Wayne Johnston doesn’t let the fact that he only has one arm get in the way of a good round of golf.

The Surfdale resident is an avid player and is responsible for starting a golfing tournament on Waiheke Island that has become a national event.

The first Waiheke Amputee Golf Tournament was in 2006.

After two years a New Zealand Amputee Golf Society was formed to keep the event going and organise a tournament in different parts of the country every year, alternating between the north and south Islands.

Now the event is coming full circle and its tenth anniversary will be celebrated back where it started – at Waiheke Golf Club.

There will be a meet and greet at the club on November 1, followed by 36 holes over the following two days and a prize-giving dinner on the final night.

Johnston says the event is attracting entries from throughout New Zealand and further afield, including double and single leg amputees, and below and above elbow amputees, many of whom play off a single figure handicap.

“We have entries from Wayne Eder and Darren Reti who were members of the Kiwi amputee team who played in the world champs in South Africa last year,” he says.

“And golfer Chris Wicks is coming from Sacramento USA. New Zealand professional golfer Josh Geary’s father Chris Geary will also be playing.”

Johnston says the tournament not only benefits the players by providing great competition but it also facilitates discussions and comparisons about artificial limbs and coping mechanisms in a casual social environment.

“People with disabilities watching will see that where there is a will there is a way and will hopefully be inspired by what these amputees are achieving.

“We welcome any other amputees on the island to join us at the social events.”

People can turn up for the meet and greet between 5pm and 7pm on November 1 but registrations are needed for the prize-giving dinner on November 3.

It runs from 7pm till 10pm at the golf club and costs $25 plus drinks.

Call Wayne Johnston on 021 660 123 for registrations and for more information.

via Waiheke Amputee Golf Tournament back on home turf | Stuff.co.nz.