President's Message 2009 South Australian Amputee Golf Open

Well, what can I say? Maybe an expression my American friends use? "WOW!"

Yes, WOW! Again I'm left in awe of a bunch of great people that took part in the second SA Amputee Golf Open which, I may add, included Odd Bods and novices.

The weather forecast for the week was looking great, sunny with sea breezes, just a rather high temperature of 43 degrees for the full four days of golf. The first "cab off the rank" was the Junior Tournament. They finished five under in four ball which was a fantastic team effort. Our adult competitors stood in as caddies and what an experience they had. Thank you to all.

Next came the Pro/Am Celebrity day on the Wednesday which was restricted to 9 holes due to the heat. It was a great success, played in the friendly manner you would expect, but still competitive. Quite a few braved the heat and went on to complete the full 18 holes while a few chose to rest up for the next two days of competition.

Every effort was made by SAAGA to make the golf as comfortable and enjoyable as possible by providing neckerchiefs which were dunked in cold icy water then tied around the neck to give a nice cooling feeling. This was upheld by the Captain, "Captain America", Craig Van Kessel, who was a welcome sight out on the course. Everyone knew that while the Captain was around, "Na Na Naaaaaa!!!!!," there was fresh ice-cold water to dunk the neckerchief in and plenty to drink.

Although I elected not to play in order for me to watch out for everyone's safety and wellbeing, the Captain kindly employed me as his understudy so I still had the great pleasure of being involved and a part of everything.

I would like to thank everyone involved with the SA Open. To Chris, Wayne and Graham, for your help throughout the year; to all who took part in the First Swing Golf Clinics; to my wife, Eleanor, for her support and care she showed to the partners; to all my sponsors; to our bus driver, Jack; to all the volunteers; to Simon Hollitt and his team at Adelaide Shores Golf Park, what a great effort and thanks for maintaining the course in such an excellent condition; thanks to the Pro's and celebrities; and finally, thanks so much to Tony O'Rourke, our MC extraordinaire, who once again donated his time to help make the presentations a great success.

All in all, everyone should feel very proud of themselves. The true grit and determination, friendship and camaraderie were not only a privilege, but a pleasure to witness.

A special congratulations to our overall winners, Geoff Nicholas for the men and Trudy Tassone for the women, but don't forget, you are all winners, and I hope to see you all next year. Please visit www.saaga.org.au for tournament photos and videos.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Gary Hart
President SAAGA

Message from the Secretary's Desk:

I am sure that you will all agree that the 2009 South Australian Amputee Golf Open was a great success.

The feedback that I have received was overwhelming and gratifying of the organisation of the event.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants, a special thanks to our overseas visitors for making the effort to attend, and a big thanks to Captain America for bringing comical relief from the heat.

Congratulations to all trophy winners and big thanks to our major sponsors as well as the team at Adelaide Shores for the great preparation of the course.

With the end of year looming we will now be focusing on the up and coming events in the new year and further developing the country regions first swing clinics.

As well as begin the organising of the 2010 South Australian Amputee Golf Open.

Once again thank you all for supporting SAAGA.

Quote from a legend:

"Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears."
Bobby Jones, founder Augusta National Golf Club

Yours truly,

Chris Crichton
Secretary SAAGA

Wonders From Down Under

If Gary Hart, President to the South Australian Amputee Association set out to make his 2nd Annual South Australia Amputee Open one of the best...he succeeded.

There were amputees from around the world that enjoyed it from beginning to end. Chris Wicks, President of WAGA and George Karnes, Member of the EAGA Board represented the USA proudly.

Gary, the competitors, the golf course and the people in South Australia made it an experience all will never forget.

Tuesday, November 10 was the Junior Tournament with 8 participants. They played 9 holes and using "best ball" finished at 5 under. This was a first for me working with Juniors and I could not have enjoyed it more.

On Wednesday, November 11, the Pro/Am Celebrity was held. The field include Pro women Golfers, two young men who together won several gold and bronze medals in swimming at the last Para - Olympics, local media representatives and several sponsors.

That evening, trophy s were presented to the Pro/Am winners and the Juniors. I had the honor of being part of the Pro/Am awards presentation.

Note: Both the Juniors and the Pro/Am were held to 9 holes because of the extreme heat wave we experienced the entire week.

On Thursday and Friday, The SA Open was held with 40 competitors teeing off. At the Awards Banquet held Friday evening, every single recipient of an award commented that Gary's Tourney was one of the best they have played in and they would be back next year.

The USA went away winners as Chris Wicks won the Senior Above the Knee Category and George Karnes was runner up in the same division. Both of these fine men invited all the participants to "Come on Over" and play some tourneys in the US.

I myself had a great time and have to agree that it was one of the best I have been around and would love to come back again.

Watching the amputees play were truly "Wonders From Down Under."

 

Craig....Captain America

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11 December 2009

Gary,

I recently went to your site and read the Competitor's Notes 2009.

I must admit I got a tear in my eyes reading all the nice comments about me from the players.

What I want all of them to know that it was "An Honor and Privilege" for me to attend and work your tournament.

As always, I drew inspiration from all the competitors and their significant others. I do this because all of you are heroes in my eyes and I am a better person for knowing each and everyone of you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Captain America
Craig Van Kessel

Gary,

I want to thank all who were associated with the South Australia Amputee Championship. I had a wonderful time and appreciated all the help and great fellowship I encountered at the tournament. I was a bit nervous as I had never been to Australia and didn't know what to expect. It only took a few minutes to relax as your warm greeting and great onganization put me at ease. I really appreciated Wayne offering to give me a ride the second day and Terry allowing me to clean up after the round in his room at the Comfort Inn. It avoided my friends from having to make several trips to and from the course. All around it was a great time. The course, the people, the food and fellowship were first rate!!

I encourage not only the members of the EAGA back here in the United States but amputees everywhere to consider making the trip to Adelaide and to experience this tournament for themselves. I am pleased to say that your expression "no worries" is exactly what they will find!!

Warm Regards,

George Karnes - Vice President - EAGA

To the South Australian Amputee Golf Association,

Congratulations to Gary Hart and the team from SAAGA for hosting the 2009 State Championships.

I must admit the dedication to Amputee golf delivered in South Australia is second to none.

This being the second year, one does expect to see some problems, but that did not occur.

All aspects were great, the course was in great condition, the greens ran true, fairways were great, a very amputee friendly course.

Congratulations to the 40 amputees who played, some great scores were played considering the unseasonal heat.

It was great to have and play against three international players this year.

Quality tournaments will attract more players.

I was impressed with the organization of the event, from Jack the bus driver who couldn't do enough for us, the food at the dinners was great, the mateship was even better; I will be there again next year.

It was also inspiring to see the juniors and beginners, including golfers who have recently become Amputees, getting out there and having a go.

All in all a great tournament and I trust that I will see many if not all players at the Queensland and Australian Amputee opens in March 2010 on the not-so-hot Gold Coast.

A special thanks to CAPTAIN AMERICA for travelling from the USA for his assistance with water and photography throughout the tournament; it was great to see you again.


To the SAAGA team, again, congratulations.

Ivan Walker
President
Queensland Amputee Golf Association

Gary (Gazza) Hart,

You put on a great tournament, and accommodated all in spite of the intense heat. Although I am accustomed to that kind of heat in Sacramento, I could tell it was a bit of a strain on a number of the participants. Your care and concern for "all" of the players was appreciated and the extra steps you took to make it bearable were extraordinary. The water, the cooling scarfs, the three hats, and cool shirts, and all the goodies truly made it enjoyable.

My compliments to the management and staff at Adelaide Shores Golf for their patience, understanding, and friendly manner. It truly made us feel at home. Jack was great driving us around and participating with us. Definitely something for me to keep in mind for our tourneys.

The Comfort Inn was ideally located and the staff and management were very accommodating. Breakfasts were excellent, served full English style.

I hope to participate again in the future and hope that you and the rest of the participants will feel welcome to come to the States, especially California, to play in our tourneys. All are welcome!!

Take care, and thank Eleanor for all her hard work, support, and warmest of hospitality.

Chris Wicks
President, Western Amputee Golf Association

Hi Gary,

Despite the hot weather, the 2nd South Australian Open was another great success. Personally I had another 3 great days; it was great to catch up with old friends & at the same time meet all the new folk.
This is what these golf tournaments are about, which creates a special bond amongst us. Good job, Gary.

Regards,

Geoff Nicholas, AM

27^th November

Dear Gary,

Stepping off the plane at Adelaide airport on the afternoon of the 9^th of November, the heat hit me and upon hearing it was only going to get hotter towards the end of the week, my first thoughts were,"should have left my clubs at home."

I have learnt and seen a lot in the the last 5 years of participating in amputee golf, and one thing we amputees do is never give up!! I'm certain that I was not the only one who, at the end of the week, didn't have a blister or two.

Gary, your care and concern for our wellbeing was second to none. The neck scarves, cool drinks and all the steps you took to make us comfortable were very much appreciated. I would also like to personally thank each and every one of you at the Adelaide Shores, the sponsers, the volunteers, my fellow amputees & odd bods, and of course the one and only, na na naaaa !!! Captain America; because without any one of you there would be no tournament.

I will certainly be back next year come rain, hail or shine, as this is what its all about - having a go!! I would also like to make a special mention to my family in Adelaide - Michael, Kirsty & Sophie, for their love & support not only for me, but also for my fellow amputees and their partners, thanks guys!

I would also like to wish you all a very merry xmas, a happy new year & good health. I look forward to meeting up with you all again soon.

Trudy Tassone,
2008,2009 Ladies Champion

Hello Gary,

Thank you once again for all your efforts in arranging another great amputee championship. One thing none of us can control is the elements however I believe the breeze we had off the coast keep the temperature lower than in the middies of Adelaide. It is a great opportunity to meet up with all the guys and girls, and it is always the the most wonderful and encouraging time spent. Everyone was ready to assist us senior citizens which was greatly appreciated. The golfing was great even though it was very warm, the timetables made arrangements easy to always be on time.

It was encouraging to see so many international visitors, and Captain American put some spark into the occasion.

Gary, I thank you for your efforts in arranging ample water, and for the water soaked collars; being the person responsible for the golfers you did everything possible to ensure our wellbeing.

The non-golfer ladies appreciated Eleanor putting herself out and making them feel important and for showing them the Air/C parts of Adelaide.

Thank you once again.

Bernie Horton

Hi Gary,

Once again I would like to congratulate you and your helpers for the way the 2009 SAAGA Championship was run. It was good to see some old faces back again this year as well as some new ones. It was a pity about the weather, but I don't think it was as bad with a little breeze, and who could forget the work that Captain America did supplying us with drinks nu nu naa. With the work that you have done, and with the support from your sponsors, I can only see the Championship getting bigger & better. I hope to see you all back next year.

Cheers,
Lawrie Tucker

Hi Gary,

I would just like to thank you, Chris and of course Eleanor for putting on such a great tournament once again.

I have been fortunate enough to have participated in last year's tournament and also this one. It would be safe to say that everyone who attended would agree that the course was in immaculate condition and very amputee friendly. The accomodation was also of a high standard as usual, and Eleanor did her usual best in entertaining all the partners of the competitors.

The weather unusually was very hot for this time of year but that didn't deter any amputee from playing. Thanks to you and your staff for making sure we were well catered for with extra water and refreshments.

All in all a fantastic tournament. Gary, well done.

Ren Gallet

Maggs

I would like to say a big thankyou to Gary and Eleanor for putting on a great tournament. It was very enjoyable meeting up with other amputees and making new friends; we were all well looked after and I am looking forward to next year's open . It would be great if we can encourage more lady players to give it a go; I think they would find it a very rewarding experience.

Lilian Clayburn
SA amputee

Gary

Just a quick note on the Open at The Shores Golf Club.

I would just like to thank you for all the organization that went in to putting on such a great tournament.

The course was very amputee friendly and the staff at the course were very helpful and welcoming.

I think it was just a very smooth and well run event as was last year's.

Could you please pass on my thanks to all your sponsors that made it happen. Without their support these events would not be possible.

All I ask is that you turn off the heaters next year - PLEASE.

Regards,

Sid Henderson
Multi Division winner 2008 & 2009

HI everybody,

Thank you to Gary and Chris for their hard work and the sponsors for a great SA Open.
I was very shocked to have won the odd bods section, but more shocked to have got the longest drive.
I would like to thank all local, interstate and overseas players for their support of my family's loss over the 3 days.

Thank you Chris Lamont

Hi Gary,

Sorry I’ve taken so long to reply, but I have been busy. A few words about the tournament - enjoyable, challenging, great company, beaut weather, great fun, well organized and executed, a pleasure to be there, and I’m waiting for next year’s already but I hope my golf improves in the meantime. I hope this is enough words and I hope you have a great weekend.

Go the Holden’s

Cheers,
Adrian

Again, the South Australian amputee Open was a Great success.

What a ball I had; I do think that it's been by far the best tourney I've been to; sorry to the other tourney organizers, but Gary's the Man at the moment. A big high 5 goes out to Gary and his very lovely and patient wife Elaenor, and Chris for really putting it on for everyone. I so look forward to next year's event which Gary has said is gonna be even bigger and better; something i find hard to believe coz this year's tourney is gonna be a hard one to beat. But being Gary and a Pom, anything's possible.

Cheers from Lee Ngauamo (The king of Tonga)

Thanks Gary,

Given that this was my first complete competition I have to say the committee must be congratulated on such a smoothly-run event. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and relaxed competitiveness, and I really enjoyed the company of my opposite number and team mates. I also commend the caddies for such above and beyond help and advice on the rules of the game, a couple of which I'd never heard of before; but I took the penalty strokes on the chin with a crooked grin.

Neville Watt

Hi Everyone,

Please let me once again thank all of the participants in this years SA Golf Open.

I had a great 3 days playing golf with some really inspiring people. To be able to cope with the conditions which were not all that bad was really great.

Having the Captain supplying cold water to drink and to soak our neck ties in was a great way to keep cool.

Meeting and talking with our international visitors was enjoyable enabling me to get some appreciation of similar events overseas and learning some interesting facts about living in another country.

The friendships gained and the support shown by all participants toward each other really puts a lot of people to shame.

The organization of the SA Open was fantastic and my respect goes to Gary Hart for his efforts organizing the event. The first swing clinics in Adelaide are very well done.

The participation by the new members of the first swing clinics was first class; they must be proud of their efforts.

I am sure that next year's Open will be even better and I urge all amputee & odd-bod golfers around Australia to come to our wonderful state and play in the great SA Amputee Golf Open.

Kind regards and all the best to all for the upcoming festive season,

Wayne Riches

Hi Gary,

Thanks for a great tournament. Aidan and I really enjoyed ourselves; we had a great day at the Junior tournament I think the boys loved having Captain America & Chris from the USA, you, Dave, and all the dads along as support and caddies. Aidan had to enter a writing contest for school and wrote about the tournament . It was great to watch the other players playing and to learn from them. The friendships and sharing of experiences is also a highlight of the tournament for us. Thankyou for the trophy; it looks really impressive and sounds great to say I came third. I was very excited and embarrassed to get a trophy; Aidan loves his trophy. Thanks to everyone, particularly you and Eleanor for an outstanding open again.

Cheers,
Bernie and Aidan Barry

Gary

Just a few words to thank you and Eleanor for the fantastic event you have just staged on behalf of the amputees, not just throughout South Australia but, as was evident, throughout the world. It was an absolute privilege to participate in such an awe-inspiring event. I was particularly impressed with the level of comradeship that evolved not just among the players but through the volunteers, stewards and everyone that was associated with this event throughout its duration.

My congratulations also goes to the overall winners of the various events; it makes me realise just how much work I have to do if I ever want to achieve their illustrious heights.

Again Gary and Eleanor, you should take a bow for the outstanding success of this well-run event.

With my sincere thanks,
Ken B

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Captain America,

What can I say other than to have met you and your fellow countrymen was an absolute pleasure for me, my wife Leonie and (on Friday) my son Daniel. You are the inspiration that I needed to get out of my house, get off my arse and start living again. I pray that we will meet again in this lifetime and I thank the good Lord for the opportunity of meeting you (and Chris and George) and for the opportunity of participating (for the first time) in the SA Amputee Golf Association Open.

Let me know when you are next in SA and I will take you out of the clutches of dear old Gary.

The best Captain; I look forward to our next meeting.

Ken Baillie
AKA (with the terrible golf swing)

Hi Gary

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in organising the 2009 SA Amputee Golf Association Tournament. The event was a huge success and, although we experienced extremely hot weather, everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I strongly encourage amputees that have not yet been involved with this event to join in next year – it is 3-4 days of great fun with a bunch of excellent people.

Thanks again Gary – well done!

Cheers,

Warren Woods
Events Corp Signage

www.eventscorpsignage.com.au

Hi Gary,

These are my thoughts on the tournament. Please feel free to reword this and use my name:

I found the tournament to be well run and organised; the course itself set up well for an amputee event, giving both leg and arm amputees a even chance. Holes were not overly long and not too much water in play. the staff at the adelaide shores golf course were friendly and helpful.

The extreme weather was unfortunate, but out of anyone's hands; the scaling back of the Pro-am to nine holes was understandable; also the decision to return to the 18 hole format for the two rounds of the championships was appreciated. The effort of Captain America to have water carted around to players to keep them hydrated, and the provisions of the cooling neckties were smart moves.

The presentations and trophies were well organised and enjoyed by all.

Some ideas for next year?:

• If there are groups of three players, then they should always go out before groups of four; it speeds up play.
• Some of the nearest-the-pin markers did not have the amputee signage on them which led to a bit of confusion.
• The accomodation was a bit dear, (I paid) 900 dollars for 5 nights which could put some people off. I think somewhere around 100 dollars a night would suit more people.
• The breakfast there was average; running out of glasses and coffee cups twice while I was there.

Rregards,
Ike Stalling

The SA open was once again a fantastic event.

Clothing, three rounds of golf and a goodie bag for a very affordable price. By far the best part of this year’s and last year’s tournaments though, is the cameraderie the players shared amongst each other day in day out throughout the week. Meeting players of all ages and sharing the game of golf with them is and was a real highlight.

Jay Dohnt

Gary,

Thanks for the golf over the last year. It has been much appreciated and enjoyed.

Regards,
Graham

Hi Gary,

Just a brief note to thank you for organising a wonderful tournament.

From the practice/junior day through the Sponsors Day and the two rounds of the Championship everything was done to assist the players. In very hot conditions it was greatly appreciated that “Captain America” continually provided bottles of cold water. Also the cooling neck collars were a great idea.

The course was in very good condition and was amputee friendly. I believe all the players enjoyed themselves and the after match functions were a good chance to mix and meet. I would like to thank you and your wife Eleanor for your hospitality throughout the week.

Cheers,
Terry Ramage

Every time I attend an amputee golf event is another layer of perspective…….the most important basis for trying to deal with the fickle character of day-to-day life.

This year's South Australian Amputee Championship provided many experiences for me however the main theme is always determination and that was never more evident than the three days of battling through the heat at Adelaide Shores Golf Club. Whilst the average club golfer declined to venture out in the 38 degree conditions, the amputee competitors defied President Gary Hart's attempts to reduce the event in the interests of player safety and toiled through the pro-am and the 36-hole tournament without a hint of complaint.

The 2009 championship was typical Gary Hart, every detail managed to the second and flavoured with his emphasis on precision, professionalism and concern for the well-being of each competitor.

Every player deserved a trophy and it was seen to that they received one. The community that is amputee golf grows stronger each time they tee it up against one another. They are never really opponents, rather more like a family that plays the game that brings them together to remind people like me how much we take for granted…….until we are reminded otherwise.

Amputee golf and its players will be so much better off when a national body is established. Sponsorship, economies of scale and the ability to share energies and intellectual property would 'beef up' the tournament schedule, enabling more participation from both existing players and newcomers.

The spectacle of the amputees is unique. The resilience, determination and will to climb every mountain, no matter how big or small, young or old, is the human spirit at its purest.

I'm lucky to have been a small part of the past 2 South Australian Amputee Championships and sincerely thank everyone for their unconditional friendship and humbling appreciation.

Best wishes,
Tony O'Rourke
MC

Hi all,

Once again I was delighted to participate in the SA Amputee Golf Open. While not a golfer myself, I thorougly enjoyed capturing your experiences for all to see and remember. My shaky filming and photos of grass, seats and who knows what else were completely overlooked by everyone, and the smiles on your faces as you saw yourselves at the presentations made up for the 40 degree heat and putting up with Gary (you all know what I mean!).

Watching you all put in 110% every day of the tournament was truly awe-inspiring. The commitment and perseverence exceeded by far that possessed by the 'normies', who made themselves scarce and threw venturing outside in heat in the 'too hard basket.'

New friends and old, together you make this a week for me to remember and mark on my calendar every year. The photos are on this website now, and the videos aren't far way.

I wish you all a happy festive season and new year, and look forward to meeting up again in 2010.

James