Disability team triumphant in Italy

Morecambe's Oliver Hirst-Greenham helped England to win the European Team Championship for Golfers with Disability for the first time in Italy.

Oliver teamed up with Heather Gilks from Coventry to shoot a two-over 73 on the final day, including a brilliant eagle on the 13th, to help England defeat the Netherlands by four shots at Golf Club Genova Sant'Anna.

It was a remarkable double for England, who also came from behind to win the Nations Cup on the final day.

England finished level on points with Ireland but won on countback after birdying the final two holes.

England Disability Coach Adam Keogh said: “We started this programme 15 months ago. and when we first met at Woodhall Spa we had one shared ambition - to win a gold medal at the European Team Championship.

“To be coming home with two is unbelievable. The team spirit and commitment from the players in challenging formats and gruelling weather conditions has been phenomenal."

Morecambe Golf Club member Oliver was named in England's first Disability Performance Squad last year and was among the team of 12 chosen to contest the biennial European Team Championship.

He completed his national hat-trick last year by winning the Scottish Open (by seven shots) and Welsh Open, having been crowned English Open champion in 2023.

Oliver competes in the European Disabled Golf Association, having been born with dysplasia, meaning he has shallow hip sockets.

He represented England at the previous European Team Championship in Germany, helping them to finish second in the Nations Cup.