A North Foreland Golf Club member has become the first-ever Paragolfer to reach England Golf’s Race To Woodhall Spa final.

Ken Powell amassed 38 points at his home course to finish a point behind Mason Hannant and, in doing so, secured his spot at the Lincolnshire venue in August.

“I’m extremely thrilled to come through the regional qualifying at North Foreland,” the 67-year-old said.

“The setting was perfect for good golf.

“The course was in magnificent condition and the weather was kind, with just a gentle breeze.

“I was a little nervous, representing my home club, but I received a lot of encouragement from the membership. Fortunately, I had a good game and my short game was hot.

“It’ll be great to showcase the Paragolfer in the final at Woodhall Spa and hope I can play well - just being there is a bonus!”

Powell, of Ramsgate, suffered two spinal strokes in 2021, which led to him being hospitalised for almost a year. He feared he might never play golf again, having first got involved in the sport, aged 12.

But after two-and-a-half years of being in hospital and going through rehabilitation, Powell was able to set up a GoFundMe page and raised a £25,000 target that enabled him to buy a Paragolfer.

He revealed: “It was like starting golf all over again.

“I had played to a fairly good standard before - but then, I was trying to hit a golf ball, using just my arms.

“The Paragolfer raises you up to the golf position. So I’m sitting down in the buggy and, when I go to hit a shot, on the control panel, I put it into the mode to raise me up and it raises me up in the air.

“That, obviously, allows me to swing because you can’t swing from the position of sitting down.

“Hopefully, the Paragolfer will encourage others who never thought they would play golf again to have a go as it gives so much enjoyment.

“Hopefully, I can keep improving.

“I would love to get down to a single-figure handicap and just enjoy the whole golfing experience with old and new friends.”