About B.A.G.A

How it all started back in 1989

Brian Mayo the founder of the British Amputee Golf Association (BAGA) played his first competition as an amputee in Atlantic City America in 1988.

Brian was a very keen golfer achieving a 6 handicap prior to losing both his legs through licking golf balls contaminated with fertiliser. His love for the sport and admiration for what he had seen and experienced in America gave him the drive to establish our thriving Association, specifically for amputees.

On his return he wrote to 1,842 Golf Clubs throughout the world, inviting amputee members to play in the first British Amputee Championship in 1989. His efforts were rewarded with 84 competitors representing 17 countries played at his club, Bryn Meadows, in South Wales.The event was covered by Welsh national TV and viewers were able to watch some outstanding play as Richard Coates (double arm amputee) played off nine, while Greg Singleton balanced on one leg drove shots many able-bodied people would be proud of. Greg had travelled from Rhodesia to take part, selling his car in order to raise the funds for the air fare!!!!

The association continued to grow and Bryn Meadows remains the home of Amputee Golf. As you park your car the monumental clock with its single arm and leg pointing the time pay's tribute to Brian's work, and was a gift from visiting amputees. Another monument to amputee golf was erected by Brian to commemorate the achievement of Tom Quinn, a double leg amputee victim of the Vietnam War. Tom, while sitting in his wheel chair drove the green directly into a force 7 gale and dropped the put with his 14" putter to birdie the hole!!!

BAGA is a voluntary organisation and now travels the home countries with Summer International Championships supported by the Bank of Scotland, via the Golfers Credit Card.

The association also has an annual Spring meeting, which relies entirely upon local sponsors to support the event.

Amputee Golf is about getting people up and out there with fellow amputees, enjoying the sport and competing on equal terms. Amputee Golf is for amputees, it is open to any person with the loss of a limb at a major joint. Competition is played in the affectionately named "Armies and Leggies" sections and pride is taken in ensuring all leggies are provided with a buggy in order to assist mobility, the army has to walk!!

All amputees pay their own competition fees, dinner and accommodation, and travel from the furthest regions of the country to play, all visitors are made very welcome and  can be guaranteed a challenging game.

Brian Mayo passed away January 1999 but his good work will continue into the future.