Gross and Net tournaments will be introduced for the first time in the 2023/24 season
Increased opportunity for female athletes with two female players and eight male players in each event
Eight tournaments in five different countries and visiting Africa for the first time at the Magical Kenya Open
New structure brings the G4D Tour closer to Paralympic alignment
The G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour has now unveiled its eight-tournament 2023/24 schedule with a revamped format that introduces both Gross and Net tournaments for the first time ensuring that golfers across a wider spectrum of disabilities can compete for glory.
One of EDGA’s achievements is to provide approval for three different categories of international golfing events that meet the minimum criteria for golfers with disability.
To participate in an EDGA badged event, a WR4GD or a non-ranked ACCESS pass will be required. These passes are administered and issued by the EDGA medical team.
Learn more about EDGA badged events and how you can apply for your pass.
The World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) is administered by the USGA and R&A under the name of WAGR. According to the players golf handicap, they will be ranked under Gross, Net or Stableford.
Only players with a WR4GD pass can be ranked with WR4GD
edgagolf.tv is home to the EDGA video library comprising of more than 125 videos associated with golf for the disabled. The library has five sections each with wealth of video content relevant to the specific section
The Golfers First Profiles came from a deep belief that everyone has a story, that is not only worth telling, but also worth sharing. Perhaps you or someone that you know is in need of a boost of inspiration or a signpost to what can be achieved.
Full list of WR4GD and EDGA registered golfers including pass number, organised by country.
This list also displays event photographs for individual players along with links to player interviews
EDGA’s members are now located worldwide with more than 33% from outside of Europe. Recent members include Golf Australia, New Zealand Golf, The Indian Golf Union, The Costa Rica Golf Association, The Argentina Golf Association, Golf South Africa, The Israeli Golf Association and The Lebanese Golf Federation
EDGA relies on a rapidly growing team of international disability assessors comprising of volunteer doctors and physical therapists who are required to attend Tournaments all around the world.
EDGA would also not function without the commitment of the core teams which includes the Board of Directors
EDGA’s Development actions help National Federations and the coaching workforce develop more capacity in the area of golf for the disabled.
EDGA provides training and programmes for volunteers, coaches, and golf professionals for multiple organisations.
Latest projects and research in helping more golfers to sample, participate and compete in golf
Reasons to play golf, benefits of golf and where does golf sit on the inclusive spectrum?
Willem Hildebrand Eisma (10-1-1938 – 20-8-2023)
Professor Emeritus of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics, Executive Board (1989-1992) and President (1992-1995). Prominent member of the EDGA Board and Medical Committee (2000-2015)
On August 20, Wim Eisma died at the age of 85
As pictured, Tom Doherty, Ireland, winner of the RSM Stableford Play-offs 2022, is teeing it up in the semi-final this year at North Hants GC
The RSM European Play-off Series (September 19-21) can showcase how golfers with a disability can achieve ambitious personal goals while encouraging many more people to enjoy a pathway into golf.
Taking place for a third year, 16 Net and Stableford qualifiers from nine European countries will seek to improve their international playing experience when they tee it up in the three-day match play knockout tournament at North Hants Golf Club near Fleet, England.
Children and adults with a disability and volunteer leaders from the Muslim community, tried golf as a new sport with the expertise of EDGA and the support of the DP World Tour at The Belfry during June 2023.
EDGA is an integral part of the G4D Tour @ Betfred British Masters, where 10 of the leading World Ranked golfers with disability were teeing it up on the same course and in the same week as the household names in professional golf on the DP World Tour.
The best golfers in the world were preparing for The 151st Open, looking for a win of a lifetime. But just 20 yards to the side of the 14th fairway a unique opportunity meant that local people with a disability, who had perhaps never thought of playing golf before, were being given the chance to give it a go – just a little chip away from the greatest stage in golf.
Golf can bring people joy, regardless of how good they are at it, and this was underlined at Royal Liverpool.
Golfers with a disability who show the potential to play on the G4D Tour are to receive expert training and advice in the new ‘Player Development Camp’ (PDC) initiative, created by EDGA.
The EDGA PDC initiative will provide invited eligible G4D (golf for the disabled) players with comprehensive access to specialists in their field, from coaches to physiotherapists.
"tough love and second chances"
18 personal accounts of golfers with a disability. Despite significant obstacles, every story demonstrates how the power of the human spirit can move people to achieve their goals despite significant obstacles.
For every donation of 25€ or more, EDGA will GIVE a book to a hospital, rehabilitation/medical centre, or organisation to ensure that anyone who needs a lift, is able to read the inspiring words of MULLIGAN. As a token of our appreciation, we will GIFT another book, for you to keep and enjoy.
The series aims to provide tips and tricks that the featured players use to help them play to the best of their ability.
HOW I PLAY is hosted by Tony Bennett who discusses golf technique, preparation, recovery, practice routines and course strategy with the featured players. In each session Tony calls on highly skilled coaches, who add their insights to help bring the discussions within reach of all players, regardless of ability.
MULLIGAN is a timeless film that shares the stories of six golfers who refuse to be defined by their disabilities. In just 44 minutes, the film reveals how golf has made a difference in each of the player's lives. Adem, Juan, Marcus, Mike, Monique, and Stewart, opened their homes, and their hearts to share their hopes and fears.
MULLIGAN was lovingly created by EDGA, together with Big Bounce Productions, with the support of RSM and The R&A
Former European Tour player and now Sky Sports presenter Nick Dougherty has agreed to be an official ambassador for EDGA
Nick says “I am really proud to become an ambassador for EDGA. Having worked alongside EDGA’s players for Sky Sports I have been struck by their focus, their ability to adapt and their determination to reach their potential. I’ve been hugely impressed.
Ladies European Tour player Carly Booth says “I have a passion for helping others and want to see people of all abilities have the chance to achieve something for themselves. Being a golfer and knowing the sport, to get more people involved in golf with EDGA is particularly fitting. I also want to help get more women and girls into the game and if I can help EDGA to do this, that’s great. I’m looking forward to being part of the team.”
European Tour star Paul Waring has been one of the European Tour’s most popular golfers with fans and players alike since he started competing on the Tour in 2008. Paul won his first European Tour title, the 2018 Nordea Masters in his 200th tournament.
Former European Tour star and now Sky Sports analyst Tony Johnstone has been welcomed as an official Ambassador for EDGA. Tony says, “Seeing the way that some of the golfers with disability play blows my mind. It is an absolute pleasure to be an Ambassador for this association.”
In an initial one-year agreement, Ottobock funding will be used for research purposes to help better understand the technical issues of swinging a club, hitting a golf ball and playing the game of golf, faced by players with limiting impairments.
Ottobock is the international market leader in prosthetics, and also covers a broad spectrum with orthoses, rehabilitation devices, manual and power wheelchairs as well as neurostimulation products. Everyday quality of life takes centre stage.
EDGA has agreed to collaborate with Ottobock on all things G4D (golf for the disabled). The new partners will share expertise to extend the reach of G4D globally and help more new golfers to enjoy the proven physical and mental health benefits of golf.
Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “We are delighted with our exciting new partnership with Ottobock. EDGA has 22 years of experience and expertise in encouraging golfers with a disability to get involved with our player pathway, as they also enjoy the all-round health benefits of golf. Ottobock has superb knowledge to make a considerable impact on individuals finding their way into sport.”
Apart from its support in research, Ottobock will also promote golf as a viable sport for people with a disability wherever possible, sharing links to the EDGA website from which new users can gain the most up to date information on eligibility and how to sample, participate and compete in golf.
Ottobock has been proactively supporting Paralympic sports for over three decades. While golf is not yet a Paralympic sport, Ottobock recognises the benefits golf can provide, including increased longevity and improved cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic profiles, improved muscle strength and balance and enhanced mental wellbeing.
Martin Böhm, Chief Experience Officer for Ottobock, said: “We are proud to support EDGA and its objectives to empower people with disabilities to engage in sports. At Ottobock, we believe in the power of physical activity. Together, we hope to inspire many people with impaired mobility to live active lives.”
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