Registered Huddersfield charity British Inclusive Golf have European Tour professional Chris Hanson as their Ambassador.

BIG work with various disability groups, not only in Kirklees but in the North East and North West.

The basis of the charity is to help people with disabilities try golf in a safe and controlled environment.

These sessions help with mobility, concentration and inspire the majority with confidence to achieve something with their disability.

The charity are trying to help people who have, for some reason, had life changing experiences, an accident or never tried a sport.

BIG hold regular sessions throughout the year with groups and, in 2015, were supported by a grant from Kirklees Community Partnerships.

However, this year the charity have decided to be self-funding, so they can expand outside Kirklees to groups on the fringe of the catchment area.

Self-funding comes from donations, sponsorships and golf events, which are held across the north.

A Community Interest company (non-profit) has been set up to run these on behalf of the charity.

There are two representative matches where the Charity invite established disabled golfers from all over the UK to represent them against Halifax-Huddersfield Union Juniors.

This year it’s to be held at Elland Golf Club on Sunday, April 17 (1pm) when they will be contesting the D Booth Memorial Trophy.

Elland Golf Club
Elland Golf Club

The second is against Scottish Disability Golf partnership (SDGP) to be held at Linden Hall Hotel in Northumberland on June 20–22 for the GB PHOENIX CUP.

The idea is that people who begin with just the starter sessions can eventually play with good company at great venues.

Charity golf days are also held, and this year’s include: Friday April 1 – Am-Am at Waterfront Golf Centre, Wath (£160 a team); Friday May 20 – Am-Am at Hart Common Golf Club, Wigan (£160 a Team); Friday July 22 – Individual at Longley Park Golf Club (£30 per person); Friday August 26 – Am-Am at Rother Valley Golf Centre (£160 a team) and Thursday 29 to Friday 30 – Fourball Betterball at Portal Hotel, Cheshire (£145 pp based on two sharing).

A spokesman said: “All these events can be found on our website, Facebook & Twitter.

“They all include food before and after golf and we hope that Huddersfield golfers will support these events.

“All places can be reserved with a small deposit on submitting an entry form. BIG Members get £5 discount and it’s free to join – just go to the website.

“We also have another BIG challenge to raise £16,000 for a paragolfer, the charity have been fortunate to meet a local man, Nick Smith from Ossett, who is paralysed from the waist down.

“We have made several attempts to get Nick playing golf on the driving range with some success.

“However, it was when Cerise Booth, the chairperson of BIG, got the paragolfer for the day that Nick really shone on the course.

“We desperately need a paragolfer, not just for Nick but for other paraplegics and stroke survivors who would love to be on the course through the summer months.”