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Falkirk & Milnathort Entry is now OPEN 

The first Order of Merit competition of the year took place at Balbirnie, where 20 players enjoyed the prestigious parkland course near Glenrothes. It was a strong start to the season, with a couple of our new members taking top honours and setting the tone for the year ahead. The atmosphere was positive, and the course provided an excellent test for everyone involved.  The only downside to the day was a spell of slow play, caused by a few members who briefly embraced their inner David Attenborough and stopped to film the local wildlife around the course. Despite this, the event ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of the clubhouse staff and the greenkeepers, who presented a well maintained track. Scott and Henry also went above and beyond in their roles as PGA Pros, offering a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality to all participants.

Recently, 23 Phoenix members travelled to Greenburn to take on the challenges of the course for rounds two and three of the Scottish Order of Merit Championship Tables, competing for the Les McConachie Cup.  Supported by essential coaching staff and outriders, the group were guided by Adam Storrie and Hugh Clifford, who coordinated the draw, organised golf carts, and oversaw the day’s play.  Their long-standing connection with Greenburn added to the occasion, marking nearly three decades of regular visits to the club. Congratulations go to Alan “The Bandido” Robb, who secured victory in the 36‑hole event, with Mister Busby and Mister McAulay close behind.  Thanks are extended to the club, greenkeepers, and caterers for their warm welcome and excellent support.  Phoenix members also made a donation of £200 to the Greenburn Junior Section, to help out with transport and activity costs.  All updates for the Scottish Order of Merit are now published on our Diary page.

A final reminder is offered to new members regarding health and safety. Many Phoenix members live with disabilities or serious health conditions, and while they are often willing to help others, doing so can put their own wellbeing at risk. It is essential that no situation, on or off the course, places unnecessary strain on them.  Anyone who has difficulty managing independently, or who has any doubt about their ability to take part safely, must bring a carer or coach. This ensures their own safety and prevents avoidable pressure on fellow members?

World's top disabled golfer hit hard "I relied on this money to make a living"

Supportive

We want to recognise the generosity of our members and volunteers, who spend the year quietly supporting other golf clubs and charities across Scotland.  Thanks to their efforts, many fundraisers and donations have helped groups such as Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Poppy Scotland, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDBA), Erskine Veterans, several Care Homes, and dozens of Scottish Golf Club Junior Sections.  Whether through contributions at golf games, Hubs, major competitions, or the giving of prizes and gifts, every act of kindness has made a real difference.  Our sincere thanks go to everyone who played a part. 

ew designs, Phoenix attire from Ladybank. . . see the new stylish gear here

A bucket load of golf in 26! 

From January into May, our Hubs have taken us all over Scotland , Kinross, Ayrshire, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Glasgow, Forth Valley, Fife and, of course, St Andrews for the launch of the new Links Trust & Phoenix Hub Series at the Golf Academy.  More than 50 new and returning players have joined us for coaching, practice and a well‑earned catch‑up afterwards. With support from several PGA professionals, everyone has enjoyed improving their skills and sharing the social side of the game that makes Phoenix so special.  We are deeply grateful to our Phoenix sponsors for supporting the coaching, the practice facilities and the refreshments that bring everyone together.  A huge thank‑you also goes to our 20+ volunteers, who gave their time to guide and support new players, while 7 PGA Pro's kept a close eye on the shots flying down the range.  At the launch of the first St Andrews Disability Sessions, we were joined by David Dempsey, Depute Provost of Fife, along with his wife and two long‑standing Phoenix supporters.  The new sessions will continue, with dozens of others planned for the Summer and Autumn.  David shared his appreciation, saying: “The dedication shown by everyone helping at the Phoenix Hubs, especially in the frost, rain and winter chill of January and February, deserves real appreciation and applause.”  Many new golfers and several returning players took part with real enthusiasm.  We remain incredibly thankful to our sponsors for helping these Hubs grow and thrive.  Players often tell us how much these sessions mean to them. One group enjoyed a lively day in Dumbarnie before heading to St Andrews for yet more expert guidance on putting, distance control and swing speed.  Another golfer described their first round with Phoenix at Turnberry in Ayrshire, as nerve‑racking at first but uplifting in the end, helped by a patient partner and a friendly clubhouse atmosphere, where they were delighted to discover they’d finished in another prize‑winning team, all capturing the heart of what Phoenix is about.

Our latest video compilation + charity partners, check it out by clicking here  

Controvercial??

“Disabled golf lives in a strange space between passion and invisibility.  There are more than a hundred disabled or adaptive golf groups around the world, each saying they need funding to run events, yet many only arrange one or two competitions a year.  With only so many disabled golfers to go around, the same players often end up linked to several groups at once.  Only a few organisations genuinely welcome every disability, every age, every gender, and every standard of golfer, offering a place where anyone can play without being judged or filtered out.

The players themselves love the game.  They enjoy the pride of competing with their peers in events that feel like majors or international team matches.  But these moments rarely reach the wider golfing world.  There are no big crowds lining the fairways, and media coverage is often little more than a polite nod.  Spectators may watch for a few holes, impressed by how players adapt their swings or equipment, but once the round is over the attention fades.  People rarely ask how they did it, where they’re playing next, or how they can support the sport.

This leaves a difficult question hanging over the whole scene: is the prestige of disabled golf real, or something created by organisers and players because the outside world isn’t paying attention?  Many disabled golfers feel their pride is genuine, built on skill, resilience, and community.  But they also know that recognition from the non‑disabled world is limited.  Disabled golf keeps growing because the players refuse to let it fade, yet it’s still unclear whether the wider golfing community sees it as a serious part of the sport or just a brief novelty that’s easy to applaud and then forget.”

Watch out for the weather.  Click here to see a sample of what we may get 

The Old Course Goes Backwards, The Bucket-List  

At St Andrews Phoenix players and supporters were 'spoilt rotten', being provided with Caddies, catering, buggies, Goody-Bags and fantastic golf! For a select few days, golf enthusiasts were given a truly unique chance to play the iconic Old Course, not as we know it today, but in reverse!  This wasn't just a quirky novelty; it was a direct link to the very beginnings of golf on this hallowed ground, way back in the 1400s.  Imagine, the course originally emerged from the landscape, with holes played out and back to the same greens and fairways.  It was a more organic, less structured affair, played in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

This year, the St Andrews Links Trust had even more players, over 600, to take on this reversed routing.  And we're particularly thrilled that it included a strong contingent of Phoenix players, their coaches, supporters, and sponsors taking the chance to tick one off the bucket-list!  It's fantastic to see the Phoenix Disability Golf community embracing such a historic and unique experience.

Neil Coulson, the chief executive of the Trust, rightly calls it "one to remember," highlighting how it allows players to tick off a major golfing ambition.  For the Phoenix golfers and their supporters, enjoyed a breezy but dry day, playing some absolutely fantastic golf on what was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  It was a celebration of golf, history, and inclusivity, all rolled into one.

Phoenix Cup Returns for Its 32nd time

A Global Celebration of Inclusive Golf

The Phoenix Cup, the world’s leading international golf event for players with disabilities, is gearing up for its 32nd staging , and this one promises to be the most exciting yet.  Modelled on the famous Ryder and Solheim Cups, the Phoenix Cup brings together golfers from around the world for three days of competitive match play, including foursomes, fourballs, and singles. Since the very first tournament at Chippewa Creek Golf Club in Canada, the event has travelled to some of golf’s most iconic destinations, from Carnoustie to Gleneagles to the historic fairways of St Andrews. More than 900 golfers from 20 countries have taken part over the past three decades, building a legacy of sportsmanship, resilience, and international friendship.  This summer, the action moves to the stunning Pine Valley Golf Course in Wadsworth, Ohio, where Team USA will once again face a strong European based side in a showcase of world class disability golf.  The atmosphere is expected to be electric as players compete for national pride and the honour of lifting the Phoenix Cup trophy.  This year’s event is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors  like,  Titleist, The Lions Club, Huntington Bank, and The Galaxy , whose commitment to inclusive sport continues to elevate the tournament and the athletes who take part.  Their backing ensures the Phoenix Cup remains a global beacon for opportunity, accessibility, and excellence in golf.  

However, there’s been some chatter about the costs of being part of the Phoenix Cup Team, mostly from people who aren’t directly involved and may not have the full picture.  The reality is simple: our organisers have always worked hard to keep participation accessible, and the evidence speaks for itself.  At the Phoenix Cup in St Andrews, players enjoyed four rounds of golf on world‑class courses, academy tuition, meals, transport, and sponsor gifts , all completely free. For the 32nd Phoenix Cup, thanks to the generosity of ABG Ohio, every player receives a full team hotel stay, five rounds of golf, meals, team gear, and transport for just $300.  That level of value is almost unheard of in international golf events.  On rare occasions, when other groups host, costs may be higher ,  but that is the exception, not the Phoenix standard.  Our track record is consistent: we deliver world‑class, affordable, and unforgettable experiences for disabled golfers from around the world.  As for event rotation, there is no fixed “Europe one year, USA the next” rule. We go where clubs, sponsors, and organisers welcome us. Some years Europe hosts several events in a row; other years it’s North America.  Practicality and funding determine location, not tradition or entitlement.  Anyone suggesting otherwise simply doesn’t have the facts.

Auld Enemies, timings & Sponsor!

The Team Captain has announced his squad for the 8th Auld Enemies Cup match, which will be held in May, at the Cardrona Resort in Peebles.  Taking part in this traditional match play tussle, between Scotland & England, over three days of competition, is a team of players qualifying via the Scottish Order of Merit Championship Tables and some Wild-Card selections. 

“We are delighted to share that James Donaldson Timber is once again supporting our disabled golfers.  Their backing means a great deal to our players and adds real energy to the season ahead.  This time they are helping the Auld Enemies Cup, Scotland v England, with catering, refreshments, range balls and practice time.  It promises to be a fantastic few days of golf, teamwork and national pride.”

The team will be led by Captain Graham Moore & Vice Captain Jim Hamill, who will welcome Team Scotland to Cardrona on Sunday 24 May at 10:30.  On arrival, rolls/coffee, goody-bags and all team info for carts, hotel, meals and practice will be dished-out.  Team shirts have been secured, and colours will be Gray, dark blue and Light Blue, with black trousers or shorts for each round.  The Team consists of: Ian Wallace, Steve Becala, Christopher McNiven, Steve Ellis, Gerry Clifford, Alan Robb, John Pennycott, Jim Gales, Adam Storrie and Gordon Hyslop.  They are all ready to take on the DGA crew who are:  Dean  Banks (captain), Brian White (Vice Captain), Jane white, Phil White, John Riordan, Neil Baird, Ged Hart, Steve Rimmer, James Eaton, Ian Slowther, Andy Steward, Bryan Banham, Johnathan Alexander & Alan Baker and will tee off for the Foursome round on Sunday 24 May at 11:56, the Fourball format on Monday 25 May at 10:04, and finish off with the Singles competition on  Tuesday 26 May at 10:04.  The Presentation of the Auld Enemies Trophy will take place just after the conclusion of the final singles game.  Updates on the teams progress and scores will be on our social media outlets.

An unusual swing. . . click here to watch!