Bespoke Ping clubs help Ethan enjoy the sport he loves
Ethan Fanneran-Burley, 17, from Etchinghill Golf Club in Kent, has dwarfism and loves to play golf. However, his clubs were either too big or too small, leaving him feeling frustrated and unable to play at his best.
Now, a new custom-fitted set of PING Prodi G clubs awarded by the Trust is helping Ethan improve his game, hitting the ball more consistently and winning an annual disability competition with Kent Golf.
“I love golf and it gives me a great feeling of independence when I play,” said Ethan.
“It’s rare that I have ever felt like I can compete on a level playing field when it comes to sport. In school sports days I was often a helper.
“But my old clubs didn’t fit me and this was adding to the frustration I have with a lot of sports. I love golf and now my new clubs are boosting my skills, confidence and enjoyment.
“I have Maroteaux-Lamy disease, and dwarfism is part of my condition. I also have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and the grips on my clubs are not good. New, fitted clubs are helping me play, boosting my confidence and increasing my enjoyment.
“My confidence has skyrocketed since I started using the new clubs. I am hitting the ball more consistently and my distances have improved. In a competition at my club, I got a birdie on a 165-yard par 3.
“The points from that hole helped me to win the Ford Cup, an annual disability golf competition with Kent Golf at Stonelees Golf Centre.
“I had tried disability football, craving inclusivity, but was saddened to find it exclusive. I then tried fencing but my sight and size made it difficult to progress. I then met PGA Professional Gary Bason, a Kent Golf Disability Coach. He told me that if I can hold and swing a club, regardless of how I do either, then golf was for me. He also explained the handicap system to me which would allow me to be competitive with my peers, something which the two previous sports I tried didn’t allow.”
The young golfer has monthly golf lessons with Kent Disability Golf and tries to visit the range fortnightly between lessons. He also usually plays with his parents and siblings once a fortnight at Etchinghill Golf Club.
Ethan is looking forward to getting a golf trolley which will make playing easier and is also hoping to have more regular lessons.
“Thank you, England Golf Trust, for my new clubs,” said Ethan. “I know the more I play the greater confidence and enjoyment I will get.”
Ethan’s dad Kevin said his son is an inspiring and exceptional young man who personifies resilience and unwavering determination. The teenager is always positive, pointing out that however tough life is, others are in worse situations.
“Ethan thoroughly loves his golf sessions and being out on the course,” said Kevin. “The simple idea that he can be good and competitive at something, is a boost.
“It’s quite something for him to be able to say, ‘I am going to give you a good game of golf, and I have a chance to beat you!’”
