Michael Burris from Forrest Hills Golf Club in Gloucs was the big story of the championships coming 3rd in the Mens Individual Event edging out Paul Waring (current European Deaf Golf Champion). The event was won by Jack Besley from Australia with a gross 68 in the final round. Michael’s 3rd place was the first podium finish at WDGC by a England deaf golfer for over 15 years.
England Deaf Golf Mens Team were runners up in the team event behind hosts USA.
The ENgland team; Martin Anderson (Malton and Norton GC), Michael Burris – captain (Forrest Hills GC), Mark Forrest (Oak Royal GC), Richard Le Page (Brocton Hall GC), Jay Stally (Seaford GC) and Paul Waring (Felixstowe Ferry)
Paul Waring came second in the pre-tournament shoot losing to Bill Roberts of USA who had a miracle chip to win.
Making her debut, Donna Cross was the first England deaf lady golfer to take part in over 15 years and came in a creditable 11th place. Donna has been playing golf for only a few years and has considerable talent to improve even further. She is also a Deaflympian playing for GB Deaf Womens Football team.
Keith Wilkinson came 11th in the mens seniors event and this was the first time an England seniors team took part at WDGC level
More info is available here. www.wdgc2014.com
EDGA are now looking ahead to the 4 Nations 2015 being held in England and the European Deaf Golf Open Championships in Norway next year with the view of strengthening the team further in preparations for the 2016 World Deaf Golf Championships in Denmark
Ben Stephens EDGA Secretary commented “I hope on the back of this wonderful performance that we can work with England Golf Elite system and improve the England Deaf Golf team further to enable us to achieve our target of winning the WDGC 2020”. He added “Our realistic targets for WDGC USA 2014 was top 3 in both mens individual and team and this can be considered a success with the difficulties we had with training sessions/weekends”.
It was announced that Ireland will be hosting the World Deaf Golf Championships in 2018 followed by the Silver Anniversary World Deaf Golf Championships in England 2020.
To help EDGA prepare for hosting the World Deaf Golf Championships in England 2020 EDGA have the 4 Nations 2015 and the European Deaf Golf Championships in 2017 at Ganton GC subject to final agreements. EDGA will be working in partnership with Engaland Golf and UKDS to promote these events.
EDGA are seeking sponsorship to help with the hosting of these events.
Other good news – Simeon Hart (England Deaf Golf member) was elected as president of the World Deaf Golf Federation for 2014-18. This is also great promotion for England Deaf Golf.
