'People are surprised when I golf sitting down'

Terry Kirby is a six-time national wheelchair champion

A paraplegic golfer is to represent Europe in a tournament inspired by the Ryder Cup.

Terry Kirby, from East Yorkshire, has no feeling from the chest down and plays in a wheelchair.

The 68-year-old will compete against the US in the 30th Phoenix Cup, for golfers with disabilities, at St Andrews, in Scotland, next week.

"When I show up, people expect me to get off the buggy and play my shots," he said. "They're quite surprised when I put the ball down and hit it from sitting down."

Mr Kirby has been paraplegic for 30 years after doctors removed a 2.5in (6cm) tumour from his spinal cord.

It followed a motorbike crash in which he broke both of his legs while in the Army.

“I had been playing golf for 18 months at that point and I was gutted thinking I wouldn’t be able to play again," he said.

"But four weeks later I was playing in my first competition and the following year I went back and I actually won it."

Mr Kirby, who plays with one arm, says people should all be able to compete on a level playing field

Mr Kirby, a member of Ganstead Park and Springhead Park golf clubs, both in the Hull area, is a six-time national wheelchair champion.

He uses one arm to play his shots and is believed to be the first seated golfer to captain a club.

"I just get a buzz from it. Disabled sport has given me so much. I have so many special memories,” he said.

David Thomson says Mr Kirby is an "inspirational" member of the Ganstead club

The Phoenix Cup is described as a showcase for how people of "all skills and abilities" can play together because of the golf handicap system.

Mr Kirby, who chairs the Handigolf Foundation for players with disabilities, said: "We all watch the Olympics and other disabled sports and golf is no different. We should all be able to compete on a level playing field.

“It’s just exciting, I’m going to go and play the Old Course at St Andrews where so many great golfers have gone before.

"It’s going to be great to meet old friends, make new friends and hopefully beat the Americans."

Mr Kirby supports other people with disabilities to take up the sport

Club mate David Thomson described Mr Kirby as an "inspiration".

"We weren’t surprised he got chosen for this competition, he’s first class,” he said.

Another friend, Andy Garside, said Mr Kirby was a "fine example" for people with disabilities who might be looking for another interest.

"Terry goes across the country supporting others to encourage them to take up the sport and it’s absolutely amazing what he’s achieved,” he added.

The Phoenix Cup, between Team Europe and Team America, will be staged from Monday to Wednesday.

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