Two Lothians’ golfers have been selected to represent Europe against the United States in the Phoenix Cup, a competition for players with various disabilities to be held over St Andrews’ Old, New and Jubilee courses from October 28-30.
They are amputees Gordon Maclay and Adam Storrie.
Royal Musselburgh life member Gordon is 61-years-old and has been playing golf since aged eight.
However, in July 2007, he had a motorcycle accident in which he severely damaged both ankles.
Gordon says: “After a right ankle fusion in 2010 I was able to get back to some kind of normality (and) I then became a Tour caddy initially working on the Seniors Staysure Tour with Steen Tinning from Denmark and later on the Legends Tour with Rog Chapman from England. He was USPGA/US Open champion which allowed me to travel to the US for major tournaments.
“Unfortunately after a few years I started having recurring problems with my right ankle, struggling with severe pain and the onset of arthritis.
“I along with the medical support team made the decision to have my right leg amputated below the knee.
“This was done in September 2022. The year 2023 was an eye opening year as an amputee for me. After just a four month rehabilitation programme I was back out playing golf again.
“I am honoured to have been asked to play for Team Europe.”
Adam Storrie, 69, , from the Greenburn Club, is Team Europe’s co-captain. He is a below knee amputee and says: “I lost my left foot due to an accident and work and found the Scottish Disability Golf and Curling Club by chance. It has enhanced my life and golf.”
Joining Adam in captaincy duties is Jim Gales, MBE from Fife, who founded the Scottish Disability Golf Club in 2004 and helped generate the Phoenix Cup while blind.
Jim said: “I have had the honour of leading 13 international squads, have played in over 100 Open Championships in fourteen nations, winning 17 individual titles, including the British Open on three occasions and representing both Scotland and Canada at curling internationals.”
- For more about the Phoenix Cup and its inspirational participants go to this website
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
