Golf Australia adds inclusive events to its national schedule

Golf Australia has advised of the release of its 2021 all abilities national events calendar on International Day of People with Disability (#IDPwD).

Golf Australia has incorporated these events into their traditional events on the back of the success of the Australian All Abilities Championship at the Australian Open and the Victorian Inclusive Championship held in conjunction with the ISPS Handa Vic Open in February.

Two new events will be added to the Golf Australia all abilities schedule – the South Australian Inclusive Championship and the Tasmanian Inclusive Championship, both to be fully integrated into the respective state amateur championships in late 2021.

It will mean both inclusive championships share the same 36-hole stroke play format as the state amateur titles, with the leading players advancing to the match play phase.

Golf Australia has incorporated these events into their traditional events on the back of the success of the Australian All Abilities Championship at the Australian Open and the Victorian Inclusive Championship held in conjunction with the ISPS Handa Vic Open in February.

Golf Australia operations general manager, Therese Magdulski advised “these events have opened the eyes of both fellow competitors at the traditional events and also the crowds that have come to watch.

“They’re inspirational athletes, but more importantly, they’re genuinely good golfers and it’s the inclusive nature of the combined events that brings that all to light.”

The inclusive events bring together players from across the country and around the world, competing as part of a global calendar that contributes to the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), administered jointly by the R&A and USGA under World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Golf Australia senior inclusion manager, Christian Hamilton said the rankings had become an important element in the push to unite the world in presenting an international tournament pathway for people with disability.

Hamilton notes “Golf Australia is a major contributor to the WR4GD and has already provided opportunities to athletes through the rankings to play major events across the globe.

“Events such as the AAAC, European Tour-run Scottish Open, DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and Portugal Masters have all provided opportunities for Australian players to travel and play on the world stage.

“We only see these opportunities growing in the future.

“We are also working on a joint schedule with Golf New Zealand to provide further value to both Australians and New Zealanders to support both schedules.”

Hamilton also acknowledged the vital role that Australian disability golf associations play in supporting participation through events and programs.

Hamilton added “Golf Australia is fortunate to have such great relationships with organisations such as Special Olympics Australia, Blind Golf Australia, Amputee Golf Australia and Deaf Golf Australia.

“These organisations play a vital role in supporting their communities and GA wants to support their growth through promotion of their events and activities.

“We also want to provide a pathway to these organisations through our extensive network of PGA all abilities coaches and community instructors, along with national programs such as MyGolf and Get into Golf – All Abilities.”

To access Golf Australia's NATIONAL INCLUSIVE EVENTS CALENDAR click here 

For more information on #IDPwD go to www.idpwd.com.au/

Image of Geoff Nicolas at the Australian All Abilities Championship courtesy of Golf Australia