Mark drives his way to silverware

Mark drives his way to silverware

AN inspirational Ballynahinch golfer has just been crowned European champion.

Fifty three year-old Mark Gibson was the overall winner of the European Challenge for Wheelchair Golfers held at Club de Golf Terramar near Barcelona, last Thursday and Friday.

He displayed an overwhelming superiority over the chasing pack and took a double prize by winning both categories, scratch and handicap, all just 24 hours after driving to the course from his home in Ballynahinch.

Mark, a member of Spa Golf Club who has been in a wheelchair since the age of 17 following an accident, delivered the best partial results of 12-18, for a total of 30 points, six ahead of the French player Jean Marie Requeut, scratch runner-up with 24.

Mark, who has a handicap of 18.6, was also placed at the top of the leaderboard in the handicap category with an aggregate of 65 points (30-35), more than two points ahead of Brouder and Kalkman

This victory is just the latest sporting achievement for the talented sportsman, who only took up golf seriously in 2000.

Prior to this, he was a more than accomplished snooker player and in addition to winning the British Disabled Open six times, he also lifted the World title in 1982.

However, he was then consumed with a passion for golf and hasn’t looked back.

He has won the British Handigolf crown on several occasions, but last Friday’s win in Spain was the biggest of his career and he is hoping to return next year to defend his title.

“I was naturally delighted winning the European title last week and hope to return in 12 months time to defend the crown. A lot depends, however, on finance as the trip cost more than £1,500,” he told the Down Recorder last night.

“I am currently seeking sponsorship from whatever quarter as quite a few players on the circuit receive financial help from various sectors and anyone willing to help out can contact me at Spa Golf Club.

“ In addition to my family, I have a lot of people to thank for getting me this far. Trevor Jones accompanied me to Spain and is always on hand to give me advice and help out with the driving,” he added.

“Thanks to Tom Stokes Engineering from Temple for all their help with my custom-built buggy and to Alastair Thompson who helped sort out the electronics on it.

“Finance apart, I am hoping to play in this year’s British National Championships at Darenth Valley Golf Club in Kent in July and after that I will just concentrate on getting my club handicap down.

“ I really enjoy competing with able bodied golfers at Spa and have won the Mark Gibson trophy — named by the club in his honour — for the Wednesday Sweep competition overall winner, twice.”

If skill, commitment and determination are anything to go by then Mark is already a winner and given a hand with financial support there is no reason whey he can’t successfully defend his European title in 12 months time.