David Ward, 61, a former military serviceman from Plymouth who lost his right leg in a plane crash in 1989, will compete in his 14th consecutive Simpson Cup this November

A Plymouth Veteran and competitive golfer is preparing for 14th Simpson Cup appearance – three years after a pioneering knee treatment literally “saved his game”

David Ward, 61, a former military serviceman from Plymouth who lost his right leg in a plane crash in 1989, will compete in his 14th consecutive Simpson Cup this November (1– 4 November), three years after being treated for debilitating knee osteoarthritis.

David has played in the Ryder Cup-style event - contested between teams of 13 injured service members and military veterans - every year since its inception in 2012 and has Captained the Great Britain team on three occasions.

David took up golf five years after his accident, aged 30, and has played for over three decades, his last eight at his local golf club, Boringdon Park, with a handicap of 10.4. But the years of extra load on his left leg - the one now doing the work of two - gradually wore down the knee. By 2022 it was ‘bone on bone’, and even standing for a few minutes, whether waiting to swing and take a golf shot or just peeling vegetables in his kitchen, had become difficult. Walking the course – with its hills and bunkers - meant always walking in pain.

David says: "I played lots of sport during my time in the military but never golf. Following my accident the game was suggested to me by a colleague and I've never looked back. But over the last few years, despite two keyhole surgery procedures, the ‘bone-on-bone’ got worse. It would flare up and I'd have to sit down as a matter of urgency, no matter where I was or what I was doing.

"I would find it difficult to stand up for a long time, and at night I would often wake up in pain. It was greatly affecting my game of golf and also my confidence - often I would be standing over my shot but distracted and terrified my leg would give way at any minute. I had to wear a supportive metal strap the whole time on my leg to strengthen it and help offset the physical demands on the knee joint, but I just knew I couldn't go on for much longer and was seriously worried I would have to give up the game I loved for good."

In 2023, David was treated with Arthrosamid, an injectable hydrogel for knee osteoarthritis given as a single outpatient injection, in his left knee. David says it’s been a “game changer” for him; "My left knee is now so much stronger. It's enhanced my life and I'm still feeling the benefits today - walking the course with confidence, enjoying my golf, and getting back to the things I love. My golf has definitely improved as a result"

He says that without the treatment, this year's run - his 14th in a row - would have been in doubt. Now he is looking ahead to November with the rest of the Great Britain squad, defending the title after an emphatic 12–7 win over the United States at Royal St George's in 2025.

"We have a great team for this year's event. It's always a really closely fought competition and playing on American soil will always be tough, but we are going in as defending champions so of course we really fancy our chances!

“We have two practice games in Nottingham at the end of this month, which will help us prepare, and with a highly experienced squad led by first-time captain and seven-time veteran Neil Flynn, we feel we have a really strong chance to retain the cup. Watch this space!", adds David.

The Simpson Cup is contested annually by teams of 13 injured Service personnel and veterans from each nation and is the flagship event of the On Course Foundation, the charity founded by the former, leading sports management ‘agent’, John Simpson MBE to help wounded veterans rebuild confidence and careers through golf. This year's match takes place at Shady Oaks Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas, from 1-4 November.

John Simpson MBE, Chairman and Founder of the On Course Foundation and the Simpson Cup, said: "David's story is a powerful example of determination and perseverance. As the only player to have competed in every Simpson Cup since 2012, he has become synonymous with the spirit of the event. Golf has been a vital part of his recovery journey, and it is wonderful to see him preparing for a 14th consecutive appearance after overcoming the knee problems that threatened to end his playing career. Everyone at the On Course Foundation is immensely proud of David and wishes him and Team GB every success in defending the title this November."