Derbyshire golfer wins place in 2026/27 England Disability Performance Squad
Disability hasn’t stopped golfer doing well at the game she loves
A golfer with a spinal issue has won a place in a national squad designed to help players with disabilities make a mark on the game.
Bethany Charlton, from Matlock, competes with a fused spine following surgery to treat severe double curve scoliosis.
That hasn’t stopped her doing well at the game she loves and her progress has been recognised by selection for England Golf’s 2026/27 National Disability Performance Squad.
Bethany shot the lowest women's gross at this year’s English Disability Open.
She was Derbyshire County Match Play champion last year and runner-up this year and an inaugural Derbyshire Order of Merit Winner 2025 for her consistent performances across county stroke play and match play championships.
In addition she has been awarded Derbyshire first and second teams and her honours stretch as far back as winning the Derbyshire Scratch Cup back in 2018.
Bethany is included in Band 4 of the new squad which plays a key role in England Golf’s long-term ambition to make golf one of the most accessible and appealing sports for disabled people.
It also provides a clear pathway towards representing England in international competition.
The 2026/27 group consists of 16 players, divided across four performance bands, which help inform team and tournament selection decisions.
The banding structure has been established by EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association), with players earning selection through the organisation’s qualification criteria.
England Golf National Disability Coach Adam Keogh said: “Building on the success of our inaugural Disability Squad in 2025/26, we're excited to begin the next chapter with this one.
“It's fantastic to welcome back a number of players while also introducing some new faces who have earned their place."
Bethany and her squad mates will be helped along by the addition of Jordan Massey as putting coach and Fiona Scott as strength and conditioning coach.
Added Mr Keogh: “There is real momentum behind the programme.”