Amputee aims to be first disabled pro golfer
Golfer who lost his leg encouraged by stars
A round of golf with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and a handful of European Senior Tour pros has convinced Andy Gardiner he could be the first British amputee to turn professional.
The 35-year-old from Bicuester, who plays off six, has already won tournaments for the disabled across Europe - including the Czech Masters last week - and represented England in the World Cup for amputees.
But competing with celebrity players at De Vere Slaley Hall during the PGA Seniors was the proof he needed to take his ambition a step further.
“I qualified with other disabled golfers to play with Harry and Barry Lane and we played three holes that were televised. I told the professionals that I wanted to turn pro and after they had seen me hit a few shots they told me that it won’t be a problem.”
Andy, a crack shot, who lost his leg after a fall when it broke in several places, is keen to raise the profile of disabled golf.
“I want to show people what you can achieve. The guy who won the British Amputee Open last year got a nine on his first hole and then played the next 35 holes in two-under par.
“My aim is to lose another 1.3 off my handicap and then I can officially turn pro and compete against able-bodied players.”
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