Club manager David Buckingham and Lady Bader with Kevin Barby Picture Ref: 77633-09THE Disabled Golfers' British Open took place at Broome Manor Golf Club, in Swindon, for the 12th time.

Thirty competitors, including a number of amputees, took part in a series of events played over 36 holes.

And Lady Joan Bader, the widow of double amputee and war hero Douglas Bader, was in town to present the prizes.

Disabled golf received a boost when the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews presented the British amputee and Les Autres Sports Association with a cheque for £750.

David Buckingham, the golf manager at Broome Manor, said: "It was a very successful event, and the weather was great.

"We had an excellent day's golf on Friday, with three disabled players playing with one club member, followed by a social evening.

"And on Saturday and Sunday we had the 36-hole competition.

"The handicap system allows the disabled golfers to compete with the able bodied."

He said the weekend was a humbling experience.

"We moan about things like the weather, but this gives you another perspective," he said.

"They try to play golf to the best of their ability and some play really well."

Golfers from as far afield as France and Holland were at the event.

The next tournament on the circuit is in Salzburg later this month.

Mr Buckingham said: "One of the main reasons the competition is at Broome Manor is that we have total disabled access, including a bay with wheelchair access in the driving range."