Working with national charity Reach and supporting Golf Ireland as part of a developing project, EDGA’s Head of Instruction and Education Mark Taylor, and Community Instructor and rehabilitation physiotherapist Lee-Ann Clarke who is based in Northern Ireland, encouraged a group of boys and girls through first coaching and fun challenges in The R&A Swingzone, just a chip and a putt away from where golf’s biggest names were teeing it up at Royal Portrush.

We had Leah, Theo and Isaac showing us their best shots. This session was all about the fun and movement of swinging a club – the children previously having discovered golf at local sports festivals.

Leah turned the tables on Coach Mark by making him hit shots off one leg, with one arm and with his eyes closed. Then Leah was amazed to meet Sky Golf Sports presenter Nick Dougherty who joined in the games. Nick was present in his role as President of junior charity the Golf Foundation which was welcoming children and families all week to swing, chip and putt as The Open unfolded.

Leah’s Dad Ross Hompstead said: “This is only Leah’s second go – her first one with EDGA at Cairndhu Golf Club, Larne, was really good thanks to the welcoming atmosphere of the club and she has loved it here today with Lee-Ann and Mark’s coaching and then challenging Nick, a great day.”

Leah said: “I also like swimming and ballet but I’m glad I tried golf. Mark is a great coach. It was the best day ever!”

Both Leah and Theo are to be assisted by prosthetics expert Koalaa, who will be able to provide prototype designs that will enable both to swing confidently with two arms if they wish, as they learn the game.

Claire Nixon, Mum of Theo, said: “Theo loves his sport and plays basketball, rugby and football but having tried golf at Roganstown [Dublin] he is very excited about it. We have now got him joined as a junior member at our local course Shandon Park Golf Club in Belfast and he is really enjoying his golf.”

Theo said: “Mark helped me with the movement to hit the ball and finish a big swing, it was really good to hit the target so many times.”

Mum Zoe said that her son Isaac was really enjoying trying golf: as golf has a stationary ball to swing your own way, and using a golf simulator locally, he can gradually get into the game at his own pace, being new to golf.

As well as Golf Ireland, EDGA works alongside 50 national federations and supports golf leadership groups in G4D including The R&A, the DP World Tour, the International Golf Federation and European Golf Association.

EDGA’s core mission is to grow awareness of G4D, boost capacity in the industry to provide inclusive opportunities, and create a player pathway for individuals with a disability to sample, participate and compete in golf.

– If you are reading this and have a family member with a disability who might like to try golf for the first time, write to lee-ann@edgagolf.com