The Team

It is estimated that there are about 12,000 people in Scotland with Parkinson's Disease and there must be a fair number of these who currently play golf or are interested in taking up the game.

Exercise is the only proven way of slowing the progress of disease and golf is recognised to be of particular benefit as it helps develop balance, flexibility and stamina. In addition it provides an opportunity to socialise with like minded people in the fresh air.

Our team is dedicated to providing golfing opportunities for golfers with Parkinson's disease in a safe and inclusive environment.

Jarlath Busby Chair

I was diagnosed with PD in 2017, retired from my career as a vet and took up enjoying golf full time! My home club is Thornton GC in Fife and I love having the chance to socialise and play golf with the society members who are in the same boat.

Iain Kennedy Events Officer

I am 65 years old, married to Trish and have two daughters Emma and Cara. We are all pretty sporty with Trish representing Scotland in Volleyball, Cara representing Scotland at three Commonwealth Games in Gymnastics and Emma representing Renfrewshire at Golf off a handy handicap of 4. I also represented Scotland at Cricket in the 1980's.

I trained as a PE Teacher and taught for around 10 years before moving into the world of sport development where I was employed by Sportscotland as lead manager for coaching and development. I retired in 2017.

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons on 1st April 2021 and do my best to keep active. I attend bootcamps with EC Inspired Coaching once a week and attend the gym at least one other time during the week. I Play golf 2 to 3 times a week at Paisley Golf Club where my handicap is 9.4.

Alex Carruthers Secretary

A native Fifer, I was educated at Kirkcaldy High School and Strathclyde University at the Faculty of Education, Jordanhill Campus. I am still working currently as M.D of Rewards Training (Scotland) after working in Sports Development as a Rugby Development Officer for the SRU/Fife Council.

I enjoyed a brief career as a professional rugby player playing in the European tournament, the Heineken Cup, for Caledonia Reds. I have been in various Scottish squads from Schools, U21, Students, Combined Scottish Districts and a Scottish XV against touring sides including South Africa, Australia and Samoa.

At golf I was the Fife Handicap knock-out champion in 2007, having a lowest handicap of 7. I now play off 16.8 after being diagnosed with P.D in 2019.

I enjoy meeting and playing with fellow P.D golfers and my aim is to spread the mantra of staying fit and healthy until a cure comes along.

George Primrose Treasurer

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in November 2018 just after retiring as a partner in one of Fife’s largest accounting practices. I have always been a keen golfer and since retiring try to play three times a week which helps deal with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Hamish Turnbull Sport Parkinson's Liaison Officer

Tony Bruce Events Officer