Ireland’s Brendan Lawlor rounded off a fine individual year by winning the European Disabled Golfer’s Association (EDGA) Dubai Finale by four shots at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Lawlor carded a round of 73 on the Earth Course for a winning total of one under par, holding off the challenge of Canadian Kurtis Barkley for his third victory in the five event series.
The 24 year old held a two shot overnight advantage after opening with a two under par round of 70, but after a level par front nine, that lead was cut to just a single shot on the 14th hole.
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.
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.
The World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) is admistered 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
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
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.
Creating a new project to help golfers with disability
EDGA has reached out to MIA Sports Technology (MIAST) to support a pilot project helping golfers with disability to reach their potential, by creating measurement data insights into how they strike a golf ball.
The project came from a desire to learn more about how golfers with different types of impairment strike the golf ball (including launch angle, ball speed, spin rate etc), and how comparable learnings from such research can help players and their coaches to improve their game.
Thanks to the @EuropeanTour, 8 EDGA players with disability can show other people how great golf can be for their health and social wellbeing.
This ‘must-see’ film clip may also encourage existing players to reassess their own potential. Here, we get to tee-up the EDGA Cazoo Open, what it all means, and why 8 players will mix it with the European Tour stars in the #CazooOpen supported by Gareth Bale, at Celtic Manor Resort. Enjoy this, & thanks to European Tour Productions.
Kipp Popert carded a stunning bogey-free final round of 66 to win the EDGA Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews, the third event of the 2021 EDGA European Tour season.
The European Tour, supported by The R&A and EDGA, has made a film that will “open the eyes” of everyone to the high standard of a generation of golfers with a disability now competing against each other internationally. EDGA believes this short video and a longer 30-minute film – made at the EGA European Championship – should be seen by anyone interested in sport and health as it emphatically demonstrates that golf can offer great benefits to people with disability.
"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
EDGA has launched a new international campaign to inspire people with disability to try golf and enjoy the multiple benefits of the sport.
Developed in partnership with Portuguese creative agency LUV, the new ‘PLAY GOLF’ campaign showcases eight EDGA players from three Continents with a range of disabilities who live life to the full through playing golf. The campaign is supported by a dedicated training programme which will engage with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, golf clubs and other sporting venues throughout 2020.
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.”
As a 21 year-old, EDGA aims to help 500,000 people with disability to try golf and enjoy the game. EDGA will use this special anniversary year to spread awareness of the considerable physical and mental health benefits of the sport, and to grow the game for all players with disability all over the world.
Highlights include an article on the history of EDGA by former General Secretary Pieter van Duijn, a pictorial tribute to 21 EDGA golfers with disability, a fun social media challenge based around 21st birthdays, and a lively reader competition courtesy of Women & Golf.
RSM and EDGA
RSM’s sponsorship of EDGA extends the firm's ambitious partnership strategy within golf and supports its wider corporate and social responsibility programme. As part of the tie-up, RSM will support EDGA to get 500,000 new players with a disability to try golf for the first time. It will also play a role in supporting EDGA's longer term goal of getting disability golf accepted as an official sport at the Paralympic Games.
Introducing Team RSM
Team RSM is made up of two professional golfers, being Andy Sullivan, and Alice Hewson. These each compete at the highest level in golf and RSM is proud to have them as ambassadors. You can learn more about these players on the RSM YouTube Playlist.
RSM and golf
RSM believe that the qualities required to be successful in golf reflect their core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence and stewardship – something RSM strives to deliver in every client engagement. The partnership RSM has with its global ambassadors (Team RSM), and EDGA supports their commitment to the development of golf at all levels across the UK.
RSM is a leading audit, tax and consulting firm to the middle market with 3,650 partners and staff operating from 33 locations throughout the UK. Globally, RSM’s international network spans over 120 countries, 820 offices and more than 48,000 people
RSM Website
www.rsmuk.com
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Email: info@edgagolf.com
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