World’s leading golfers of determination ready to tee off in EDGA Dubai Finale

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Eight of the leading disability golfers are set to battle for glory in the European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA) Dubai Finale as they prepare to take on the same course as the European Tour professionals this week.

To be played alongside the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, the EDGA Dubai Finale tees off Friday with the players showcasing their golfing abilities on the famous Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Ahead of the final Rolex Series event of the year, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and EDGA announced a significant partnership with the creation of a new UAE Determined Golfers Programme.

The ceremony which included a fun and enjoyable golfing session was attended by Adel Al Zarooni, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, Tony Bennett, President of the European Golf Federation of People of Determination, and DP World Global Ambassador and Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter.

England’s Kipp Popert will go into the Dubai Finale as one of the favourites given his World No.1 ranking but faces stern competition from World No.2 Brendan Lawlor (Ireland) and World No.4 Chris Biggins (US). Canada’s Kurtis Barkley (7), Italy’s Tomasso Perrino, (8), Belgium’s Adem Wahbi (16), England’s Mike Browne (19), and Sweden’s Felix Norrman (25) complete the strong field.

The players, who have a range of disabilities from physical - including neurological, orthopaedic, spinal and limb - to intellectual, qualified from a pool of 16 players for the Dubai Finale. The opportunity for the players to be part of the European Tour’s season-ending weekend reaffirms the European Tour’s commitment for inclusivity within golf.

Wahbi, the Belgian golfer, discussed how he’s looking forward to teeing off on the Earth Course. He said: “It really is the best place to play golf. I’ve met some of the world’s best stars here and I’m really happy to be here. While I’m here to win, I’m not here just to play golf and the most important thing is to have fun.”

The EDGA’s calendar consisted of four events in the UK which included the Cazoo Open at the Celtic Manor Resort, the ISPS HANDA World Disability Invitational presented by Brendan Lawlor, at Massereene and Galgorm Castle, the EDGA Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews and the EDGA Cazoo Classic at London Golf Club.

Meanwhile, over the next 12 to 18 months the EGF will work closely with EDGA and the UAE golf clubs to put the UAE Determined Golfer Programme in place as part of its new partnership.

With the expertise from EDGA, assistance from the UAE golf clubs, and support of dedicated partners this new programme is set to provide opportunities for everyone that wants to try the sport of golf.

EGF Vice Chairman Zarouni, said: “This has been a vision that started in 2018 when the UAE was preparing for the Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi. With the help of the UAE golf clubs,

People of Determination Centers, and the DP World Tour Championship we are now taking “Determined Golf” to new heights within the UAE.

“It is our goal to make the sport of golf more inclusive for everyone. With this new UAE Determined Golf Programme the EGF is making golf accessible to everyone no matter their age, gender, or ability.”