Man born with no hands says golf 'saved his life'

A Jersey teenager born with a congenital limb deficiency (CLD) said learning to play golf had been "life-saving" for him.

Adam Dalton, who lives by the motto "no hands, no limits", has underdeveloped arms, no hands and only the use of his left leg.

The 19-year-old played in The G4D Open earlier this month, competing against talented golfers from across the world.

He said he discovered golf while trying out many sports to see which he could enjoy playing without pain.

Mr Dalton said he played lots of sports as a child but as he grew older the growth-related issues in his legs became painful.

He said he started playing golf because the sport did not cause pain for his prosthetic leg.

Mr Dalton said: "The second I picked up the golf club and whacked that golf ball I loved it."

He continued: "It's just been fantastic. People don't realise how more than just a sport golf is - it's such a social sport."

After he left school, Mr Dalton said he felt "lost" and was a "nervous kid" but golf helped him to build his confidence.

He said: "Finding a sport that I could play and I enjoyed, it felt welcoming and warming and life-saving."

Mr Dalton added playing golf improved his mental health because being good at the sport and winning competitions gave him a sense of achievement.

Mr Dalton explained that he held the golf club under his armpit and used his body to swing.

He said his prosthetic leg caused him the most issues while playing as it was difficult and uncomfortable to stand on uneven surfaces which could affect his shot.

Mr Dalton has played in European Disabled Golf Association (Edga) competitions which made him feel "like part of a family".

He said that although everyone playing had different disabilities, they all "came together and found the amazing sport of golf".

Mr Dalton has been playing at the Royal Jersey Golf Club since he was 16.

He said their junior golf programme was "really ive" and helped him improve his game and confidence.

Mr Dalton will be playing in tournaments in Ireland, England, and Portugal later this year.

He said: "A few years ago I would not have thought we'd be planning multiple competitions away [...] It's just fantastic.

"It's opened up my world completely."

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