Ex-PGA golfer regains independence through pioneering folding mobility scooter

Despite living with severe walking difficulties, ex- Professional Golf Association (PGA) golfer Steve Thomson, aged 52, has been able to regain freedom with the help of a new type of folding Maximo mobility scooter from TGA, a national provider of mobility products.

The four wheeled, 4mph Maximo scooter that folds in one piece and fits into a car boot, has enabled Mr Thomson of Glasgow, to once more access the local coastline with his wife and dogs and re-live the ‘links golf’ he used to play.

Mr Thomson explained: “I haven’t owned my Maximo long but it is already making a big difference to my life. Being able to walk my two Norwich Terriers Rufus and Hugo near the beach is fantastic.

“The fact the Maximo folds quickly and with a hoist I can store it in our Honda CRV means I have the ability to travel further afield again. Being able to enjoy the outdoors keeps my morale up especially as I need to have more surgery on my shoulder soon as a result of using crutches for too many years.”

Mr Thomson achieved his PGA tour card in 1987 and competed in global golfing competitions for more than 15 years. Mr Thomson played with legendary names such as Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Colin Mongomerie and Ian Woosnam.

However, following an unsuccessful double hip replacement, his ability to demonstrate and play the game were halted indefinitely.

Mr Thomson underwent cutting-edge surgery with a new type of artificial hip joint, yet the technology proved to be faulty and resulted in his inability to walk. With permanent damage to surrounding muscles and the ongoing prospect of further regressive surgery, Mr Thomson was desperate to regain the ability to be mobile.

This became possible when he took ownership of a folding Maximo scooter from TGA.

Commenting on importance of the Maximo, Mr Thomson added: “Considering my previous professional sporting career, living with disability can be tough but you must remain positive. It would be fantastic if one day I could return to teaching and playing golf, however in the meantime I know my Maximo will help me keep focused on rehabilitation and carrying on with day-to-day life as best I can.”