DISABLED BRITISH OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire teenager wins national trophy

Although the championship took place between 23rd & 25th August 2009, the success of Alasdair Berry in winning the Disabled British Open Category 1 nett trophy has only just been brought to the attention of Ayrshiregolf.

Below is an article reproduced from the Irvine Herald :-

Teenage golf sensation Alasdair Berry shocked a field of more experienced opponents by winning the inaugural Disabled British Open Golf Championship last week.

Alasdair, who was born with no hands, stunned the experts by carding a 78 and a 75 on the notoriously difficult par 72 Old Thane Golf and Country Club Course – which was designed by Peter Alliss – to win his category in the Sky-televised tournament at Liphook in Hampshire.

Former Greenwood Academy pupil Alasdair, 17, uses wrist attachments designed by his car mechanic dad Eddie, also a member of Ravenspark Golf Club, to select and hold his clubs – and once he's lined up he plays his shots just like any able-bodied competitor.

"It was a fantastic experience,"

said Alasdair, of Steps Road, Irvine.

"We had two practise rounds on the Sunday and then the competition was held on the Monday and Tuesday and I was just over the moon when I realised I'd won it.

"And being presented with the trophy by Peter Alliss was a marvellous moment"

Eddie, who acts as Alasdair's 'daddy-caddie' said he was thrilled at his son's performance.

"It was a really difficult course and for him to be just nine over for the two rounds was fantastic," he added.

"The greens were lightning quick – even worse than Augusta – and one six-handicapper who hit his tee shot to within 20 feet of the pin actually took four putts to get down.

"It was a fabulous display from Alasdair and we're all so proud of him."

But Alasdair, who is about to start a college course in accounting, hasn't had time to savour his success just yet.

"It's all been really hectic and what I achieved last week just hasn't sunk in yet,"

said Alasdair.

"But it will eventually hit me."

Congratualtions go to Alasdair from Ayrshiregolf on his achievement in winning this national tournament.