Celtic Manor Resort golf member Richie Willis will proudly tee up alongside the world’s best on his home course in next week’s G4D Open – after golf played a key role in his recovery from an accident that claimed his leg.
Home Hero Richie Willis Relishing G4D Open Chance After Recovery Through Golf
Richie Willis and The G4D Open
Celtic Manor Resort golf member Richie Willis will proudly tee up alongside the world’s best on his home course in next week’s G4D Open – after golf played a key role in his recovery from an accident that claimed his leg.
The 68-year-old former club captain will join many of the sport’s most talented golfers with disabilities for the first-ever staging of The G4D Open in Wales (14-16 May), following three previous editions at Woburn.
The G4D Open features nine sport classes across multiple impairment groups, with 80 men and women players of both amateur and professional status set to compete over the renowned Roman Road Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Richie will have the honour of striking the first tee shot when he makes his Championship debut on Thursday 14 May.
Richie’s life dramatically changed after he needed an above-the-knee right leg amputation following a road traffic accident aged 41. In December 1999, the articulated lorry he was driving was blown onto its side and slid into the central reservation while crossing the Severn Bridge on the M4.
His liver was also lacerated and he was initially given only a 10% chance of survival. Golf has since played a huge part in his rehabilitation.
“Golf has been a really important part of my life since the accident and it’s wonderful that people of all ages and abilities can play this sport,” said Richie, who will compete in Sport Class Standing 2.
“I love golf because it helps me live life to the full. I play for the friendship, competition, exercise, challenge and my mental wellbeing. I don’t know where I would be mentally without this game – it keeps me going.”
A former semi-professional footballer who played in the Southern League for Trowbridge and contributed to the non-league revival of Newport County in the early 1990s, Richie has transferred his sporting ability and competitive instincts to the golf course.
Helped greatly by the Welsh Disabled Golf Association, he has represented Wales internationally in matches against England, Scotland and the USA and used to compete regularly in EDGA events which have given him the opportunity to play golf in Sweden, France, Italy, Spain and Holland.
Richie, who was club captain at Celtic Manor in 2012-13, added, “I usually play three times a week with a regular group of friends at Celtic Manor and I was truly honoured to spend my year as club captain. The club has always been very supportive of my golf and the effort they have put into modifying the bunkers to make the course more accessible for The G4D Open has been incredible.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend at Celtic Manor for The G4D Open, with attendance and car parking free of charge. Register your interest here.
“It will be a very proud moment for me to play alongside the world’s best golfers with disabilities on my home course here at Celtic Manor. I’m sure there will be a few familiar faces from the EDGA events I’ve played in and it will be fantastic to welcome them to Wales.
I’m delighted to get the opportunity to compete and hope my local knowledge might count for something. I think my biggest advantage will be knowing the greens because there are some tricky slopes on the Roman Road and they’re speeding up nicely as we approach the tournament.”
Richie Willis
