FAQ & Contact

No, the SDGC is not a respite service, but we do organise and provide tuition and games of golf and curling for any member, with any type of disability in Scotland. 

Yes, for the golf we have a Pairs League in operation, where  two golfers play a foursome (alternate shot) format, so in effect play only nine holes.  For the ice, individuals may also enter events and finish if they  cannot play more than a few ends.

The SDGC has amalgamated all its team and international competitions under the Phoenix Cup banner, which is now played annually.  Team players are selected from the Scottish Order of Merit Championship Tables and members compete throughout the year to gain points and places on that Table.  There are between 16 and 20 qualifiers each year and points are awarded to the top 16 golfers at each game, relating to their finishing place.

Using SDGC team selection criteria laid down by the Committee & Trustees, the top eight players from the Order of Merit Championship on a pre-arranged date will automatically qualify for a playing place, with all remaining team players, being selected as "Captain's Wild-Card" choices, from the SDGC's membership.  Unless otherwise stated, the qualification period, for those automatic places will run from the first Order of Merit qualifying competition of that year, through to a pre-arranged closing event date, just before the Phoenix Cup.

European & World Team Selections.  Using SDGC team selection criteria laid down by the Committee & Trustees, the top four players from the Order of Merit Championship on a pre-arranged date will automatically qualify for a playing place, with all remaining team players, being selected as "Captain's Wild-Card" choices, from the SDGC's European membership.  Unless otherwise stated, the qualification period, for those automatic places will run from the first Order of Merit qualifying competition of that year, through to a pre-arranged closing event date, just before the Phoenix Cup.

if you don't have a golf handicap we will give you a provisional one, then you can submit three signed score cards and we will sort out the rest.

From 2020, the SDGC will operate the Handicap Master system, for our social group and will continue to maintain this under its current and well established rules and conditions.

The SDGC system is based on a Stableford format and played primarily from the Yellow or Visitors tees and from the commencement of the 2020 season will be calculated using par scores, and not as previously using CSS calculations.

The SDGC will continue to accept CONGU certificates from new members golf club Secretaries, but from the commencement of the 2020 season, will implement an initial two shot cut to each new members handicap to allow from movement from white to yellow tee play.

If members have more than one active golf handicap, they must always play from the lowest figure.  They must immediately inform the SDGC of any reductions or changes implemented by other clubs and if any member fails to inform the SDGC of such changes, then the SDGC will disqualify and remove any relevant points or prizes, from that member dating back to the original handicap reduction or change.

Members must fully and clearly complete their score card at all times at SDGC competitions.  Score cards must show their current handicap, date, event, players name, scores, points and be signed and witnessed.  Failure to do this will result in disqualification.  Once score cards are completed and submitted for checking by the Committee, no changes can be made and when scores are announced and posted, they will stand.

We started to think about forming a group to incorporate all disabilities, as far back as 2002.  No-one else in the world was able or willing to take on the challenge of such a group and allowing anyone with any type of disability the chance to play golf.

There were about four or five established groups for specific disabilities, like one-arm, deaf, blind and special Olympics, but they only allowed one disability and excluded more people than they let in.

So in 2002, through funding from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, two of our founders, travelled to Canada and visited various related groups and organisations, while playing in a number of golf competitions, in places like Toronto, Winnipeg and Saskachewan. 

Over a period of about a month, we talked to as many people as possible and learnt how they operated and organised their events and we brought all the best ideas back to Scotland. 

Since 2004, we have used those ideas and arranged games, competition and tuition for members, around the country.  Then in 2009 we became a charity and have not looked back, with a substantial membership, diary and structure, we are an outlet to dozens of international events, with many other groups copying our framework into their own countries setup.

We used the same ideas and framework when setting up and merging the curling and golf charity into one in 2018/19.    

Keep an eye on our diary and social media for our next ice sessions or Sticks & Stones events, and just come along and give it a go?  We will source some anti-slip footwear and other basic equipment for play.

For golf lessons, ideally yes, but the teaching professionals will have access to some clubs for the session to practice with, however, Once you take up the game, you will need your own clubs and golfing gear. 

For curling lessons, no, just warm clothing.  Anti-slip footwear can be provided, along with curling cues and ice gear as necessary.

Each year the SDGC raises funds by approaching over two thousand European corporations, businesses, charities, Trust Funds and Foundations.

All monies raised are used exclusively for our members and helps to provide: free membership, free lessons, subsidised entry fees, support for our international teams and many related services.

None of our Trustees or Committee Members take a fee or salary from the charity.

Yes, we have members with all types of disability, including amputees, Cerebral Palsy, MS, blind and vision impaired, Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, MD and many, many more.  We accept any disability or serious health condition, that interferes with the playing of the game.

Unlike some disabled sports groups, we are not exclusive too one type of disability and therefore probably excluding more people than we could help.  We do not put members through embarrassing medical examinations to see if they fit predetermined ideas or conditions.  We are also not elitist and looking for only the best players.  We are determined to be open and include everyone interested in playing or learning about golf and/or curling.

We usually get wet.  Showers and squalls are probably going to happen from time to time in Scotland.  If it’s really bad and affecting the course, game and individuals we will cancel.  As for the curling, it will be cold on the ice, so you must wear warm, thermal and/or lots of layers.

Yes, this would normally be arranged on arrival at the golf club or ice rink with the caterers and/or club manager.  Most clubs and rinks now offer special dietary options.

No.  The SDGC book carts, buggies or other vehicles if they are available at venues and they are then allocated to essential users only. 

From the commencement of the 2020 season, the SDGC will no longer pay for golf carts or buggies at any events.  The individual user will need to settle any costs with the host golf club on the day of play.  

If the weather interferes with play and golf carts are not available, games will continue for walking players.

There are lots of devices that may help with both sports, like cues or balance sliders at the curling and soloriders or frames and sticks at the golf, but the best advice will come from the teaching professionals at both sports.  They will see you in action and give advice as necessary.