Ben Evans
On Monday, the focus will be on Dubai, with the prestigious 'G4D' Tour Players (Golf for the Disabled) season finale taking place on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Video clips, images and headlines will expose their shots to a wider audience, hoping to change the way audiences think about golf, change the way they view athletes with disabilities, and perhaps change how some view disability itself.
Of course, watching champion golfers with amputations, cerebral palsy or spinal disease while knowing that they can only lift a trophy after a demanding competitive journey gives us something to think about.
For golfers with disabilities, they are not just invited to compete on the G4D Tour: they must qualify through the Official World Ranking of Golfers with Disabilities (WR4GD), and they do so through consistent performance in more than 120 EDGA badge events. To achieve this goal, support or endorse global G4D activities.
But when Ireland’s Brendan Lawler (ranked No. 3 in the world), England’s Kip Poppet (ranked No. 1 in the world) and Daphne van Houten of the Netherlands (No. 1 female chess player in the world) ) and others compete in Dubai, it’s their performance and resilience that matter. Over time, they have evolved into the most competitive golfers they are today.
Each of these three will tell you that they have been encouraged by other players in EDGA and G4D events, but in return, they themselves have inspired a host of G4D Tour hopefuls who will be competing in the near future. Try to beat them on the pitch in the future.
“This is what the Tour is about,” said EDGA President Dr. Tony Bennett. “On the one hand, the G4D Tour Finals pays tribute to 10 outstanding individual golfers who have earned their place through hard work, and this event also represents the culmination of the powerful ‘Player Path’ in G4D: from the beginning Learn the game, from average golfer to Dubai champion. Anyone with a disability should have the opportunity to try the game and the G4D Tour reinforces this wider philosophy.
“Kip, Brendan and Daphne and other outstanding players have shown what can be achieved in the game. It is estimated that 16% of the world's population has a disability and given the proven health benefits of golf, all G4D and EDGA Golfers are all playing their part in improving our game.”
“Keep up the good work and get more people involved”
Ireland's Brendan Lawlor became obsessed with golf when he was only five years old. As a teenager, he participated in the very popular “Pitch & Putt” competition in Ireland. Brendan beat all players in one season. , became the national champion.
Brendan was of below average stature due to a rare condition called Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome. When Brendan started playing golf seriously around the age of 17, his aunt discovered EDGA online. He made his debut at the EDGA Algarve Open in 2017. Recalls: “I was nervous about my first event but, to be honest, there was also a sense of arrogance. Coming from a country where amateur golf is very high in Ireland, I had intended to enter the world of disabled golf but I was underestimated. talent.
“It was the biggest learning curve I've ever experienced from an event. I had a chance to win and I didn't, but when I left I knew what to do and started my career in para golf.”
He competed in more tournaments on the European EDGA Tour and earned his first victory at the 2018 Czech Disability Golf Masters. “This was the beginning of where I could do well in this sport. It felt like it was the beginning of a role where I could help a lot of people and also help myself,” Brendan explained.
Three consecutive wins saw Brendan move up the rankings and qualify for the Australian All-Around Championships, part of the hallowed Australian Open. Lawler's victories at the 2019 EDGA/European Tour Scottish Open and the 2021 ISPS HANDA World Disability Invitational in Ireland made him world No. 1 at the time.
These achievements make him the first disabled player to be invited to a European Tour event in recent times, a historic debut covered by Sky Sports, the BBC, the European Tour and many other platforms. Of course, Brendan is also the favorite to win the 2023 G4D Open, the first tournament of its kind, hosted by the R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour and supported by the EDGA, with the Irishman beating the world’s best Good G4D player. Challenge the Duchess of Woburn Stadium.
Looking back on how he achieved this achievement, Brendan added: “Overall, I'm very proud of playing golf. When you become a role model for people, it's a really good thing.
“Now sometimes I take a step back, especially when things are not going well, and I look at everything I've done in the sport and that gives you the confidence to win more events, keep going, keep working hard and Let more people participate in the game.”
The 27-year-old from Dundalk smiled as he recalled the first Algarve Open in 2017. When it's your first time racing you'd be surprised to see the adversity these guys go through, it's impressive… I would say if you start racing G4D, enjoy it. I think it's important to know that you can excel in many different categories. “
“Feeling a sense of belonging for the first time”
Kipp Popert from Kent, UK, watched Belgian G4D golfer Adem Wahbi compete in the 2019 EDGA/European Tour Scottish Open on Sky Sports Golf TV and after contacting him online, Kipp joined Adem in his The first EDGA Algarve Open was held in Villasol in November of that year, and the two hit it off and played together.
Both players have cerebral palsy: Kip said he was lucky enough to grow up with both his mom and dad being doctors to help him get the right treatment; Kip required 11 surgeries and surgeries on his legs and feet.
Looking back on his first EDGA and G4D experience at Vila Sol and subsequent experiences, Kipp said: “It was a great community and it changed my perspective on life. Growing up, I felt like I was the world The only golfer with cerebral palsy in the world and the only one I'd ever met walking into that room with the other players at the Algarve Open was the first time I felt like I belonged. feel.”
One of Kip's favorite photos is of him hitting the winning ball at Villasol in 2019, which ended with him hitting the ball with his fist. He was wearing his late beloved cousin's rugby shirt and before the final round he promised his grandparents that he would wear his cousin's shirt and hold the trophy and video call them after the game. This commitment spurred him on: that feeling of nerves and excitement, as well as his focused determination, would be the secret to becoming the world's number one today.
In 2020, Kip won the EDGA Hero Open at Fairmont St. Andrews by 12 strokes, qualifying him for further EDGA/European Tour events and quickly rising up the world rankings. His G4D Tour resume speaks for itself, with 12 stunning tournament wins in his first three years, including the second G4D Open in 2024; while in the United States, Kip won the Two-time U.S. Adaptive Open Champion.
With confidence based on early EDGA and G4D experience, Kipp was able to develop new skills and in recent years compete in leading amateur championships such as the British Amateur Championship (three times), Brabazon Cup and Latham Cup.
Kip believes you should only be nice to new, younger players. He doesn’t want to be inaccessible to other young players now. “We’re all very competitive, but I really try to help, share tips, and always be open to supporting them because, honestly, growing up, I always felt alone.
“Work just as hard on the hard days as you do on the good days and you'll be fine. Just keep pushing for the next task, the next opportunity, and you can do it. I keep it very simple. You set your goals No matter what difficulties you encounter, you will continue to work hard to achieve your goals.”
“Inspiring others has always been my goal”
Daphne van Houten from Tetlingen, Netherlands, also joined Lawlor and Popert in winning the G4D Open, playing some fantastic golf at Woburn to become the 2024 Women's Champion.
Just like Brendan Lawlor's experience, the 2017 EDGA Algarve Open will be the starting point for Daphne's G4D. “It's an experience I will never forget,” said the 26-year-old player said.
“For me, it’s not about the scores, it’s about experiencing the atmosphere and the level of play and seeing if this is what I want to do for my golf career, and as you know, I’m still a part of the EDGA!
“All the players have been so supportive and made me feel welcome even though they didn’t know me, and now I try to do the same for everyone else who joins the EDGA family.”
Since then, Daphne has been a G4D Championship winner and successfully represented her country, winning the prestigious EGA European Individual Championship three times in a row; the most recent competition highlight being the G4D Tour Magic in February this year Kenya Open.
Despite her age, she has been a huge encourager of other golfers. When she competed in the G4D Open this year, she believes she greeted 80 players from 19 countries. Daphne also hopes to help more girls and women play the game.
“I’m extremely proud, but most pleased that the EDGA and DP World Tour have given me (us) a platform to achieve this. My goal has always been to inspire others to get involved in the great game of golf, whatever your What an honor. I'm honored to be able to showcase the game of golf to others.”
Daphne began enjoying golf at the age of six. When she was 12 years old, a physical examination revealed she had scoliosis. A year later, the curvature of her spine had doubled. At 17, she underwent a seven-hour surgery where they inserted pins and screws into her back to prevent her scoliosis from getting worse. Her back is still a work in progress and managing the pain can be a challenge, but Daphne always has her determination.
“The doctor told me I couldn’t play golf for a year, but a month later I was already playing sprint games and six months later I was back competing.
“My message is you should never give up. I wanted to give up until Marcella Neggers [National Coach for the Netherlands] Contact me to try it out, I'm so glad I did!
“I couldn’t see a future in golf before, but now I do, and I’m excited to experience everything I did at the EDGA, from playing in Australia to winning the European Championship: every memory will stay with me for a lifetime. It’s still a lot of work, but there’s no doubt it’s worth it.”
Brendan, Kipp and Daphne’s journey highlights that within golf, opportunities to compete, socialize and improve health are now more accessible for people with disabilities. Through consistent strong performance, golfers can also experience those exciting, life-changing moments. This path means you can play the game as hard as you can, but enjoy every shot.
If you are interested in this article, please visit www.edgagolf.com where you can learn more, attend tastings, compete in local and regional tournaments, compete in national championships, and maybe even qualify for the G4D Tour.
