Disabled Amputee Golfer wins The Social Golfer Par 3 tournament!
The Social Golfers gathered from all over the south of England to meet and compete at Pedham Place Academy in Kent, on 23rd August 2024.
All hoping to become this year’s Social Golfer Par 3 Champion.
This open golf tournament – now in its 9th year – was won by Essex-based disabled amputee golfer Paul Houghton, who clinched the title after placing his tee shot within 18 inches of the hole in a play-off.
The event is played over 27 holes, with the top six players advancing to an 18th-hole shootout, and later, the Grand Final.
Disabled amputee golfer Houghton, secured his spot in the play-off along with former Par 3 champion Steve Slater (Herts).
Each finalist had two balls to secure their place in the Grand Final, with the two players nearest to the pin on the 18th Green qualifying.
The losing finalists included two women, Linda Fagg (Kent) and Judy Lilley (London) once again showing that it’s not all about power and bluster for the men. With other finalists included Steve Hunt (London) and Mark Crane (Kent),
Commiserations to the losing Grand Finalist Steve Slater, who once again battled his way to the end. However, it was Mr. Paul Houghton, on his ‘umpteenth’ attempt at securing a ‘TSG Major,’ who won the day.
Houghton, a veteran disabled amputee golfer who has represented his country in international events and played on the EDGA Tour (European Disabled Golf Association), experienced a bittersweet victory.
Sadly, he received the devastating news that morning that one of his close pals had just passed away.
Other winners on the day included the Golf News – Guest Trophy winner Mike Aherne (Kent) and Si Elie, who finished as Runner-up, also from Kent. Furthermore, Anthony Banister won the Gogogo Sport – Chipping competition.
There was a wide field of playing ability on show too, with golf handicaps ranging from 7 to 36.
The course (one of the best Par 3s in the South of England) provided the stage for a hugely enjoyable contest.
Commenting on his win, Houghton said:
“This win is special. Not only is it my first win at The Social Golfer events, but it will always remind me of my friend Mick, who has always been a great support to me and my disability.
What I love about playing in these tournaments is that no one treats me any differently from an able-bodied golfer, which shows how far we have come in combating prejudice in our sport.
However, we’ve still got a long way to go to achieve complete parity, but sports like golf offer us that opportunity.”
Speaking after the event, Ian Mullins, Editor of The Social Golfer, said:
“I am so chuffed for Paul. Not only has he been a great supporter of our events, but it’s great to see him demonstrate his talent to a wider audience.
In addition, the broad smile on his face as the winning putt rolled in shows how much pleasure this game can bring to anyone from all walks of life!
A big thank you to our sponsors Gogogo Sport Rangefinders and Golf News Magazine, who continue to promote disability golf at all levels!”
Ian is the Editor of The Social Golfer. He has been reviewing golf courses for more than ten years. He was the Marketing Director of the London Golf Show from 2011-2016. He has had golf articles published in Golf News Magazine, Today’s Golfer and Golf Business News. Ian is also the Brand Director for The Cairns Cup (Golf’s Premier Disability Match Play Event).
