North American One-Armed Golfer Association

The mission of NAOAGA is to promote the game of golf to those that must play "one-handed" due to a physically-challenged condition for the purpose of competition, recreation, and physical & emotional rehabilitation. NAOAGA will organize local, regional, national, and international competitions for its membership, seek opportunities to educate the public on the existence and benefits of "one-armed golf," and strive to provide a forum for discussion of pertinent issues related to living with an upper-extremity disability.

It’s that time again, time to make plans for our Annual Meeting & Championship. Due to some other big tournaments being scheduled later in the summer and fall, we’ve decided to host our event this year earlier than we have in the past. This year’s 12th Annual NAOAGA Annual Meeting & Championships will be held May 29 – June 1 in Towson, MD (a Baltimore suburb) at the gorgeous Country Club of Maryland.

The Country Club of Maryland is a private club, a fantastic venue, and will be hosted by Vince Biser and his family. There will no doubt be a high demand to play in this event, and entries are limited to the first 50, so don’t procrastinate until the last minute to send in your entry. The course should be in great shape and the weather should be very nice as well, as we get into Baltimore before the onset of summer.

May 29 is the Tuesday immediately after Memorial Day. If you would like to plan a special visit to our nation’s capital the weekend prior, Washington DC is only about a 60-90 minute drive from Towson. If DC doesn’t interest you, we won’t be teeing off on Tuesday in our practice round before 1:00 pm, so many will be able to travel that Tuesday without missing your practice round.

This will also be the first qualifying event for the 2014 Fightmaster Cup team, that will travel to Scotland to take on the best from Europe’s Society of One-Armed Golfers. The 2012 Fightmaster Cup is scheduled for Chicago this September and the Captain is very near to announcing his 4 Captain’s choices. More on that and all the other happenings of NAOAGA will reach your doorstep soon in the next mail-out.

But for now, it’s all about fine golf and crabs from the Chesapeake! Make your plans now, this one might be our best one yet. Entry details are attached. See you in Baltimore.


Alan J. Gentry Executive Director
Scott Lusk President

AN ALTERNATIVE Ryder Cup will tee off in Wales this week - with one slight difference.

The Fightmaster Cup, which starts in Chepstow this Friday, is for golfers with only one arm.

The event - billed as the one-armed equivalent of the Ryder Cup - sees 12 golfers from the North American One-Armed Golf Association take on a dozen-strong team from the Society of One-Armed Golfers, which represents players from the rest of the world.

Players taking on the Americans, who took the inaugural trophy on home soil two years ago, include current world champion Darren Grey and seven-time time title holder Nick Champness.

Malcolm Guy, the captain of the Society of One-Armed Golfers and the organiser of this year’s event, said he was looking forward to the showdown.

He said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see all these excellent players competing in Wales. Our players have been training hard and we look forward to demonstrating passion and dedication at the tournament."

Spanish golf star Sergio García described the teams were inspirational.

The one-time world number two said: "I have great admiration for these golfers who chase their dream and focus on their abilities instead of disabilities."

"The first Fightmaster Cup was a great success two years ago, and we should all look at this event as a great example of the strength of the human spirit and sportsmanship."

The tournament takes place at the St Pierre country club in Chepstow between Friday and Sunday.

For more information about the tournament and updates, visit its website at http://www.onearmgolf.org/thefightmastercup/index.htm

I want to pass on some thoughts to all of you now that we are back. I am so very proud of this team, and the job that all of you did. We didn't defend the cup-but that will make Chicago all the better in 2012! There is nothing wrong with doing our best, and coming up short-anyone that has never lost has never stepped on the playing field and known the excitement of pure competition at that level. We will all remember a wonderful experience in Wales together, and build for the association to move forward and pave the way for many, many more great times! Donny and Barkley are so proud of their "kids", and I can't tell all of you how much I appreciate you letting me come into the family. If anyone ever needs anything-all you have to do is call, and it is done, just as I know I can count on every one of you-it's a great feeling!

Swinging Singles
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1675612,00.htm