Eligibility Assessors

Director of International Affairs 

A former Golf Services Manager at the Sandhurst Golf Club, now Chris has established himself as a leader in providing coaching, club-fitting, mobility solutions and playing opportunities for people living with a physical or neurological disability.

more about Christian Hamilton

Benoît Maertens - Doctor MD (PRM)

MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , KUL 1992

Head of Department Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation AZ Turnhout, Belgium

TPI  level 1 - 2014 Amsterdam

TPI medical level 2 - 2016 online course

Member of Medical commission Golfvlaanderen.

Lindsey Walker - Physiotherapist PT, MSc.PT, B.HKin

Currently works with Canadian based Inovative Sport Medicine, Lindsey graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy after completing a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from Trinity Western University. Since starting her practice, she has completed Kinetacore Dry Needling, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, and Level 1 Manual Therapy through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Division.

more about Lindsey Walker

Lynn Jensen

Jan Esser - Physical Therapist - Head Classifier

Jan Michalek - Doctor (MD)

Head of Systems Development  

John provides I.T. support and services for Team EDGA and is currently developing the EDGA online system and public website. John also developed EDGA's R4GD golf ranking system which then became the WR4GD and is now administered by WAGR.

Fecha de nacimiento: 3 de Octubre de 1.952
Lugar de nacimiento: Madrid
D.N.I.: 375.502-G
Domicilio: c/ Julio Palacios, nº 6
Teléfono: 91.733.6998

*Formación Académica:

. Licenciado en Medicina y Cirugía, por la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid en 1.976.
. Especialista en Medicina del Trabajo.
. Concesión del Diploma de Medicina Aeronáutica Básica, por orden ministerial nº: 1463/78, en el Centro de Investigación de Medicina Aerospacial, en 1.978.
. Concesión del Diploma Superior de Medicina Aerospacial, por orden ministerial nº: 522/02867/81, en el Centro de investigación de Medicina Aerospacial, en Noviembre de 1.981.
. Curso de Médico Examinador Aéreo, según disposiciones al Convenio de O.A.C.I. ( Organización de Aviación Civil Internacional),  en Agosto de 1.985.
. Concesión del título de Médico de Vuelo, por el Departamento de la Fuerza Área de los Estados Unidos ( Escuela de Medicina Aerospacial de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos de América. Base Aérea de Brooks. San Antonio, Texas.), de acuerdo a la Regulación 60-13 ( Air Force Regulation. United States Air Force Flight Surgeon Wings).
. Aerospace Medicine Primary Course ( B30BY9351 000, PDS CODE WSU) otorgado por la Escuela de Medicina Aeroespacial de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos.
. Curso de Supervivencia del Statement of Field Survival Training, del Departamento de la Fuerza Área de los Estados Unidos, Escuela de Medicina Aeroespacial de Brooks. San Antonio, Texas.
. Certificado de Vuelo  ( Air Training Command, 559 FTS, Base Aérea de Randolph  de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos, Texas ), en el Avión T-37B, de Entrenamiento Básico de Caza y Ataque.
. Certificado de Entrenamiento Fisiológico de la Escuela de Medicina Aeroespacial de la Fuerza Área de los Estados Unidos, Brooks A.F.B., San Antonio, Texas.
. Certificado de la Fuerza Área de los Estados Unidos otorgando el nivel de conocimiento y comprensión del inglés (88) del E.C.L.
. Concesión del Diploma del Primer Curso - Seminario sobre Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación, otorgado por el Instituto Iberoamericano de Derecho Aeronáutico y del Espacio y de la Aviación Comercial, el 27 de Noviembre de 1.981.

Cronología Profesional:

. Ingreso en el Cuerpo de Sanidad del Ejército del Aire, por oposición en 1.977.
. Ingreso en el C.I.M.A. ( Centro de Investigación de Medicina Aeroespacial), en Octubre de 1.979
. Toma de posesión en el Instituto Nacional de Previsión, en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, de la plaza de Médico del Servicio de Urgencias, en Diciembre de 1.978. ( Interino).
. Toma de posesión en el Instituto Nacional de Previsión, en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, de la plaza de Médico del Servicio de Urgencias, por Concurso-Oposición, con carácter de propietario, en Mayo de 1.979.
. Toma de posesión, en el Instituto Nacional de la Salud, de la plaza de Medicina General, con carácter definitivo, en Madrid, en Marzo de 1.980.
. Ingreso en la Compañía IBERIA L.A.E. en Abril de 1.992, como Asesor del Director de Operaciones de Vuelo en materia de Medicina Aeroespacial.
. Concesión del Certificado del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo por el que se certifica la habilitación para desempeñar las funciones de Médico de Medicina General en el Sistema Nacional de Salud Español, y demás Sistemas Públicos de Seguridad Social de los Estados miembros de las Comunidades Europeas, según el artículo 7.2 de la Directiva 86/457/CEE, de 15 de Septiembre de 1.986 del Consejo de las Comunidades Europeas, y artículo 2 del Real Decreto de 4 de Junio.
. Ingreso en la Clínica Millenium ( SANITAS ), como Jefe del Departamento de Medicina Aeronáutica. Enero de 2.001.
. Traslado al Hospital de La Moraleja (SANITAS), como Jefe de Departamento de Medicina Aeronáutica (Octubre 2.006)
. Toma de posesión como Médico de Atención Primaria en el Centro de Salud de Mirasierra, del Servicio de Salud de la Comunidad de Madrid ( Marzo 2.009)
. Nombramiento como Director del Centro de Salud de Mirasierra del Servicio de Salud de la Comunidad de Madrid. ( Octubre de 2.011 -  Abril 2016 )
. Vocal del Comité Antidopaje de la Real Federación Española de Golf.

. Vocal del Comité de Golf Adaptado de la Real Federación Española de Golf


* Docencia:

. Profesor Graduado en Enseñanza Militar Superior.
. Profesor encargado del Departamento de Medicina Aeronáutica en S.E.N.A.S.A., para los cursos de Piloto Comercial, I.F.R., Transporte, Control de Tránsito Aéreo, y Tripulante de Cabina de Pasajeros.
. Profesor de Medicina Aeronáutica y Actuaciones y Limitaciones Humanas en la Escuela AEROTEC de Pilotos.
. Profesor asociado en la Universidad Complutense de Madrid Escuela de  Ingenieros Agrónomos, para el Curso de Seguridad en Vuelo, para pilotos agrícolas.
. Profesor asociado en la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, en la Escuela de Medicina del Trabajo.
. Profesor del Curso de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos del Instituto Iberoamericano del Derecho Aeronáutico y de la Aviación Comercial.
. Profesor del Curso de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos y Seguridad en Vuelo del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial.
. Profesor del Curso de Seguridad en Vuelo del Cuartel General del Ejército del Aire.
. Profesor agregado a la Escuela Nacional de Sanidad.
. Profesor del Curso de Seguridad en Vuelo, y Actuaciones y Limitaciones Humanas, del Cuerpo Superior de Policía.
. Profesor del Curso de Medicina de Catástrofes, de la Universidad de Valencia, Facultad de Medicina.
. Profesor de Medicina Aeronáutica en Iberia L.A.E. y Aviaco.
. Profesor del Curso sobre Seguridad Aérea y Análisis de Accidentes. Universidad Carlos III. Getafe. Madrid.
. Tutor del Ilustre Colegio de Médicos de Madrid, para reciclaje de profesionales médicos


* Actividades actuales:

. Médico de Familia en el Centro de Salud de Mirasierra (Madrid) de la Comunidad de Madrid, con plaza en propiedad.
. Asesor médico- aeronáutico de la Dirección de Operaciones de Vuelo  del Grupo Iberia L.A.E.
. Decano del Cuerpo Médico de la Organización Iberoamericana de Pilotos.
. Presidente de la Comisión de Medicina y Fisiología Aeronáutica del Real  Aéreo Club de España.
. Delegado de España, en el Comité Permanente de Medicina Aeronáutica, de la Federación Aeronáutica Internacional.
. Representante de E.C.A. ( European Cockpit Association) en el Subcomité Médico de J.A.R.– MED.
. Asesor de la Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos, de la Dirección General de Aviación Civil.
. Jefe del Grupo de investigación de Factores Humanos y Medicina Aeronáutica.
. Presidente, Secretario y Vocal de la Comisión Nacional de la Especialidad de Medicina Espacial, como representante del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo en la misma, ocupando dichos cargos desde su creación , hasta la actualidad.
. Consejero Científico de la Comisión Científica y de Investigación del Ilustre Colegio de Médicos de Madrid.
. Actividad Docente expresada anteriormente.



* Membresias:

Miembro de la Asociación Española de  Medicina, Ciencias y Técnicas Aeronáuticas y del Espacio. ( Vicepresidente ).
Miembro de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Catastrófica.
Miembro del Instituto Iberoamericano del Derecho Aeronáutico de la Aviación Comercial y del Espacio.
Miembro de Aerospace Medicine Association. ( Membership Comitee).
Miembro de Honor de la Sociedad Mexicana de Medicina Forense, Criminología y Criminalista A.C. México.
Miembro de Honor de la Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Medicina Legal, Núcleo del Guayas. Ecuador. ​
Miembro de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Medicina Aerospacial.
Miembro Fundador  y Segundo Vocal Titular de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Medicina Legal, Deontología Médica e Iberoamericana de Ciencias Forenses.





* Recompensas y Felicitaciones.

Premio " Vázquez Sagastizábal", por Orden Ministerial nº:
501/03647/89.
Felicitación del Hospital Provincial de Madrid, por la participación en el Simposium Internacional, sobre " Urgencias Médico-quirúrgicas Extrahospitalarias y Continuidad Hospitalaria".
Felicitaciones por diversos motivos, de Ejército del Aire.                               
Felicitación del Departamento Administrativo de Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia. Investigación del accidente aéreo ocurrido en Mejorada del Campo, Madrid, del avión de Avianca.
Felicitación del Centro para el desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial. Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo de España, por participar en la selección de los primeros astronautas españoles de la Agencia Espacial Europea.
Felicitación del BOARD OF ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SWEDEN, por los trabajos desarrollados en la investigación del accidente del avión de la compañía Spantax en Málaga.
Concesión de la Cruz del Mérito Aeronáutico, con distintivo blanco, por orden ministerial nº: 723/00114/89.
Felicitación del Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial del Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo, por la asistencia técnica prestada al Proyecto MAINE sobre Mantenimiento Avanzado de Aeropuertos.

* Publicaciones:

Avión Revue, Jano, Revista de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica, Empuje, Mach 82, Revista de Operaciones de IBERIA L.A.E., Boletín de Seguridad en Vuelo de IBERIA L.A.E., Resúmenes de Congresos etc.
Coautor del libro: " Conceptos Básicos de Medicina y Psicología Aeronáutica para Pilotos ".
Colaborador del libro. “ Manual de Fisiología Aeronáutica “
Coautor del libro sobre : “ Primeras Jornadas Cívico - Militares de Sanidad “, del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo.



* Conferencias dictadas en:

Madrid, Sevilla, Santander, San Sebastián, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Badajoz...
Lisboa, París, Panamá, San José de Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Guayaquil, Quito, México, Aguascalientes, Las Vegas, Belgrado, San Salvador...

* Organización de Congresos:

I Jornadas Civico-Militares de Sanidad. 1.985
Jornadas sobre Factores Humanos. 1.989.
Cuarto Centenario de la Publicación del Tratado del Padre Acosta, sobre Medicina Aeronáutica.
Encuentros con la Medicina Aeronáutica. Carácter mensual

Dr Varpela Markku

Specialist in orthopaedics, surgery and traumatology

Working with
Aava Medical Center
Annankatu 32
00100 Helsinki
Finland

more about Markku Varpela

Eija Maarit Helminen - NDT

Niklas Virta

"Im very outgoing, easy to talk with and really looking forward to helping EDGA players."

Qualifications

• Graduated for sport masseur 2008 
• Graduated for physiotherapist 2015

Intrests in physiotherapy field

• Lower limb rehabilitation and really interested in ACL rehab
• Hamstring injuries (one study coming of soon)
• Tendinopathy injuries
• Lower limb muscle injuries over all + keen to learn more about GH-joint

Golf Experience

• Playing since 1991
• Many junior finnish championship medals (individual/team)
• Two Men’s club team trophy wins in Finland (2001/2009)
• Played two times in European men’s club team trophy (Rome/Istanbul)
• Playing pro 2010-2014 (EPD, Nordic league)

more about Niklas Virta

Dr Joakim Lindfors

more about Joakim Lindfors MD

Constance AMELON-PETIT

Pierre Blanc - Physiotherapist

INAS was established in 1986 by professionals in the Netherlands who were involved in sport and wanted to promote the participation of athletes with mental handicap in elite sport. more....

Members: c. 500,000
Founded: 1986
Area served: World

more about VIRTUS

Giuseppe Plebani - Physiotherapist

Since April 2002 – to present Adjunct Professor Physiotherapy Degree - University of Siena
Since January 2005 to 2009 : Adjunct Professor Master in health professions management - University of Siena
Since February 2009- to present Adjunct Professor Master in Sport Physiotherapy University of Siena

more about Giuseppe Plebani

Director of Tournaments 

I assist players with advice and practical support for EDGA badged events either in person, by email or by phone. One of the main goals of our Tournament Team is to encourage event organisers to create more events at every level for golfers with disabilities (with or without an WR4GD pass), and to increase the opportunities for more individuals to participate and compete in EDGA badged tournaments along with National tournaments for Golfers with disability.

In 1993 I started as Junior Secretary at an International Bank as a Management Assistant before becoming the International Secretary for the Director of Global affairs. Later on in my career, I become the director of a golf course in Holland. In 2006 I starting to work for Golfers with disability and in 2010 I officially started to work with EDGA. I am native Dutch and also speak English, German and French.

I live in The Netherlands with my husband Frederic Cupillard and we have two gorgeous sons Sébastien (2015) and Maxime (2017). My hobbies include tennis, golf, painting, books and art.

Professor Hans Arendzen MD, PhD

As a member of the EDGA board and Medical Committee from 2010, Professor Hans Arendzen has played a very important role in the development of golf for the disabled.

EDGA’s Tony Bennett talks with Hans about his career and some of the important milestones that have been achieved with golf for the disabled and his aspirations for the future.

more about Hans Arendzen

Johan Markus(Han) Fenijn

Hedi-Anne Birkeland - Medical Doctor

Birgit Pedersen - Physical Therapist

Lúcia da Costa Mira Lemos

Carlos Louro Guerreiro

Sten Forsberg - Doctor (MD)

Head of Development

Mark is a Fellow PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional and member of the PGA of Germany. R&A Golf Development consultant & IGF Development Consultant.

Qualifying in 1996, Mark spent many years coaching in Switzerland where he became Head Professional at the prestigious East Switzerland Golf Club. On his return to the UK Mark was deployed as a Development Officer for England Golf working with clubs and golf professionals in all aspects of golf development.

more about Mark Taylor

Director of Eligibility (MB Dip. Sports Med. FFSEM UK)

Roger is a consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine and honorary lecturer at UCL in London and is the Executive Director of the World Golf Foundation sponsored, Golf and Health Project. He also serves on the Medical Committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

more about Roger Hawkes

Dr Mark Smith Grad Dip Phys, BSc (Hons), MPhil, MCSP

Consultant AHP/Physiotherapist
Strategic AHP Lead Stroke Rehabilitation
Honorary Associate Lecturer, Queen Margaret University

more about Mark Smith

Professor of Optometry and Visual Science

Vision and Eye Research Institute

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School: Vision and Hearing Sciences 
Location: Cambridge 
Areas of Expertise: Health, social care and medical innovation

more about Peter Allen

Director of Development 

Aimi plays a vital role in bringing forward valuable input from a players perspective during the regular development team meetings.

View Aimi Bullock's EDGA player Profile

Member of the Central Eligibility Team

Jamie Blair is the Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager at England Golf. His work includes making England Golf more inclusive of disabled people as well as providing support for clubs to welcome disabled people to the sport.

Outside of work, Jamie volunteers regularly on national and international para sport events, including London Wheelchair Marathon and Para Swimming events, in a variety of roles. He is also a trustee of the Sheffield Football Trust.

Players representative 

Mike is the player representative for the EDGA Tournament team. Mike plays a vital role in bringing forward valuable input from a players perspective during the regular tournament team meetings.

View the EDGA player Profile for Mike Jones

Prakash Jayabalan, MD, PhD

Prakash is the Director of Clinical Musculoskeletal Research at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago and Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University. He is a Clinician Researcher in Sports Medicine.

Dr Jayabalan's clinical practice focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries in people of all ages. He also has specific clinical and research interests in degenerative joint diseases of the older athlete such as knee osteoarthritis and the management of sports-related concussions.

more about Prakash Jayabalan

Dr Joseph Dadabo

Joseph is a Chicago, Illinois based MD + Fellow Physician who is specialized in Physical Therapy. Joseph currently works with the world famous Shirley Ryan Abilitylab in Chicago. 

The Shirley Ryan Abilitylab claims to be the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research in real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Coleen Hanlon PT, DHS, CSCS

Coleen is a Chicago, Illinois based female physical therapist who is specialized in Physical Therapy. Coleen currently works with the world famous Shirley Ryan Abilitylab in Chicago. 

The Shirley Ryan Abilitylab claims to be the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research in real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

PUBLICATIONS AND SCHOLARLY WORK
Midwestern University DHS candidate defense completed: “Effect of Prevention Programs on Lower Extremity Performance in Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review”. October 2016

Revitalize IPTA Abstract Accepted/poster presented “Effect of Prevention Programs on Lower Extremity Performance in Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review”. April 2017

Manuscript accepted, Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach “Effect of Prevention Programs on Lower Extremity Performance in Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review”. April 2019

Maureen Simcox

Maureen is a Chicago, Illinois based female physical therapist who is specialized in Physical Therapy. Maureen currently works with the world famous Shirley Ryan Abilitylab in Chicago. 

The Shirley Ryan Abilitylab claims to be the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research in real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Kevin Huang

Currently working with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago

Dr Ben Washburn

Currently working with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago

Alexandria Haselhorst

Alexandria is a Chicago, Illinois based female physical therapist who is specialized in Physical Therapy. Alexandria currently works with the world famous Shirley Ryan Abilitylab in Chicago. 

The Shirley Ryan Abilitylab claims to be the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research in real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Melissa received her clinical doctorate from AT Still University of Health Sciences, Master’s in Science in Physical Therapy and Certificate in Health Care Administration from Widener University, and her BA from the University of Notre Dame. She practices at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab with 21 years of clinical experience and 15 years as a senior education program manager. She is a member of the US Soccer Federation’s Medical team and works with the United States Men’s Paralympic Soccer team for the last 3 years.  She is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist and received her Diplomate in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment from the McKenzie Institute in 2011. She is a member of APTA and the Orthopedic section, a member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts for Orthopedic Clinical Specialists in the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and abstract reviewer for the orthopedic section. Melissa is a Mentor, Board Member and Co-Director of the NU-SRALAB Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program and teaches in Northwestern University's PTHMS program as an assistant professor. She has co-authored the recent 2015 book “A World of Hurt: A Guide to Classifying Pain” and published the recent article “Validation of a pain mechanism classification system (PMCS) in physical therapy practice”. Currently she is working on researching the outcomes associated with the musculoskeletal pain classification system discussed in clinical practice. Melissa is currently a senior educational program manager and responsible for AbilityLab curriculum development.  She is practicing clinically with an interest in spine care and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal pain.                      

Dr. Ross Brakeville

Affiliated with renown orthopaedic surgeon Thomas Myers, MD at Myers Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr Myers and Dr Brakeville have built a practice founded in their pursuit of excellence and guided by the principle: "I do not care how much you know until I know how much you care"

Drive for excellence has been the bases of Dr. Brakeville’s 30 plus years of experience.  His specialty is in sports medicine and orthopaedic conditions that inhibit pain free movement. 

more about Ross Brakeville

Growing up, Nikki was always passionate about two topics: anything medical and sports. The combination of the two was inevitable. She graduated as a Physiotherapist, cum laude, from UCT in 2002. After completing her community service year in the Northern Cape, she returned to Cape Town to further her career.

more about Nikki Parker