As The G4D Open prepares for its return and a first visit to Wales, few carry greater pride and determination to capitalise on its ongoing positive impact than Mike Jones.
A two-time competitor, the 60-year-old will this year watch on from the sidelines as Celtic Manor welcomes many of the world’s most talented golfers with disabilities for the fourth edition of a championship staged in partnership by the DP World Tour and The R&A.
Jones, a proud Welshman, has become a leading player in golf for the disabled but he is also a hugely respected figure for his impact off the course.
It was in 2015 that Jones, who by then had played off a handicap of two, suffered a life-altering road accident on his motorbike that resulted in his left leg being amputated.
Undeterred, he returned to the game via the EDGA Tour, winning multiple titles, including the Welsh, Spanish, Scottish, and Italian Disabled Opens, while also becoming the top-ranked European golfer with disabilities.
He now combines competing with delivering motivational talks across the UK in the leisure and rehabilitation sectors following his accident.
And, having travelled across Europe to compete over the past decade, Jones is committed to supporting individuals in taking their first steps into golf for the disabled.
“It’s about passing the baton on, that’s how I look at it," he said.
"It’s a very privileged position to be in and I understand that. I have to use the reach that I have got and that reputation that I have built.
"It doesn’t just come to you, you have to work at it, you have to be a decent person, you have to have strong values.
"You have to be a people person and be willing to engage with people, even when they’re really negative and down on themselves."
At his lowest, during a state of depression that preceded his long road to recovery, golf got Jones back on his feet.
Integral to that was watching a video of Manuel De Los Santos, a former baseball player from the Dominican Republic who also lost his left leg in a traffic accident.
At a time when golf for the disabled was struggling for exposure, seeing De Los Santos playing golf without a prosthetic, served as a source of inspiration for Jones.
“It was a trigger; that’s the word I like to use," he said.
"It triggered me to changing how I approached my life, my mindset. Everything changed. I suddenly had a really strong goal.
"I still didn’t know that disabled golf existed, but I thought I can play again. It was the trigger I needed.
"Every night before I went to sleep, I watched the video.
"That was the turning point. From that day forward, my life just took on a new lease, a new direction."
From that day forward, my life just took on a new lease, a new direction.
But that was never going to be enough on its own.
Integral to the on-course success Jones has enjoyed is the rehabilitation support he received from the Newport-based Morrello Clinic.
With the use of leading-edge treadmill technology, Jones learned how to walk properly with his prosthetic.
"I'd fall over all the time," he recalled.
"I am an electrical engineer by trade so the logical approach to recovery was key for me. I could see my data while I was walking.
"Without the equipment and those facilities there is no way my recovery would have been anywhere near as strong."
It was through this specialist rehabilitation destination that Jones met fellow Welshman and future G4D Open competitor Dylan Baines.
Also involved in a road accident, Baines - 22 years old at the time - was left paralysed from the neck down.
From a chance encounter, Jones encouraged Baines to pursue disability golf after watching him hit some balls in the practice range at Celtic Manor.
“He hit some balls, and I just thought, 'c’mon a minute, Dylan, you can play!'", said Jones, who highlighted the ability to compete whatever your handicap.
He added: “Everyone underestimates their ability.”
Jones and Baines quickly forged a friendship, competing at the same EDGA tournaments.
At one such event, with Jones as his caddie, Baines won the title in Portugal.
"It was just phenomenal," said Jones of the memory.
“I was in tears by the side of the green because here was a guy who didn’t think he could do it and not only could he compete but he won it.
"Dylan is a regular participant now. That's what we need to do."
Jones has this year returned to work part time after a decade away, but golf still remains pivotal to his life.
This summer he will represent Europe at the Cairn's Cup, a match play style competition, which is to be held at San Roque in Spain.
With a G4D Ryder Cup announced to take place in Ireland next year, Jones views that as important in spreading the word about opening the game to more young talent.
So for Jones, what is golf's greatest attribute?
"I’m a competitor, a natural competitor. But the social side of it is massively important," he said.
"Anybody who is struggling with tough times with their disability, whatever it may be, whether it be an amputation, paralysis, affliction or psychological, their social circle decreases after time but golf opens up those social circles.
"I have met so many people who were very nervous, showing trepidation about coming along to an event [but] they turned up, we engaged them and they become stalwarts – they can’t wait for the next one.
"So, to me, that’s changing people’s lives."
Jones has seen that first hand with Baines and others, and while he loves the competitive edge, he is adamant that should not be at the detriment of fostering a community spirit among golfers with disabilities.
"I am quite pragmatic and I understand just how important it is to be there in the first place," he said.
"I am desperate to win because that’s just in my nature, I hate losing.
"But I also see how powerful a message you can put out by just being there. It’s a balance, they both supplement each other."
Jones' home course is Pontypool Golf Club, where he practises and plays off a Handicap Index of 10.2.
“I’ll play with absolutely anyone," he added. "I regularly play with para golfers and they’re apologising for some of their shots.
"Don’t be ridiculous, I say. Think, you’re out here playing and that’s what is important.
"It’s all about being out there, playing with them and supporting them.”
While disappointed not to be teeing it up on home soil at the upcoming G4D Open, Jones will play his part off the course through an activation on the Saturday of championship week in collaboration with EDGA and the Morrello Clinic.
He also only has great things to say about his experiences competing at former host venue Woburn.
"In the disability field, we consider it our major," he said.
"You have got Alastair Scott introducing you on the first tee. He’s introduced Tiger Woods so straightaway there is kudos.
"There are nine sport classes so all the disabilities have an opportunity.
“Having it at Celtic Manor, a host venue of the Ryder Cup, is very important. Having a three-year deal is really important [too] because it secures the future.
"You feel like you’re in a big tournament. It’s just a great buzz.
"Everyone is just proud to compete, and I can’t believe the way that disabled golf has grown in the last ten years.
“I remember when I first played an EDGA event, there were six across Europe. I think this year there are over 100 which is quite incredible."
If Mike’s story highlights what is possible for you or others in the game, we encourage you to attend The G4D Open in May, with attendance and car parking free for spectators. Click here to register your interest in attending now.
