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‘People are surprised when I play golf sitting down’

Matte Jr
‘People are surprised when I play golf sitting down’

Terry Kirby sits in a buggy in the sunshine on a green at Ganstead Park Golf Club, near Hull. He is wearing a light gray jacket, matching "Holder" cap and dark-rimmed glasses.

Terry Kirby is a six-time national wheelchair champion (BBC)

A paraplegic golfer will represent Europe in a tournament inspired by the Ryder Cup.

Terry Kirby, from East Yorkshire, can’t feel his chest down and plays in a wheelchair.

The 68-year-old will compete against the USA in the 30th Phoenix Cup for golfers with disabilities in St Andrews, Scotland, next week.

“When I show up, people expect me to get out of the cart and play my shots,” he said. “They’re quite surprised when I put the ball down and hit it while sitting down.”

Kirby has been paraplegic for 30 years after doctors removed a 6cm tumor from his spinal cord.

This followed a motorcycle accident in which he broke both legs while in the Army.

“I had been playing golf for 18 months and I was devastated thinking I wouldn’t be able to play again,” he said.

“But four weeks later I was playing my first competition and the next year I came back and won.”

Terry Kirby prepares to hit a golf ball on the fairway while holding the club in one hand and sitting in a cart. He is wearing a light gray jacket, matching cap, and dark gray pants. The blue cart carries a blue golf bag.Terry Kirby prepares to hit a golf ball on the fairway while holding the club in one hand and sitting in a cart. He is wearing a light gray jacket, matching cap, and dark gray pants. The blue cart carries a blue golf bag.

Kirby, who plays with one arm, says everyone should be able to compete on a level playing field (BBC)

Kirby, a member of Ganstead Park and Springhead Park golf clubs, both in the Hull area, is a six-time national wheelchair champion.

He uses one arm to play his shots and is considered the first seated golfer to captain a club.

“I’m moved by this. Disability sport has given me so much. I have so many special memories,” he said.

David Thomson stands under blue skies on a green course at Ganstead Park golf club. He has short white hair and wears light purple wool. David Thomson stands under blue skies on a green course at Ganstead Park golf club. He has short white hair and wears light purple wool.

David Thomson says Kirby is an ‘inspirational’ member of the Ganstead club (BBC)

The Phoenix Cup is described as a showcase of how people of “all abilities and abilities” can play together because of the golf handicap system.

Kirby, who chairs the Handigolf Foundation for disabled players, said: “We all watch the Olympics and other disability sports, and golf is no different. We should all be able to compete on a level playing field.

“It’s just exciting, I’m going to play on the Old Course at St Andrews where so many great golfers have been.

“It will be great to meet old friends, make new friends and, who knows, beat the Americans.”

Terry Kirby with a golf club raised in the middle of a green field. He is sitting in a blue cart and wearing a light gray jacket, matching cap, and dark gray pants. A large tree is behind him and to his right are three fellow golfers, all dressed in blue.Terry Kirby with a golf club raised in the middle of a green field. He is sitting in a blue cart and wearing a light gray jacket, matching cap, and dark gray pants. A large tree is behind him and to his right are three fellow golfers, all dressed in blue.

Kirby supports other people with disabilities to take up sport (BBC)

Clubmate David Thomson described Kirby as an “inspiration”.

“We were not surprised he was chosen for this competition, he is first class,” he said.

Another friend, Andy Garside, said Kirby was a “good role model” for people with disabilities who might be looking for another interest.

“Terry goes across the country supporting others to encourage them to take up the sport and it is absolutely incredible what he has achieved,” he added.

The Phoenix Cup, between Team Europe and Team America, will be held from Monday to Wednesday.

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