Amputee in tour debut

The Australian player Geoff Nicholas, 12 times the world amputee champion, will add another chapter to a remarkable story today when he makes his European tour debut.

The 40-year-old has been invited to take part in the £900,000 Johnnie Walker Classic here alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els.

Nicholas was born with both his legs deformed as a result of the controversial drug thalidomide and at the age of 13 his right leg was amputated below the knee. The bones were then used to reconstruct his left leg and Nicholas's golf career took off to such an extent that he turned professional and earned himself a place on the Australasian tour.

That was 10 years ago and although Nicholas has since lost his card, he continues to be an inspiration to other disabled golfers.

His dream remains to play in the Open championship one day. "I dreamt of being a good player and playing in the tournament," he said.