Well that's my quest completed. Last week on Tuesday April 16th, I turned 55 years old and will have been diagnosed with Parkinson's for 6.5 years. I was lucky enough that day to be playing a round of golf, with the three people who have given me the most playing support to my trips. My son, Luke, my friend from the oil industry, Les Beesley, and my friend from West Hill GC, Kevin Parrington. We played 18 holes around The Old Course at St. Andrews, the home of golf, and were lucky enough to experience all the history that goes with that. Thanks to the amazing support, primarily from friends at West Hill, we were  cheered down the 18th hole by 30 onlooking friends, and given a fanfare by a bagpiper from behind the 18th green !! I felt very humbled and uplifted. 

My hope from this quest, as well as to raise money for valuable Parkinson's research, was that I would inspire people living with Parkinson's disease to keep playing golf, or to return to playing golf. I hope I have done that. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way. Dave

As a golfing enthusiast diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 48 in 2017, lockdown got me thinking and resulted in me beginning a personal quest, and a fundraising effort. 

Whilst I can still walk a course, and maintain a reasonable handicap, I have set about the challenge of playing the GB&I top 100 golf courses as listed in Golf Monthly. 

I’ve now played 98 of the top 100. I will finish up at St.Andrews Old Course on my birthday in April.

My aim is to demonstrate that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not the end of an active life. I can still carry, or push, my bag around 18 holes at an acceptable pace, and have a handicap index of 13.7

The benefits of playing golf to Parkinson’s symptoms are untold, from improving flexibility, to maintaining social interaction and cognitive skills.

Through helping to raise awareness, I hope to bring people back to play the game who have given up due to their diagnosis. Give encouragement to those with PD who continue to play, and to raise money for Parkinson’s research.

Thanks and kind regards,

Dave Andrews

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