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ParaGolfer: empowering Mandurah golfer living with disability

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

KEEN Mandurah golfer Gary Gilchrist was determined to get back to his beloved sport following a stroke.

Now, although he is confined to a wheelchair, he is back there swinging, thanks to the unique ParaGolfer.

Empower Golf recently held a clinic at Meadow Springs Country Club in which golfers could try out the ParaGolfer, a specialised all-terrain mobility machine that manoeuvres a person into a standing position and helps those with disabilities to play golf.

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Tom Hughson is part of Empower Golf and the sport played a major part in his recovery from mental illness and changed his life.

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During his recovery from depression and bipolar disorder, golf helped Hughson increase his physical activity, access the outdoors, socialise, set goals, challenge himself and create new skills.

Always a sporting, outgoing person, he said losing his freedom was adding to the mental struggle.

“I benefited from golf throughout my recovery which is why I approached Empower Golf for the opportunity to join forces and help people of all abilities and disabilities,” he said.

“I knew it was a perfect fit.”

Hughson hopes to help grow the mental illness side of Empower Golf to give more people the chance to experience what has made such a huge difference to his life.

For further information about clinics from Tom Hughson go to: tom@empowergolf.com.au or 0439 486 889.