European Tour unveils 'Golfers with Disability' programme
Wednesday 8 May 2019 14:16, UK
Two European Disabled Golf Association events will be held at the same time as two Rolex Series events this season, the European Tour have announced.
The 36-hole EDGA tournaments will be played during the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in July, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.
A 10-man field will compete at the EDGA Scottish Open over the weekend of the main tournament (July 13-14), while eight players will tee up in Dubai during the second and third rounds (November 22-23).
European Tour chief executive, Keith Pelley, said: "We are thrilled to make this announcement today, one which will offer golfers with disability the opportunity to play competitive tournaments alongside our professionals at two-world class venues.
"As golf's global Tour, our core values are innovation and inclusivity and these two tournaments fit perfectly into both of those genres, as well as illustrating once again the unique health benefits our sport offers everyone.
"But this is just the start. We look forward to working with EDGA over the coming months and years as we build towards our aspirational goal of a 'Golfers with Disability World Tour' by 2021."
The announcement was made during Wednesday's star-studded pro-am at the Betfred British Masters at Hillside, where three leading disabled golfers - Juan Postigo Arce, Brendan Lawlor and Caroline Mohr - played alongside European Tour stalwart Paul Waring.
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"It was great to play with Juan, Brendan and Caroline today and to give them to chance to showcase the golfing talent they possess," said Waring, who won his maiden European Tour title in his 200th start at last season's Nordea Masters.
"Very quickly it is not disability that is noticeable but the actual ability these athletes have for the game. It is great to see the European Tour getting behind this initiative and I am looking forward to seeing how the respective tournaments unfold later in the year.
"Just like today at Hillside when the crowds were excellent, I would encourage all spectators in Scotland and Dubai to get out and give these guys all the support you can."
EDGA president Tony Bennett added: "The vision of the European Tour to include players from the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability in European Tour events is further evidence that the game is willing and able to embrace golfers of all abilities.
"EDGA has been a beneficiary of the European Tour either through donations, fundraising at the Portugal Masters, or more recently from its Foundation. Our relationship has grown ever stronger, and today's announcement is a game changer.
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"The athletes who will compete in these events will be some of the best in the world, but golf can be just as important for individuals with a disability who simply want to participate and gain some of the health-enhancing benefits that golf offers.
"I commend all at the European Tour for the spirit of collaboration that we have experienced during the development of this far-reaching initiative."
