Deaf golfers to represent England on world stage

A 68-year-old deaf golfer who is representing England on the world stage has said his selection is proof that "it doesn't matter what age you are - build your dreams".

Brian Robinson, who plays for Normanton Golf Club in Wakefield, is among a number of players from Yorkshire forming part of the 24-strong squad selected to play at the World Deaf Golf Championships in Sweden.

Robinson joked that although he may be "like a grandad" to his team mates, he looked forward to "meeting new faces" in the international deaf golfing community.

"I'm proud to represent my country at my age. It's a dream come true," he said.

Robinson and his team mates travelled to Löddeköpinge on Friday with England Deaf Golf for the nine-day event.

Because hearing loss is different for every individual, players at an international level must have hearing loss averaging at least 55 decibels in their better ear, according to the organisation.

While playing, competitors must also remove hearing aids and external cochlear implant equipment if they use them.

Donna Serridge-Cross, 41, from Mirfield, uses British Sign Language as her first language and explained that removing her hearing aid had a real impact when playing golf.

"Suddenly, everything becomes completely silent. I can't hear the sound of the club striking the ball, the wind, or someone shouting 'fore'."

Serridge-Cross said this would be her sixth World Deaf Golf Championships, and she described the tournament as "a fantastic experience".

"I am very proud to be part of Yorkshire Deaf Golf. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive - it feels like one big family."

Meanwhile, Charlotte Dixon, from Leeds, said it would be her first time competing at the event.

The 43-year-old has over three decades of golfing experience to her name, starting as a junior at Sand Moor Golf Club, where she remains a member to this day.

Robinson and Serridge-Cross have also played for both deaf and hearing clubs over the years, with Robinson frequently playing for Normanton Golf Club's team.

Dixon said she was introduced to deaf golf last year after she attended the Open Championship at Moor Allerton.

She said she was "really excited" to represent England and praised the community built around the sport.

"It can be daunting to join in with deaf sport, particularly if you're used to being in a hearing world," she added.

"I think it's wonderful that we can all find a way to communicate in deaf golf."

People with hearing loss communicate in many different ways, including speech, sign language and lip reading, or with the aid of cochlear implants or a combination of methods.

Sign languages also differ between countries, but Robinson said he was confident it would not be a barrier in Sweden.

"Obviously sign language will be a little bit different, but we can cope," he said.

Jamie Chivers, outreach officer for England Deaf Golf, said the world championships represented "the pinnacle of stand-alone international deaf golf".

"We travel to Sweden confident our players can compete with the very best," he said.

"These players are not simply representing England in Sweden. They are also helping to change perceptions of what deaf athletes can achieve."

Chivers said he hoped the team would inspire the next generation of deaf golfers, and would "encourage clubs across the country to become even more welcoming, accessible and inclusive".

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