Why disability is no barrier to success with The PGA
He’s been described by his mentor as ‘an icon’ of The PGA. “I’ll take that,” said Gregor McDonald with an appreciative chuckle. The 27-year-old certainly deserves the praise and plaudits that have come his way.
Gregor, 27 suffers from cerebral palsy but, in this all-embracing game for every walk of life, the young Scot continues to prove that a disability is no barrier to accomplishment.
Based at the Cluny Clays facility in Kirkcaldy, he graduated as a fully-qualified PGA Member in 2023 and his journey is an inspiring tale of determination, defiance, enthusiasm and endeavour.
“I never thought I would do something like this, especially when I was younger with all the difficulties that I faced. But I’ve proved that a disability shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your goals. I’m one of the very few disabled PGA pros and hopefully I can inspire a few more to come down this route.”
PGA Professional, Gregor McDonald
A key part of his development has been the sage counsel of Craig Donnelly, the vastly-experienced PGA pro who took McDonald under his wing at a young age and has watched his golfing career flourish.
“Given his obvious limitations, it is a wonderful achievement and helping him through The PGA Training Programme has given me a great amount of pride,” said Donnelly, who runs a number of golf facilities in the UK and Spain. “He’s spent his entire life just getting on with it and he’s never shied away from a challenge. I first met him over 10 years ago. His mum said, ‘just treat him as a normal kid and he’ll pick it all up’. Sure enough, he has.
“Because of his physical limitations, he plays cack-handed and, back in those early days, we built a swing and a golf game around that. We introduced more hybrids and lofted woods into his bag. We just had to make some wee adjustments to make it a bit easier for him. Initially, it wasn’t about making him a pro, it was just about making him a better golfer but we just kept on developing to the point where I got him enrolled in The PGA system.”
Embarking on the PGA degree, run in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands, was a rigorous yet rewarding examination of McDonald’s physical and mental abilities and he embraced the various challenges with great gusto. Performing club repairs, for instance, with essentially one hand was one of those challenges but McDonald persevered. Under Donnelly’s shrewd eye, he was able to develop the multi-tasking qualities that are part and parcel of being a PGA Professional.
“I told him not to exclude anything,” Donnelly added. “I encourage all my staff to do a bit of everything, whether it’s coaching, custom fitting, repairs, whatever.
“We have also worked hard on his ability to communicate. We have pushed him to do group classes and speak in front of a crowd. It wasn’t his strongest area but he came through it with flying colours. A business like ours lends itself to an all-round approach and Gregor has really embraced that.”
McDonald’s strength of character, as well as the modesty and affable nature that has endeared him to many, continues to stand him in good stead.
“Determination is one of his great strengths,” said Donnelly. “And he’s the most likeable person ever too. Nobody has a bad word to say about him. He’s also got loads of patience and all those people he has coached say that too. That’s a great attribute for life, not just golf.
“He is an icon for The PGA. We love him to bits. We always say that he should shout from the rooftops about what’s he’s achieved but he’s not that kind of guy.”
As for the guy himself? Well, now that’s he’s a fully qualified PGA pro, it’s a case of onwards and upwards.
“Graduating has been a nice reward for all the hard work I’ve put in as well as the support Craig has given me,” said McDonald. “He’s watched me progress from a junior to a PGA pro. Hopefully, there’s more to come. In this game, you never stop learning.”