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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24^th July 2010

Hi, here is a photo of Gareth Jones presenting our newest junior member, Joel Blatchford, with a full set of golf clubs on behalf of SAAGA. Joel is accompanied by his gran, Vikki.

For his first visit to our First Swing Junior Golf Clinic, this young man definitely has natural ability; well done Joel.

Regards,

Gary

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Sunday Golf Day 18/7/2010

 

Hello to all again,

The weather in the morning was not looking good for a game of golf but as we are all aware the SA Amputees are a hardy bunch that can play golf in the extremes, 40+ degrees in the summer and wet and cold in the winter.

Upon arrival at the course I wondered how many players would be in attendence on this wet and chilly morning but to my delight all members who nominated to play were present and looking forward to playing (We all must look forward to our golf games as much as the raving reporter does).

We played 4 ball better ball to prepare ourselves for the Pro Am section of the SA Open and some reasonable golf was seen to be being played by all members. I am not sure of the final scores but each player in the group I played with certainly contributed, Adrian the demon putter with his new thick-gripped YAR putter was dropping them (the putts) from all over the place. This made it a lot easier for the rest of the team as we were just trying to get the ball on the green in regulation and let Adrian do the rest. Well done Adrian.

Nev, Fred & Wayne were sharing the duties of attempting to drive long and straight and make good approach shots. Well done to all in this team

Although I was unable to see much of the other groups around, I have heard that the team made the Pres. concentrate and play to his ability (at last). I am sure that Chris, Roy & Lilian were pushing him to perform; this group enjoyed themselves both on and off the course. Well done everyone.

We were all grateful to the weatherman for his efforts as we did not get wet on the course. It wasn't too long after we finished  that the heavens opned up and down came the rain again.

 

Till next time

Get some putting tips from Adrian.

Regards

The Raving Reporter

Wayne Riches

 

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11^th July 2010

 

Hi Gary here,
 
As you can see there's been quite a bit going on in SAAGA Land. Just to update you all...
 
First of all I would like to thank Freedom Innovations for coming on board as sponsors, there are quite a few of our members already interested in this new knee unit.
 
You will see by the photos on the link after Wayne's rove reporting that the First Swing Golf Clinics are as popular as ever; keep up the great work.
 
Also the attendances have been great for our new venture at Shape Up Gym, so much that it has been requested that we add another visit in the month, this would have to be on a Saturday afternoon in between the First Swing Clinic and the visit to the Executive 60 course at Adelaide Shores; I will keep you informed. Again thank you to the good people at Shape Up; Dayni, Trent and not forgetting the great P/T Stephi & Rachel.
 
You will notice that there is a new survey on the home page; please take the time to have a look, and for those who are interested please let me know and I will email to you so you can fill it in then reply; it will be sent to an independent officer. Or simply download and post.
 
And finally I must make mention that Ian Smith of Active Mobility has twisted my arm in allowing his company the privilege of being Major Sponsor of SAAGA; THANK YOU so much Mr Smith. "And yes, that's his real name." :o)
 
Thank you for your time. I'll keep you posted; lots more great things happening.
 
Stay safe, stay healthy.
 
Gary Hart
President
 
S.A.A.G.A.

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SAAGA's contribution to Inspired Magazine  "The Amputee Golfer"  - click the thimbnail below.

 

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3^rd July 2010

Hi Everybody,
 
Great to see things are on track at the Hampstead rehabilitation hospital. For some time now I've been running clinics for in - out patients, already with the good people attending there is GREAT improvement.
 
Stick at it and I'm sure it won't be long before you're attending the First Swing Golf Clinics at Adelaide Shores Golf Park
 
Keep up the great work
 
Regards
 
Gary Hart
President
 
SAAGA

View the photos

 

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3^rd July 2010

 

Sunday 27/6/2010.

A bright, clean, crisp morning was on hand for Adrian, Chris, Brad, Keenan, Neville, Fred, Wayne and Gary at 8.30 am outside Shape Up Gym on West Terrace in the city.

All but Gary really didn't know what was about to confront them. But knowing Gary it was going to be exciting.

First up a very fit young lady Rachael met us to open up and up the stairs we went.

A short time later another very fit young lady arrived and was introduced as Stephanie these two ladies were to be our  Personal Trainers for the day and for all of our up coming gym sessions.

The array of exercise equipment was impressive for those of us, like me, who had never ventured into a gym like this before.

We were paired up and started on the equipment getting instructions from the ladies and Gary on how to best use the equipment to achieve maximum return for our efforts.

For me the boxing certainly showed me how fit in the upper body gym people must be as I could really feel the strain on my shoulders etc.

I noticed that all members were very keen to participate fully in the session and am sure that we all could feel the benefits of learning how to use each group of muscles properly.

Chris looked as though he really put in with his trainer for he looked exhausted at the end.

The massage after the session was really beneficial getting some of the sore spots sorted out before they became too bad.Thank you Michael for your efforts

May I on behalf of the members of SAAGA that  participated in the first session thank our two trainers Rachael and Stephanie for letting us take up their Sunday morning and passing on their knowledge. Also to Shape up gym for the use of their facility.

I believe we all had a good morning and are looking forward to our next visit and according to Gary the numbers may double for our next venture.

 

Keep Fit

Regards- Wayne Riches.

 The Raving Reporter

View the photos

 

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Hi Everyone

Saturday 26-6-10 what a great turnout again by our SAAGA members.

The day started with a few showers at the Adelaide Shores Golf Course but all things good happen to those who come to the clinics, and the sun broke through and resulted in a very nice session.

We took up nearly all of the practice tee blocks and what a sight it was with Gareth and Gary doing all they could to pass on some tips to us all.
Each member needed individual attention from our 2 coaches which I am sure was received eagerly by all members.

We are now starting to put in place some fine sessions to achieve what we are after with all of hoping for improved performances at the SA Open in November.

It can also be seen that a few of the members enjoyed a few bevies at the 19^th.

Keep up the good work everyone and lets see this number of attendees continue at all of the upcoming clinics and golf days.

Please check out the photos.

Regards Wayne Riches.

The Raving Reporter

View the photos