosed with macular dystrophy and later registered blind around sixteen years ago, he began playing in disabled golf competitions shortly afterwards.  His first pan-disability event was the Scottish Open at Scotscraig Golf Club in 2010, and he has never looked back.  In 2015, he became one of the first blind golfers to record a hole-in-one, achieving the feat at Balbirnie Golf Club in Fife.

His playing record speaks for itself. Peter has won 26 golf events, including two US Opens, a South African Open, and a third‑place finish at the World Championships.  He has also represented both England and Scotland at numerous team internationals.  Alongside him is his wife and coach, Cara, whose support, guidance, and skill have been central to Peter’s success on and off the course.  Together, they make a formidable and inspiring team.  “We are proud to welcome Peter and Kara into their new roles.  Their experience, passion, and commitment to inclusive golf embody everything the Phoenix Cup stands for.  The journey ahead is exciting, and with Peter at the helm, the team is in very safe hands."

St Andrews Rotarians Announce Charity International Golf Tournament 2027

The Rotary Club of St Andrews has announced the dates for its Charity International Golf Tournament 2027, a major event that will welcome Rotarians from around the world to the Home of Golf.  The tournament will take place from Sunday 6 June to Wednesday 9 June.  This long running international gathering is already well known for its warm fellowship and friendly competition, but the 2027 event carries special meaning. The Rotary Club of St Andrews will celebrate its one hundred year anniversary in 2027 and 2028, marking a century of service to the local community and to international causes.  Phoenix Disability Golf is proud to recognise the outstanding support that St Andrews Rotarians have provided to disabled golfers over many years.  Their volunteers, fundraising efforts and practical help have made a real difference to players who face physical, sensory or learning challenges.  The Rotary Club has consistently opened doors for Phoenix golfers, offered encouragement, and helped create opportunities for them to play at St Andrews.  This commitment has strengthened the bond between the two organisations and continues to show how community action can change lives.  Tournament Format: A new format will be introduced for 2027.  All participants will enjoy three days of golf across three well known St Andrews courses: The Old Course, The Eden Course & The Craigtoun Course.  Every player will compete on each of the three courses during the tournament.  Entry will be limited to 216 players and is open only to current Rotarians.  This provides a rare chance to secure a round on the Old Course shortly before the 155th Open Championship returns to St Andrews.  All proceeds from the event will support The Rotary Club of St Andrews Charitable Trust.  Costs & Arrangements: expected cost for the full event, including registration, green fees, the Welcome Reception and the Tournament Dinner at the Old Course Hotel, will be around £1,150.  A non playing guest can attend the social events and use the New Golf Club facilities for a fee of around £150.  Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.  Helpful information can be found at the Stay in St Andrews website or through the Rotary Club accommodation page.  Enquiries can be sent to the tournament convenor at rotarygolfstandrews@gmail.com

 More on the Rotary International here

Phoenix Cup Stars Tee Off in Inaugural 4-Nations Match Play

Get ready, golf fans, because some of this year's Phoenix Cup participants (including Pete, Amanda & Andy), along with a good number of Phoenix members (including Kris, Tony, & Pat), are heading to Cheshire next week for a brand new event.  It's the very first 4-Nations match play competition, and it's being held at the fantastic Portal Golf & Spa Resort.  This promises to be a couple of days packed with some really exciting international match play action.  Monday is going to kick things off with foursomes and fourballs. So, you'll see pairs battling it out, testing their teamwork and nerve.  Then, on Tuesday, it's all about the singles matches. There will be twelve of those, and they'll be crucial in deciding who ultimately lifts the championship trophy.  The competition pits two of the home nations against each other: England and Wales will be taking on the formidable pairing of Ireland and Scotland. You can just imagine the friendly rivalry and the fierce determination on both sides. It's a great opportunity for these golfers to represent their respective nations and showcase their skills on a competitive stage. The sheer anticipation of who will come out on top is palpable.  It’s a fantastic way to build on the Phoenix Cup spirit and offer a different kind of challenge. The variety in the format, from team play to individual duels, really tests every aspect of a golfer's game. And with the championship on the line, you can bet everyone will be bringing their A-game.

Phoenix Cup: What's Next on the Horizon?

“Well, hello everyone! It's been quite a buzz lately with the 32nd Phoenix Cup.  We've been absolutely flooding our social media channels and this website with tons of content.  Seriously, almost 50 video clips, podcasts, and even short films have gone live.  And guess what? There are still more goodies coming your way from Wadsworth, Ohio!  It’s been fantastic seeing all the action and talent on display.  But hey, we're not stopping there, oh no!  Phoenix management is already deep in discussions for the *next* three Phoenix Cups.  Can you believe it? We're already planning ahead!  There's even some exciting talk, and I mean really exciting, about a potential Phoenix Open Championship.  And the best part? It might be happening on the European mainland!  How cool is that? A big international event!  So, keep your eyes peeled for more details on all of this.”