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| Vivien Hamilton -- Courtesy of Ed Hodge |
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| The Scotsman Newspaper - Click to enlarge |
The Scotsman 19 Apr 2019 By ED HODGE
As Tiger Woods’ remarkable triumph at the Masters captivated the golfing world last Sunday, the event brought back fresh memories for an amateur golfer who credits the sport for aiding her recovery from serious illness.
Vivien Hamilton, a 62-year old member at Douglas Park Golf Club, was as enthralled as anyone as Woods sensationally claimed his first major title since 2008 at Augusta National. Seven years ago, the tournament held extra significance for Hamilton as she persuaded doctors to allow her home from a hospital ward so she could witness the final 36 holes during her recovery from a stroke.
That was the second serious health issue to strike Hamilton who underwent treatment for cancer in 2009. Now back enjoying her golf as part of the blossoming women’s membership at the Bearsden club on the outskirts of Glasgow, Hamilton’s story is among the highlights of this week’s first ever Golf and Health Week. It is a dedicated digital and social media campaign, co-ordinated by the R&A and involving various golf bodies, designed to shine a light on the sport’s various health benefits and encourage golfers, lapsed golfers and non-golfers on to the fairways.
“In 2009 I went through chemotherapy and was very sick. It was a tough time,” recalls Vivien. “I remember being in my bed, looking out to the sky and always thinking ‘I wonder what it would be like to get out there again’. I came down to the course after the treatment was over and heard one of the ladies coming off the course grumbling and I thought about what is important in life. I was thinking ‘I’ve been living in a bedroom’. It was so amazing when I eventually played again, just wonderful. I felt there was still a life.”
Hamilton eased her way back by playing nine-hole medals to keep her handicap active, while everyone at Douglas Park was so supportive. Yet when she was hit with the stroke in 2012, she had to dig deep again.
“It was really awful. It’s affected my lifestyle, not only my golf,” adds Hamilton. “I hate how tired I am, I still have challenges from it, but you keep going. I was in hospital for a week and remember asking the consultant if I could go home for the Masters over the weekend! It was just amazing to come out of a ward and see it at home.”
On the road back to health, Hamilton says golf has played a huge role in her recovery. The research manager for art at Glasgow Museums continues: “I have a stroke on the right side of my body, but one of the things the consultant said to me was to get back out there on the golf course when I could. The stroke affected my speech and spatial awareness, and as 62-year-old Vivien Hamilton thrilled to Tiger Woods’ triumph at the Masters on Sunday, the Douglas Park golfer recalled how the tournament played a big part in her recovery from a stroke. so for the consultant the idea of having to concentrate and hit a ball was fabulous. It took me a few months though, as the reality of the tiredness hit me hard. That first hit of the ball after my health problems felt so good. It is just a beautiful feeling of achievement. Golf, physically, has been good for me, as well as the fresh air, with some nice company who share your values.”
Today’s final day of Golf and Health Week shines a light on club level, offering clubs the opportunity to highlight their work in this area and share positive stories. The collaborative campaign has been running using the hashtag #Golfhealthweek and included content on the physical and mental health benefits of playing golf and projects being delivered by golf bodies and clubs, primarily within Great Britain and Ireland but also in other countries including Canada and Australia.
Hamilton enjoys the camaraderie and competition at Douglas Park and is delighted to be reaping the sport’s health benefits.
“There is a real buzz around the club,” she says. “I love the friendship, the fresh air, the nature and being away from work. Robert Irvine, the professional, has given me lessons.
“Golf is a game that is so good for your soul. During my illnesses, the girls here were so supportive. I thought I would get better at the sport, but never have! I’m now off a 32 handicap, but I’m just delighted to be enjoying and playing golf. I love it.”
● To get involved in Golf and Health Week, use #Golfhealthweek
