THE friendly banter had already started before the first group left the clubhouse on Sunday, 20 September.
Eighteen players, including 10 amputees and eight friends, carers and supporters, came together for the launch of Amputee Golf Hunter Valley (AGHV).
The new group aims to give amputees across the Hunter more opportunities to play golf, meet others and enjoy regular games closer to home.
Organiser Nigel Smith said Amputee Golf NSW had been running successfully for many years, using golf as both recreation and rehabilitation.
“We want to be able to offer the same opportunities here in the Hunter, holding regular games at courses across the region,” Mr Smith said.
“The more the better, but if we can get this sort of number together regularly, that would be great.”
Tanilba Bay is the home course of several Amputee Golf NSW members, with the club offering to host the launch after supporting the players over the years.
Among those taking part were 2026 NSW Amputee Open winner Chris Wood, Queensland Amputee Open runner-up, Grant Prest, and Amputee Golf NSW secretary Mark Ellis.
Mr Ellis has played golf for 50 years and returned to the course after losing his leg in a workplace accident 10 years ago.
“The camaraderie is there,” he said.
“It is not only about being an amputee. It is about having your friends and family there as well.”
The players took part in a three-person Ambrose competition, with match play, nearest-to-the-pin prizes and plenty of good-natured rivalry between the teams.
Local businesses supported the day through hole sponsorships and providing food for the players.
Mr Smith said the group was not only looking for amputees who already played golf.
“A big part of this is finding the amputee who has probably thought golf was impossible, or has never even thought about playing,” he said.
For the organisers, the day was about much more than the final score.
“It is an opportunity to get out, build friendships with people who understand and challenge yourself,” Mr Smith said.
“It is about building confidence and thriving on and off the course.”
For more information, find the group on Facebook under Hunter Valley Amputee Golf, or email huntervalleyamputeegolf@gmail.com.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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