A para-golfer from Dumbarton is set to captain Europe as they take on the US in next year’s Phoenix Cup.
Jim Hamill, 63, was part of the Scotland team who lifted the prestigious prize earlier this month – defeating squads from Wales, England and the USA at the Forest of Arden in the Midlands.
The final scores saw Scotland finish on 71 points, Wales on 63, England on 58 and the USA on 25.
And after being vice-captain this year, Jim will step up to skipper Europe in next year’s event in Santa Barbara, California – where he is expecting the US to prove formidable opposition on home soil.
He said: “I’m looking forward to that immensely. It will be absolutely fantastic.
“The Americans will be really gunning for us. I think they were a bit shocked at just how good we were.
“They are used to the manufactured courses which are well manicured. They were hitting the ball for miles but it was hitting the greens and bouncing off.
“That unfamiliarity with the courses and the very dry conditions were where they had their issues.
“Over here we’re used to playing in those kind of conditions.”
Reflecting on the 2022 success Jim, who only took up golf later in life having lost his left leg following a road traffic collision whilst visiting his wife’s homeland of Belize, continued: “Originally we were really worried about the Americans, more so than the other home nations, but basically we put them all to the sword.
“On day one it was quite tight between Scotland and England. On day two we came away quite pleased with ourselves, although Wales had a strong day.
“We won on the third day of competition too.
“None of us are in our youth, but we played out of our skin.
“We have a few younger guys who are army veterans. They have amputations and other debilitating conditions.
“There was great camaraderie between everyone.”
Jim was also proud to be involved in helping boost the image of disability golf.
He added: “Although we won, I think disabled golf was the overall winner. So many onlookers made comments about it.
“They were so impressed to see all these disabled golfers. People were coming up and saying how much admiration they had for everyone getting out and playing.
“They would say that they go out and complain about a sore arm or sore wrist, and they see us with no legs. One of the American chaps had no leg and crutches.
“Everyone played to the best of their ability, and on the day Scotland were the best.”
It’s been a successful month all-round for Hamill, who followed up the Phoenix Cup win by lifting the Welsh Disabled Open just days later.
He joked: “The golfing god’s were certainly smiling down on Scotland and myself in particular this month.”
