Adam’s journey in golf: “I was loving it from
the first ball I hit”
Adam Dalton, a 19-year-old golfer from Jersey, is fast-becoming one of the most inspirational figures in the world of disability sport. Born with congenital limb deficiency (CLD), Adam lives with the challenges of underdeveloped arms, no hands, and growth-related issues in his legs that cause ongoing back pain. But rather than hold him back, these challenges have fuelled his determination to succeed, on and off the course. He lives by a simple but powerful motto: “No hands, no limits.”
Adam first picked up a golf club nearly a decade ago, during what began as a casual trip to the driving range. “We weren’t sure how I was going to do it,” he recalls, “but straightaway I tucked the club under my arm, and I was loving it from the first ball I hit.” That moment of joy sparked a passion that would go on to shape his future.
Since then, Adam has taken his love for golf to the competitive stage, participating in tournaments across the UK and Europe on the EDGA calendar. He currently plays off a 17 handicap and, in his first year of Nett competition, broke into the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), reaching 45th. A standout performance at the English Open saw him finish in an emotional runner-up position. “It was unbelievable,” he says. “I was proud of myself for once.”
Adam’s home club, The Royal Jersey, has played an important role in his golfing journey. As a junior, the club helped fund competitions and equipment, laying a solid foundation for his progress. More recently, they waived his adult joining fee, a gesture Adam deeply appreciates. “They’ve been great at supporting junior players. I’m really grateful.”
His passion for sport started early. Before golf took centre stage, Adam was a keen footballer, surfer, and horse rider. He even played for his school football teams, both primary and secondary, before his leg pain became more limiting. Today, alongside golf, he focuses on gym work to stay strong and healthy, still enjoying the occasional game of basketball or ping-pong with family.
While Adam will say he has always been more of a “do-er” than an academic, he takes pride in achieving his Maths and English GCSEs despite facing cognitive learning difficulties. Processing information in high-pressure or unfamiliar environments is a challenge, especially when reliant on others for typing or writing. However, these experiences have only strengthened his resilience, he is determined to do well.
Adam’s success has not gone unnoticed. In November 2023, he was named Sports Personality of the Year by the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled (JSAD), cementing his role as an ambassador for inclusive sport. His mother, Juliette, reflects on how the sport has transformed their lives: “Playing in the disabled events overseas, we’ve become part of a golfing family that all face similar difficulties. It’s opened up our world.”
That sense of community has become a cornerstone of Adam’s journey. He uses his growing platform on social media, on Instagram and TikTok, to share insights, inspire others, and encourage people with disabilities to take up golf. “It’s not about being the best anymore,” he says. “It’s about doing your best. We all have limits. I’m no different from anyone else.”
Already, several individuals with similar disabilities have reached out to Adam for advice on getting started and sourcing adapted clubs. It’s a reminder that visibility matters, and Adam is making sure others see what’s possible.
Looking ahead, his goals are clear: to break into the top 10 of the WR4GD Nett rankings, to represent England or Europe (he has dual nationality), and to be ready if and when golf is included in the Paralympic Games, something EDGA continues to campaign for.
Golf, Adam says, has given him far more than just a competitive outlet. It’s built his confidence, given him independence, strengthened his social skills, and introduced him to lifelong friends. Now, he wants to keep showing the world what’s possible with courage, consistency, and a little creativity. “Golf has helped me find my place. I want others to know, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
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