A GOLFER who suffered life changing injuries in a motorcycle crash is celebrating after being invited to compete in disabled golf competitions in Europe and afar.

Michael Jones, of Trellech Close, Cwmbran, was involved in a crash on Llantarnam Road which saw him suffer a severe injury to his thigh bone, pelvis and lower leg — which was later amputated. Despite this, the former first division golfer in the Gwent leagues has battled to play his favourite sport again, winning the Welsh and Scottish Disabled Golf Open competitions last year.

After recovering from surgery to remove a metal hip screw and replace his hip and socket, the Cwmbran man will jet to Spain next month to compete in the Spanish Disabled Open.

He has also been invited to compete at the Australian Amputee Championship in Melbourne in March this year and a similar competition in Texas in September.

Mr Jones said: “The healing process is ongoing but the pain has been eliminated and I’m back in a much more intensive rehab now and am getting stronger every day.

“It’s a great feeling starting to have my mobility back and I can’t wait to get started, get out there and shoot some good scores.”

During his recovery, Mr Jones battled to play his favourite sport again despite having complex metal reconstruction work inside his hip.The repair job failed at first, with the bone collapsing around the hip and he had to learn to walk again, receiving treatment at the Morello Clinic in Newport. Looking to the future, he said: “I’m really excited about this season and feel there is an opportunity to win another big event this year.

“There are so many people who have supported me through this last year and I just want to thank them all. If there’s anyone out there with a disability, young or old, there are people out there who want to help you get as active as possible. Go do it and have fun.”

Mr Jones will compete in the Spanish Disabled Open in Malaga between February 10 -13.

For more information visit: disabledgolf.org.uk