A GOLFER has returned to the region after winning all of his five games in the one-armed equivalent of the Ryder Cup.

Darren Grey, from Darlington, played the best golf of his career and became the talking point of the Fightmaster Cup held in Kentucky.

Unfortunately, the European team, of which 23-yearold Mr Grey was the youngest member, lost to the Americans by eight and a half points to 19 and a half.

However, Mr Grey, who was born with the lower half of his left arm missing, said the experience of competing against the best one-armed golfers in the world has been one of the greatest experiences of his life.

He is now working on improving his game even further and hopes to cement his place in the European team and compete in the next Fightmaster Cup held in Wales in two years time.

The Fightmaster Cup, is part of the Ryder Cup Experience, and attracted a lot of media attention in the United States.

Mr Grey said: “It was absolutely unbelievable. There were 24 of the best players playing against each other.

“I played exceptionally well and well outside of my handicap.

“I think it was the atmosphere, there was a lot of people there and a lot of encouragement.

“It was like nothing I’ve ever known before, it was like a professional tournament, our names were on our shirts and there were people with scoreboards following us about.

“It was brilliant so if they want me on the Ryder Cup team, I’ve got my clubs ready.”

During his time in Kentucky, Mr Grey also met Don Fightmaster, a leading one-armed golfer, after whom the competition is named.

Mr Grey added: “He was a really nice man, it was lovely to meet him.

“He’s done a lot of things for charity and for his local community.”

Mr Grey, was accompanied to Kentucky by his father, Phil, who acts as his caddie.

Phil Grey said: “Darren played the best golf he’s ever played.

“The Americans were totally blown away by the end of the fifth day, he was the only person they were talking about.

“At points he was playing in winds of 35mph and on one par three he hit the pin.

“I’m always proud of the things he’s done but I was especially proud of him over there.”

Mr Grey’s next tournament is in Scotland at Drumoig, near St Andrews.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Grey can call him on 07962-390718 or email him at the1ab@hotmail.co.uk.