José Bagnarelli

José talks about his life before and after his motorcycle accident and how he spent most of his working career with radio and TV and how golf has impacted his life.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with José Bagnarelli

Tom Beard

At first glance it is easy to look at Tom Beard and wonder why he is playing in an event for golfers with a disability. He is one of the estimated 74% of people with an unseen disability.

Tom credits a lot of people in this interview, chief amongst which are his parents Tim and Jayne, and recounts how his Dad gave him his first taste of the game that  he now loves at just five years of age.

Cristiano Berlanda

When Cristiano Berlanda breathed the words, “Golf is a beautiful medicine for the spirit,” they emerged from the depths of his soul, igniting my curiosity to learn more about this fascinating man from Bergamo, in the Lombardy region of Italy. 

The story of Cristiano starts in an Italian orphanage, sees him bring enjoyment to thousands of revellers, and reveals the importance of family.

Chris Biggins

Chris Biggins from the United States, is a qualified PGA of America Professional, and the head coach of the junior programme at his club. Chris has some Bee Hags (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), and is aiming to compete in the Paralympics at both Ski and Golf.

Please enjoy an extract from my conversation with Chris Biggins.

Joakim Bjorkman

EDGA golfer Joakim Bjorkman talks with Tony Bennett about his life growing up having been diagnosed with achondroplasia which means i’m short stature.

Listen (and watch) to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Swedish golfer Joakim Bjorkman

Kenny Bontz

The words “I need my life back” came deep from within the soul of Kenny Bontz. The flamboyant American, who hails from New Jersey, is chiselled from a different kind of rock. 

Get past the mohawk, beyond the confident walk and cut through the hard man exterior, and you will find a man who has experienced the pressure of disease, felt the heat of addiction, and who has emerged on the other side, shining like a precious diamond.

Andreas Brandenberger

Andreas – born in Athens – brought up in Kansas with two brothers and three sisters, explains how living life with Phocomelia has had its challenges, but has made him into the man he is today.  

Listen to the Andreas Brandenberger story.

Carol Brill

In this far-reaching conversation, Carol Brill explains how she would often find her Mum crying at the kitchen sink and how her Dad had been a wonderful educator to her throughout her life.

“You never focus on the problem – you always focus on the solution,” are never far away from her consciousness and are aptly followed by, “If there is no solution, then find it.” 

Mike Browne 

Former Royal Artillery Gunner, Mike Browne has torn up the norm, going from beginner golfer to professional status in just over two years. His life, he says, has gone from rock bottom, and he now sits in the top places of the Gross World Ranking.   

Listen to the Mike Browne story.

Aimi Bullock

Aimi talks about her life dealing with the challenges brought on by MS.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Aimi Bullock

Mathieu Cauneau

Mathieu talks about his life dealing with the challenges brought on by a missing left hand.

Luisa Ceola

A trinity of words that have formed a pattern of life for Luisa Ceola can be summarised as being, invisible, determined and resilient.
Luisa was born in Padova, just as the seventies, a decade full of social and technological change, was on the horizon. 

As crucial as these breakthroughs were, even then the medical profession could not figure out what was happening to Luisa.

Warren Clark

Warren talks about the challenges he faces as a young golfer with autism and learning disabilities. Remarkably through his own charity, Warren has introduced a staggering 5000 people to golf. He’s also a qualified S.N.A.G (Starting New at Golf) coach and an ambassador for the Arctic One Foundation and the Golf Foundation and HSBC Golf Roots. 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Warren Clark

Tony is laid-back, and in this short but revealing interview, I had the opportunity to get to know the man that I have enjoyed spending time around, just a little bit better.

Kent Danielsen

Kent talks about the challenges he faces as a young golfer with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome. 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Kent Danielsen

Dennis Duchi

Dennis has an infectious, can do attitude, and is grateful for, as he puts it, his second lease on life. Golf has been part of his life for more that 50 years, except for an enforced ten year absence. 

Please enjoy my conversation with Dennis Duchi.

Pierre Dumas

In this interview for EDGAGOLF.com, Pierre tells us how he started playing golf, the emotional experience of playing with the French team and how he became so enthusiastic about golf that he eventually decided to write a book.

EDGA – Pieter & Helena

Look behind the vast majority of successful organisations, and we can find a story of determination, struggle, conflict, doubt, tough decisions and of course, the people who took the first steps.

Helena Brobeck and Pieter van Duijn were just two of several pioneers that looked to unite disability associations, and their national federations.

Paul Ellison

Paul talks about his life dealing with the challenges brought on by Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Condition.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Paul Ellison

Jason Hicks Faircloth

Founder of the United States Disabled Golf Association, Jason Hicks Faircloth  talks with Tony Bennett about his life growing up with cerebral palsy 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Jason Hicks Faircloth

Pierjean Frison

Pierjean talks about his early military career as a fighter pilot leading up to his current work as an anchor with French TV station France-3.  In his interview, Pierjean also talks about the accident that impacted his life and his passion for golf.  

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Pierjean Frison

Mike Gays

Mike explains how he had got involved in many sports and found that Golf was right for him. He talks about losing count of the number of surgeries that he has had and that his mantra is simply “that you just have to get through things”.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Mike Gays

James Gribble

It all changed for James in a split second, but I guess that is the way almost all accidents happen. One minute he was sat on a stool and the next lying on is back in the sand. 

James had gone to Africa as a stong and fit young man, and left as a quadraplegic. This is the story of one mans perspecetive, his determination and obsession.

George Groves

George talks about the challenges he faces as a young golfer with Els Palsy.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with George Groves

Gregorio Guglielminetti

Chartered Accountant, Gregorio Guglielminetti, the fun-loving Italian from Turin, gives thanks to his Family for the life he lives today. 

“When I was a child, my family never treated me as a disabled person. I congratulate them because it helped me to integrate into society, and because of their decisions, I never felt disabled.

Mauricio Gutierez-Pena

EDGA golfer Mauricio Gutierez-Pena  talks with Tony Bennett about how his life dramatically changed in an instant after being shot in the back by a bandit.

Listen (and watch) to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Mexican golfer Mauricio Gutierez-Pena 

Christian Hamilton

Inclusion – Senior Manager for Golf Australia, and PGA of Australia professional, Christian Hamilton has a unique view on how golf can truly become an inclusive game that represents the broader community.

Listen to the Christian Hamilton story. 

Kevin Harmison

Kevin explains what happened on a fateful day that resulted in a life-changing accident, and how, even though he had a loving family, he still had to overcome, suicidal thoughts and social isolation.
 
Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Kevin Harmison.

Ashley Harris

Ashley talks about the challenges he faces as a young golfer with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Ashley Harris

Stewart Harris

Former Welsh Guard Stewart Harris talks with Tony Bennett about a lifetime of experiences wrapped up into just 35 years.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Stewart Harris

Richard Hoff

EDGA golfer Richard Hoff talks with Tony Bennett about his life growing up with Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly called ADD

Listen (and watch) to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Swedish golfer Richard Hoff

Jes Høgh

EDGA golfer and ex high profile football player Jes Høgh talks with Tony Bennett about his life and the effect of a massive blood clot that had formed on his brain

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Jes Høgh

James Hourigan

This conversation reveals how a near-fatal car accident in Johannesburg resulted in James Hourigan having a word with the man upstairs, and him finding a game which means everything.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with James Hourigan.

Shlomo Ivgi

Shlomo talks about his life dealing with the challenges brought on by a tragic accident that left him paralysed

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Shlomo Ivgi

Josh Jones

My conversation with Josh Jones was recorded in the Media Centre at the 2019 Emirates Australian Open. Josh was delighted to receive the award for being the leading Stableford player in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability, and grateful to have found a game that he can be fully engrossed in after some dark days.

Please enjoy my conversation with Josh Jones.

Mike Jones

From a traumatic accident that could have killed him to walking again and winning golf tournaments, Mike Jones’s story is intrinsically linked with the sport he loves.

“Golf saved my life”, is not a line you hear every day. Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Mike Jones

Monique Kalkman

EDGA golfer Monique Kalkman talks with Tony Bennett about how cancer as a teenager left her in a wheelchair facing huge life challenges.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Monique Kalkman

Johan Kammerstad

EDGA golfer Johan Kammerstad was born without some bones, and a lack of muscles in his right leg

Listen (and watch) to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Swedish golfer Johan Kammerstad

Timo Klischen

Timo Kilschen talks with Tony Bennett about his life and the challenges of being born with Brachial Plexus Palsy

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Timo Kilschen

Caroline Larsson

Caroline Larsson talks with Tony Bennett about how her life dramatically changed following the amputation of her right leg above the knee

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Caroline Larsson

Brendan Lawlor

Brendan talks about the challenges he faces as a young golfer with a rare condition called Ellis–van Creveld syndrome. 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Brendan Lawlor

Cedric Lescut

In this interview with EDGA’s Tony Bennett, Cedric tells us how he came back to golf after losing his right leg in a motor cycle accident. He reveals the changes that he made, especially mentally, how he gives clinics to kids and helps them to get their life in perspective and shares his passion for all people to start playing golf regardless of their disability.

Rasmus Lia

Imagine what it would be like to fly through the air unaided. Rasmus Lia had this sensation many times as he followed his passion for cross-country skiing, until one day it went horribly wrong. Rasmus explains what happened that day and how he has come back from a life-changing accident. 

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Rasmus Lia.

Tony Lloyd

There comes a time when everyone can look at their life with some distance and see how it has turned out so far. For some, it’s when a significant birthday is on the horizon, when context and objectivity can be separated from emotion and attachment. 

Tony Lloyd chaperoned me through his story of a genetic twist of fate which resulted in him being born with Phocomelia. 

Tineke Loogman 

With a reputation of being fiesty, determined and direct Tineke Loogman comes across as being passionate about golf for the disabled, grateful for the people around her and content.   

Listen to the Tineke Loogman story.

Sebas Lorente

In this interview, golfer Sebas Lorente tells us how he transitioned to play golf again after his accident. One of the most popular players on the EDGA tour, Sebas reveals that his motivation was to play golf with his son and tells us that the community he had at the golf club where he was a member, really helped him to re-socialise. His advice for those who do not play is to give the game a try.

Shane Luke

Nine times Australian Open winner Shane Luke talks with Tony Bennett about how a diagnosis of bone cancer when just fifteen years of age, changed the course of his life but sharpened his competitive edge.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Shane Luke.

Marcus Malo

EDGA golfer Marcus Malo was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his shoulder when just 16 years of age which resulted in an amputation of his right arm

Listen (and watch) to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Swedish golfer Marcus Malo

Gareth McNeilly

EDGA golfer Gareth McNeilly talks with Tony Bennett about how his life changed one day when the throttle on his motor bike jammed open.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Northern Ireland golfer Gareth McNeilly.

Marcella Neggers

Marcella Neggers talks with Tony Bennett about her life after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Marcella Neggers

Geoff Nicholas

The most dominant golfer in Amputee golf for over a decade Geoff Nicholas from Australia, talks with Tony Bennett about how he dealt with Thalidomide, the amputation of his right leg, and bullies, to become a PGA of Australia Tour player and beat Tiger Woods in one round.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Geoff Nicholas.

Rich O’Brien

US Golfer Rich O’Brien talks with Tony Bennett about how his life dramatically changed following an accident with a golf cart

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Rich O’Brien

Gail Owen

With two generations of golfers already in the family, it would be natural for young Gail Owen to pick up a club and join them on the Hampstead Golf Course on the north side of London. Right? 

Fast forward and Gail finds herself in a doctors office and on the receiving end of the words, “Well you’ve got multiple sclerosis.” There was little by way of sugar coating. The words, although direct, came slowly but hit hard.

Ellie Perks

Ellie Perks, one of EDGA’s growing group of Generation Z golfers, defies many of the character traits commonly associated with those born between 1995 and 2009. Ellie spends hours upon hours helping others to find a game that has all too often been associated with much older participants and has been played for more than 300 years.

I caught up with Ellie just before she was due to help out at the Saturday morning coaching session.

Cameron Pollard

If it is true that obstacles and difficulties are merely a gateway to developing an uncommon depth of character, then my guest today has certainly had his fair share. Nineteen-years-old Australian Cameron Pollard can list quite a few obstacles.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Cameron Pollard.

Tony Poole

“It probably is as bad as you think it is, but you’re awake.” These are the words of advice from Tony Poole when asked what he would say to someone who had just survived a stroke. Tony shoots from the hip, and takes no prisoners with his straight-talking, as one might expect from an ex-pat Kiwi living in the state of Texas, USA.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Tony Poole

Juan Postigo Arce

European Champion Juan Postigo Arce talks with Tony Bennett about how growing up in ‘Seve’ country helped him fall in love with golf.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Juan Postigo Arce

Stephen Prior

Stephen Prior loved his sports, but when a water-ski accident resulted in him losing his right hand, some sports were just too difficult. Stephen had previously played golf for fun, but he soon realised that the game could be a great vehicle for his competitive instincts.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Stephen Prior.

Charles-Henri Quélin

In this interview, Charles Henri Quélin tells us how he started to play, some of his highlights playing golf at a high level, how he enjoys playing in tournaments for golfers with disability and shares his advice for people with impairment wishing to start playing golf.

Gianna Rojas

Gianna Rojas is a force of nature. Just spending a few minutes in her company reveals a friendly, open and passionate woman, who is comfortable in her own skin. Gianna is determined to spread the word that golf is for all, that everyone is differently-abled, and that having a disability does not define the person.

Please enjoy my conversation with Gianna Rojas.

Mike Rolls

Mike talks about his life dealing with the challenges brought on by a double amputation caused by meningococcal disease during his late teens..

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Mike Rolls

Reinard Schuhknect

The first person who tended to Reinard after the accident, found him without a heartbeat, and not breathing. The ambulance crew made their diagnosis and told his family that their son would have damage to his heart and lungs, together with kidney failure.

That is half a lifetime ago for the 28 year old, affectionately nicknamed Rhino, who says, it could have been much worse. 

Rasmus Skov Lot

Rasmus Lot talks with Tony Bennett about his life and the challenges of being born without a right forearm

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Rasmus Skov Lot

Deborah Smith

Anyone who plays golf soon realises that occasionally we get a bad lie. Life doesn’t always give us exactly what we deserve. Call it perseverance, call it resilience, call it tenacity, call it whatever you like, but Deborah Smith has it in bucket loads and boy has she needed it. . 

Please enjoy my conversation with Deborah Smith.

Pedro Sottomayor

Depending on when you read Pedro’s story, take a few minutes to either remember what you were doing when you were 28 years of age, or if you have not yet reached that milestone, imagine what you would like to be doing as you approach your thirties.

At 28 years of age Pedro Sottomayor had his life turned upside down one afternoon in a Doctors surgery when he received a diagnosis that would change his life.

Jennifer Sräga

Jennifer Sräga is both rare and remarkable. Rare, because as a woman who plays golf with a low single figure golf handicap, she can count herself in the top one per cent of all female golfers in the world. Remarkable, because she achieved national team recognition in her home country of Germany before the age of seventeen.

Aleš Süsser

Aleš talks about his life dealing with the challenges of cerebral palsy.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Aleš Süsser

Lucas Vale Marciano de Oliveira

Lucas  talks with Tony Bennett about how his life took a dramatic turn following an unprovoked shooting which caused him to become a paraplegic

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Lucas Vale Marciano de Oliveira

Daphne van Houten

This conversation with Daphne van Houten, reveals how she went from being a young girl with a huge scoliosis to EGA European Champion for Women Golfers with disability.

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Daphne van Houten.

Adem Wahbi

EDGA golfer Adem Wahbi was born with spastic diplegia which is a form of cerebral palsy (CP). Read how Adem hasn’t just come to terms with his disability but has developed his golf to such a very high standard that he could one day achieve his golfing dreams of “beating Tiger Woods”.

Dennis Walters

Dennis talks with Tony Bennett about how his life took a dramatic turn following an accident with a golf buggy which caused him to become a T12-paraplegic

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Dennis Walters

Nicky explains how she copes with her invisible disability reveals the importance of keeping fit and why asking for help is essential in living her life fully.

Mette Wegge Lynggaard

Mette Wegge Lynggaard talks with Tony Bennett about her life and the challenges of coping with cerebral palsy

Listen to EDGA’s Tony Bennett chatting with Mette Wegge Lynggaard

Chris Young

In Chris Young, you will meet a man who has thought deeply about what is important to him, who is grateful for the things that we so often take for granted, and who, is a living testimony to the power of the human spirit. 

Please enjoy my conversation with Chris Young.