Hi Gary here,

Just a reminder to you good people - please go to Albums (click top or bottom), then click on the link at the bottom ('click here for music with slide show'). You'll be reminded how courageous and determined you Amputees are. Great song too, don't forget to turn your speakers up. :o)

Please also read Aidan's golf story. Aidan started First Swing Golf Clinics at the age of 12 and is now 15.

Enjoy,

Gary

 

---

30^th May 2009

G'day Gary,

I finally got around to picking up the photos and more importantly the results. Would appreciate this going in next news letter.

Following the humorously descriptive portrayal of our team participation in the MDA Golf Challenge I would like to thank Wayne, Adrian and Matt for giving up their time to support the Muscular Dystrophy Ass. I would also like to thank the South Australian Amputee Golf Association for their morale support, Gary and Gareth I believe are quite chuffed to see the First Swing Clinics evolving, not to forget the SAAGA financial support with the entry fees.

I recently received a Head Start Booking Form for next year along with a letter of appreciation from the MDA. The Golf Challenge raised over $6000 but I'll let the final leader board results speak for themselves. I would also like to correct a slight typo where it was 'Wayne the rags man Riches' who actually captained the team on the day and not Shifty Nifty, thanks Wayne.

Cheers
Neville Watt.

Click thumbnails to enlarge

---

24^th May 2009

Hi Gary again,

I would like to congratulate all members, new & old, for continuing to attend the First Swing Clinics; your improvements are on show for everyone to witness. Keep up the great work.

Yesterday (23^rd) we had one of our members return after a lay-off from surgery, Jesse Aungles; it was great to see you back Jess and into the swing of it again. Fellow mate & member Matt Cowdrey presented Jesse with a set of golf clubs while S.A.A.G.A. presented Jesse with a golf bag and last year's goody bag & trophy that unfortunately Jesse couldn't collect himself. But you're back onboard now Jesse, so enjoy.

On another positive note, we had 2 guests spectators. Ken Cross (New Amp) who is itching to get out there, as well as Graham Hamilton, just out from hospital (knee reconstruction). You are both to be commended for your support and encouragement to your fellow First Swingers (golf).

We also had my beautiful wife Eleanor there; we were out on the golf course and Bernie & Aidan Barry needed a caddie, so Eleanor stepped up to the task with perfection.

All in all the day was good, after playing 4 ball better ball the team ended up even for the day.

Great stuff.

Gary

---

24^th May 2009

Hi Everybody,

Gary here; just wanted to update you all on what is going on in Amputee Golf World (First Swing Golf Clinics):

As you know I'm taking First Swing to country areas of South Australia (big state). Well, Bordertown was first stop to catch up with Lawrie Tucker (A/K) and the press. From there it was on to Keith, Mt. Gambier then Naracoorte; I caught up with local PGA Pro Michael Justin of Naracoorte Golf Club for more press and discussions on our plan of action. We will hopefully be starting First Swing shortly with a City v. Country at the end of June.

All in all it was a great success; I also had time to negotiate our accommodation and gain yet another proud sponsor. This is the Comfort INN, William McIntosh, Naracoorte.The Managing Director Mario D'Aloia was only too happy to get on board to support First Swing & The South Australian Amputee Golf Association - welcome on board Mario. I can tell you the service, food and Accommodation are top notch.

My discussions are now with, Whyalla, Pt. Augusta, Pt. Lincoln and Pt. Pirie; the golf course is yet to be decided. This of course depends on numbers, and I shall keep you posted.

Gary Hart
President
S.A.A.G.A.

---

9th May 2009 (Major Sponsor)

I have been negotiating with one of our major sponsors, Silver Fleece (Cathy Barton, Managing Director). who kindly supports S.A.A.G.A. and its members. They will be supplying our members with First Swing polo shirts, vests and caps. Each garment will have our logo and First Swing Golf Clinics on them. There will be a minimal charge of $35 for members for all 3 items. Please let me know if you would like to take up this offer.

Gary Hart,
President,
S.A.A.G.A.

---

9th May 2009 (Calendar section)

Could you please take a look in the Calendar area, where you will see more First Swing Golf Clinics have been added. There has also been a Golf Day added to each month. As a service to our members, S.A.A.G.A. will subsidise the entry fees on golf and cart costs. As a courtesy to S.A.A.G.A. please register as early as possible so these times and places can be booked with Simon Hollitt at the Pro Shop.

Thank you,
Gary Hart

---

9th May 2009

Hi, Gary here,

Just a word on today's First Swing Golf Clinic. On behalf of the S.A.A.G.A., we had Mr. Gareth Jones (PGA Golf Pro.) present Mr. Adrian Joyce a rescue club and Master Aidan Barry a 7 and a 9 iron for their dedication and support of the First Swing Golf Clinics. Neither of these 2 members have missed a First Swing Golf Clinic since its inception late in 2007. Gareth also presented the captain of the team (Nev Watt) representing S.A.A.G.A. in the Muscular Dystrophy Golf Day with a cheque from the Association to help cover their entry fees. The team consisted of Nev Watt, Wayne Riches, Adrian Joyce and Matt Cowdrey.

Well done, keep up the good work. Thank you for your support.

Gary Hart,
President,
S.A.A.G.A.

---

Great Job lads, well done.

It's really good to see that our first Swing Golf member's are getting out and mixing it with abled bodied golfers, and it is the first time these lads have played the Glenelg course " not the easiest " you did yourselves and the rest of S.A.A.G.A members proud.

S.A.A.G.A is all about supporting it's members and other disabled golf days, I would like to make mention of one of our members Graham Hamilton, an A/K who was booked to play, but unfortunately had to pull out to have a total knee reconstruction on his good leg.

Graham, we all wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to you getting back out on the fairways.

Congratulations to you all and keep up the good work

Gary Hart
President
S.A.A.G.A

---

First Swing members stepping out

On Friday May 1 2009 a dedicated group of four 1st Swing Golf members ventured to the Bay ( Glenelg Golf Club ) to represent the SAAGA in the Muscular Dystrophy Golf Day.

The members involved were Nifty Captain Watt , Adrian putting demon Joyce, Matt H2O Cowdrey, and Wayne the Rag Man Riches.

We arrived at the course nice and early for most of us but Matt had already completed his morning swim to be met by Coffee and sausages. What a great start to a golf day.

We ventured off to play an Ambrose event. Many fantastic shots were seen Nev's lovely fade on the 12th hole ( our 1st ) a dog leg left perfect for nev not a bad start.

The putting demon came into play many times from off the green to either go in or finish close to the cup. H2O shone whenever there was some water on the hole H20 found it, not only does he love swimming in the stuff he also loves hitting his golf ball into the water. The rag man played a coupe of nice shots with two highlights being the pitch shot on our 16th hole landing on the green and running into the hole for birdie and the tee shot on our 18th to stay on the green ( par 3 ). We don't want to talk about our bunker play on on hole with us all having two shots y=to exit.

We don't win the event and we didn't come last but we all had a great day, having little pies & pasties, beer & soft drinks delivered on course a great feed indeed.

Lunch and the presentation followed with H2O & the Rag Man leaving Nifty & the Demon to demolish as much beer as possible.

Keep on swinging.

Wayne Riches
Auction Coordinator
Government Auctions
Department of Treasury and Finance

---

---

Hi Gary here,

hope your all well, as you know I've been in Tasmania, Launceston for the last 4 days setting up First Swing Golf Clinics. This was at the Country Club Tasmania.

It was a successful venture, David Cramp ( PGA Pro ) and myself met some very enthusiastic " little devils ", only joking. There was plenty of Tasmanian Amputee's on show to " Give it a go " The next clinic will be in 3 weeks, you Tasmanians can book in at the Pro Shop at the Country Club Tasmania, David will be more than happy to oblige, again my goal is to get the First Swing Clinics running on a REGULAR BASIS, This will of course lead up the the 1st Tasmanian Amputee Golf Open 2010.

Please take a look in the Gallery section for photo's.

I will keep you posted.