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

 

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19^th February 2010

 

Hi everyone,

I would like to thank one of our special sponsors, The Courtyard Marriott, Surfers Paradise Qld for their continued support with S.A.A.G.A. and its members. They have also got behind the Qld & Australian Amputee Golf Opens, and have kindly offered the same support for the Tournaments that our S.A.A.G.A. members get.

All I can say is that the competitors are in for a great stay; the staff and management are so friendly and supportive it just adds to the great time had by all.

San Jay, Va Run and all the staff, I would like to say a big thank you.

Kind regards,

Gary Hart
President
SAAGA

 

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19^th February 2010

Gaza,

Just a note to say Good Day Mates to all of you wonderful people Down Under.

I check out your web site often just to see how you are doing and because it is one of the best sites around.

It has been my pleasure to continue several new friendships and would like to thank Bernie and Aidan Berry for all their e-mails, Ivan Walker for the pictures and his continued friendship and to Trevor Marshall for the beautiful Anzac badge and pin which I will wear with pride, the extra pins which I plan to hand out at our Arizona tourney, the tooth picks and flag which is on the shelf with my other treasures from the tournament.

God Bless you all my friends and I plan to keep in touch.

Captain America
Craig

 

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14^th February 2010

Hello Everybody,

Gary Here, fresh back in Adelaide after my successful trip to WA for setting up the First Swing Golf Clinics. I would like to thank everybody concerned for their support in my venture of introducing the First Swing Clinics. A big thankyou goes to Mark Tibbles, Scott Armstrong, Henri Liebenberg, Gordon Watters, Mark Hills and Penny Tibbles.

We had a great turnout despite the short time I had to put this together. Thanks has to go out to radio stations 6PR (882 AM), 6RPH (992 AM) and SportFM Perth(91.3 FM). Also a big thankyou to Bob Harnett (Channel 9 Perth) for his efforts and support.

I have to say I found the people of WA very warm, welcoming, and very supportive. The staff at the Vines Resort were also very accomodating; the Vines will be a great place for the participants to stay at while the eventual tournament is being run. I look forward to my next visit. Below is a list of nominated committee members:

• Henri Liebenberg - President
• Gordon Watters - Vice President
• Penny Tibbles - Secretary & Treasurer
• Mark Tibbles- Technical adviser
• Gary Hart - Founder & Adviser
• Mark Hills - committee member

The persons above (excluding me) I have personally met and things couldn't be in better hands, which will only make the growth of W.A.A.D.G.A. excel and be very successful.

Again, I would like to thank everyone mentioned above. I would like also to thank the participants who were a part of the very first First Swing Golf Clinic in WA, and I welcome all you future members.

Please follow this link for photographs of the 1^st First Swing Golf Clinic in WA.

Look forward to seeing you all again.

Kinds regards,

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

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7^th February 2010

Formulation of the
Australian Amputee & Disabled Golf Federation Incorporated

Dear Fellow Amputees & State Association members,

We would like to take this opportunity to inform you that after much discussion and deliberation over the past 12 to 14 months with a number of state & international associations we have begun proceedings towards the formulation of the:

Australian Amputee & Disabled Golf Federation Incorporated. (AADG Federation)

The AADG Federation will be focused on the development of a national infrastructure for state associations to utilise to support their annual strategic and development plans in an effort to encourage amputee & disabled persons alike to participate in learning, or re-learning, the game of golf under a fully supported national development and coaching format. The Federation will also be a support base for state associations within other operational areas i.e. new association start-up, legal & financial advice, marketing & assistance with the completion of state funding requirements in line with the state government regulatory departments.

The initial setup of the AADG Federation will be funded through the current SAAGA sponsors as agreed, and we are currently working closely with our legal and financial advisors as to the final draft of the AADG Federation’s constitution. My Hart and Mr Crichton are more than happy to take on the roles initially of president and secretary. We will notify each state association as to the fully proposed AADG Federation committee format, which will consist of each state association nominating 2 state representatives to sit on the AADG Federation. If your state does not have an association then we will assist in the formation and setup of one in your state.

The First Swing Clinic format will be adopted as the national standard and has currently been introduced and operating in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia & Tasmania, including regional areas, and has become very successful in enabling individuals to enjoy the unique, friendly atmosphere found on the golf course. We have been requested by these states to assist them with the setup of their individual state associations, which we have agreed to and are in the process of doing.

We understand that there may be questions regarding the Federation and we will be more then happy to address these, however the Federation has been established for the benefit of state associations and each association’s amputee and disabled members.

Gary and Chris will be contacting your associations in each state to discuss this further.

Regards
Gary Hart – President, SAAGA Inc.
Chris Crichton - Secretary SAAGA Inc.

 

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7^th February 2010

Hello you good people of WA. Just to keep you updated - I have just finished a recorded interview for radio 91.3 FM (Sport FM) in conjunction with the First Swing Golf Clinics to be held at The Vines Golf & Country Club. This will go to air on Monday 8^th of February in the lunch break during the cricket. Hope you can all tune in.

A reminder of the dates and times for the First Swing Golf Clinics. Tuesday the 9^th and Wednesday the 10^th, commencing at 10 AM, arrival time 9:30 AM.

Kind regards,

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

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7^th February 2010

I would like to thank Gary for the lovely tribute he wrote for Bernie. His words meant a great deal to me. Thank you for your understanding and support at this sad time. It is an honour to have a trophy named after Bernie.

The funeral is to be held at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, West Pennant Hills on Wednesday next at 12:30pm followed by a light luncheon in the church hall.

Once again thank you for your love and support.


Raylene

 

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7^th February 2010

Tribute to Bernard Horton (NSW)

5/2/1940 - 7/2/2010

Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2008		Teeing off, SA Amputee Open 2009		Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2009

Hi everybody again,

It is with great, great sadness that I am bringing this news to you. Unfortunately Bernie passed away this morning. He lost his battle against cancer that he had fought tooth and nail for a long time.

On behalf of SAAGA and amputees across Australia, we would like to offer our sincere and warm condolences to Raylene and family. Bernie will be sadly missed by all. He was a great supporter of amputee golf from the first time he was involved in the 2007 NSW open.

Having spoken to Raylene this morning, she would like to thank everybody for their well wishes, and asked if people could contact me on 0417 894 557 for further details. She also asked me to pass on this message from Bernie:

I had so much joy and happiness from being involved with many amputees who I met through the tournaments that I competed in and would like to thank everybody concerned for their help and support throughout.

In addition to my conversation with Raylene, I asked permission if I could name one of the trophies after Bernie that is presented at the South Australian Amputee Golf Open. This is the encouragement award, which signifies strength, determination and the will to succeed. I think this sums up Bernie to a tee. Raylene was more than happy to accomodate the request. This will now be called the Bernard Horton trophy, out of respect for Bernie.

Bernie's Amputee Golfing Accomplishments

• Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2007 NSW Open
• Runner-up Pro/Am Celebrity 4-ball 2008 SA Open
• Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2008 SA Open
• Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2009 Qld Open
• Runner-up A/E Seniors section 2009 SA Open

Again Bernie, you will be sadly missed.

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

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7^th February 2010

Hello everybody,
 
As you all know by now Chris and I are heading over to Perth on Monday to set up First Swing Golf Clinics and a WA Amputee Golf Association.
 
Unfortunately Chris is unable to attend; it is with sadness I pass on this news:
 
Chris' father-in-law Ron Richards, aged 70, passed away on Friday the 6^th of February from a heart attack.
 
The members at SAAGA and I would like to pass on our condolences to Chris, Trish and their family at this sad and unfortunate time.
 
Warm regards,
 
Gary and the Members at SAAGA
 
Our thoughts are with you.

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3^rd February 2010

Hello everybody, Gary here,

This is a quick note to bring to your attention the First Swing Golf Clinics to be held at The Vines Resort and Country Club (WA) on the 9^th and 10^th February; they will commence at 10:00 am on both days.

For people in the area of Belmont and attending The Limb Clinic, Mr Mark Hill has kindly said he will put on transport, taking and bringing back to and from the Limb Clinic and the Vines; you are requested to be at the Limb Clinic no later than 8:30 am for a 8:45 departure. A big thank you to Mark for his generous contribution.

There will also be in attendance on Tuesday the 9^th Mr Bob Harnett (Chanel 9) to do some filming (so wear your lippy).

All in all, we are set up for a good time and introducing new Amputees to each other; please don't hesitate to get in touch with me for any further details.

Just a reminder I will be on air tonight (Wed) at 6.00pm Perth time with Ashley Morrison (990AM, 6RPH) and also on 6PR (882 AM) at 7.30 Perth time.

Mark Hill Can be contacted at the Limb Clinic on 9277 2988.

I'm also hopeful to get Health Minister Kim Hames and Perth Glory Coach David Mitchell down to support the cause on either of the days noted.

Thank you again for your time.

Kind regards,

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

 

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1^st February 2010

Hi, Gary here again,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the guys at the Shape Up gym are on board as sponsors; any of the SAAGA members have the opportunity to join this great establishment and take them up on their great offers. Please click on the logo in our Sponsors section for more details; if you need any more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

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

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29th January 2010

Hi, Gary here,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that First Swing Golf Clinics will start operating from February onwards in Western Australia, with the guidance of Mark Tibbles (Club Professional at The Vines Golf & Country Club) and the support of Scott Armstrong (Golf Manager of the Vines Resort & Country Club).

Chris Crichton and I will implement the First Swing values and introduce the same format that has been successful in South Australia. This means every amputee/disabled person has the same opportunity in Western Australia.

Again, this could not be uphelp without the support of Mark Tibbles and Scott Armstrong of The Vines Resort and Country Club.

I would also like to make mention of the prosthetics centres I have been in contact with in WA…

• The Limb Clinic
• Fremantle Orthotic Services
• Southwest Orthotic/Prosthetic Services
• Ian Robert Burns

I have been fortunate enough to have been in contact with a new amputee, Henri Liebenberg B/K. Henri has golf experience, used to play off of scratch, and has the determination to get through what life has dealt him. He is going to be a big part of First Swing Golf Clinics in WA, with the support of Paul Morgan (Golf Professional of the Bunbury Golf Club).

Another person that will support Amputee Golf in WA is Pat Longhorn A/K, ex-pom living in Woodlands, WA, 3 times British Open Women's Champion, Swedish Open Best Nett Champion, twice Australian Open Women's Champion and the Danish Women's Open Champion.

So, as you can all see, WA will be well represented and our wish will be that amputees of Western Australia will get behind and support the efforts that have been introduced by SAAGA.

Please go to the Calendar to view details of First Swing Golf Clinics and register.

Please read Mark Tipples background below.

See you soon, WA!

Kinds regards,

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

 

The Vines Resort & Country Club in Perth, Western Australia, is home to the Mark Tibbles International Golf Academy. The two championship courses and first-class practice facilities are the perfect setting for both the learning and enjoyment of golf.

The MTI Golf Academy offers a range of golf development programs for players of all abilities covering all facets of the game. Private and semi-private tuition is available by appointment and a structured and progressive range of group tuition programs are scheduled throughout the year.

Our instructors have been trained to the highest standards and offer patient, friendly and professional assistance at all times.

Having turned professional in 1978, Mark has acquired extensive teaching and tournament experience in Australia and Great Britain. He played on the European tour before turning his attention towards a teaching career at the Ealing Golf Club in London.

In 1989 Mark emigrated to Perth. In the following seven years he taught at some of Perth’s busiest public golf courses before becoming the Golf and Sports Manager at the Araluen Country Club. To further his teaching career, Mark relocated to Melbourne, Victoria. After extensive training, he became an accredited Master Golf Instructor with Jack Nicklaus/Jim Flick Golf Schools USA, and was the Lead Instructor in Victoria.

In 1997, Mark established his own golf academy at Brighton located on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt region. Over the next five years his innovative range of golf development programs introduced more people to golf than any other golf establishment in Victoria.

Mark has had the privilege of working with some of the game’s leading teachers in Australia, Great Britain and the USA and his coaching tips have been featured in instructional columns by a number of newspapers and magazines. Mark's junior programs were recently recognised by the PGA of Australia when he was voted the 2008 PGA of Australia WA/NT Junior Golf Leader of the Year. He has the highest coaching accreditation of AAA with the PGA of Australia and he is a member of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland; and the PGA of Europe.

Please go to the Videos section of this website to view a video of Mark.