A MAN from Tadley won the Strokeplay Nett Division of The EDGA Dutch Disabled Open.

Ian Dixon, 62, won the Open at the GC de Leeuwenbergh in Den Haag, Netherlands.

It’s his first victory at an EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) event.  Ian followed a Nett 70 in the first round with a 68 in round two leaving him four shots clear of the field.

READ MORE: Heart-breaking defeat for Basingstoke

Having doubled the 12th hole on day two, he parred-in which was enough to see off his nearest challengers from The Netherlands and Italy.

He received a bottle of Dutch gin, Euros, a medal and max WR4GD ranking points.

Ian was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus when he was 16. This meant an enforced 30-year break from golf for him.

But 15 years ago he was prescribed a new drug which allowed him to play again, albeit limited by the ravages of decades of arthritis and six full joint replacement operations.     

Days before the Dutch event, Ian fell off his trike left of the 11th green at his club at Newbury & Crookham and landed on his shin. 

SEE ALSO: Success as Bewley Homes’ charity golf day raises cash for Sebastian’s Action Trust

Playing partners were quickly on hand to get him back on his feet. However his shin, ankle and foot were still heavily swollen and bruised after the long drive to The Hague and it was looking like a possible ‘W/D’ was on the cards. 

Luckily the swelling subsided enough overnight to allow him to play.

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.

Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.

Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.

Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.

Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.