Disabled golfers come together for the world’s first fully inclusive international team event
Over 30 male and female golfers with disabilities from around Europe and the United States are currently in St Andrews competing at the Phoenix Cup – regarded as the only fully inclusive amateur match play team golf event in the world.
St Andrews Links Trust in Fife, Scotland, began hosting the Phoenix Cup – now in its 30th year – on the Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course yesterday, with the tournament concluding tomorrow, with a packed schedule each day.
Inspired by the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, 888 players of all ages with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities across 18 countries worldwide have participated in the event over the past three decades.
This year, more than 30 male and female golfers with disabilities from around Europe and the United States will compete in the traditional match play competition of foursomes, fourballs and singles ties.
The Phoenix Cup showcases the unique position of golf as one of the few sports where golfers of all skills and abilities can compete on a level playing field, because of the golf handicap system. The first Phoenix was held when golfers from Canada and Scotland organised a friendly, multi-nation match play competition at Chippewa Creek Golf Club in Hamilton, Ontario.
Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust said: “We are proud to be hosting the 30th year of the Phoenix Cup on the Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course, for players to compete at the Home of Golf.
“The Phoenix Cup is championing the position of golf as one of few sports that can be played by individuals of all abilities, and it is a pleasure to have their 30th year take place on our courses. A central aim of the Trust is widening participation and inclusion in golf, to ensure anyone who wants to play has the opportunity to do so, and this event is promoting the sport for players of all ages and abilities.”
Jim Gales MBE, the European co-captain, is a blind golfer and curler living near St Andrews with his wife Janet and retired German Shepherd guide dog, Yannick.
The founder of Scottish Disability Golf and Curling in 2004, Gales and his wife helped to create the Phoenix Cup. Gales has also led 13 international squads, played in more than 100 Open championships – winning 17 titles, including the British Open on three occasions – and has represented Scotland and Canada at curling internationals.
Jim commented: “To have the anniversary of the Phoenix Cup’s 30th year played at the Home of Golf is a huge achievement, and a fantastic opportunity for all the players. Everyone is really excited to play St Andrews Links Trust’s famous courses, which are some of the greatest out there and known for their quality. Many of the players coming over from the US have never visited Scotland, and are particularly thrilled to be welcomed to Home of Golf.
“It’s a real honour for me to have the Cup held so close to home. There are a couple of others in the team from further down the coast, but I’m the most local, being only 10 miles away from St Andrews. I’ve played on these courses many times, and on the Jubilee course most regularly.
“We’re really pleased to have the support of St Andrews Links Trust during such a big moment for the Cup as we reach our 30th year of promoting disability golf around the world. It’s fantastic to have the support of the local MP, Wendy Chamberlain, too.”
On the US side, Dan Aldrich is team captain, having golfed at a high level since high school. Aldrich was on the US national team as a competitive water ski racer before an accident resulted in the complete paralysis of his left arm. Now president of the North American One-Armed Golfer Association and a board member of the US Adaptive Golf Alliance, Aldrich’s accident hasn’t held back his passion for golf.
St Andrews Links Trust is responsible for the management and maintenance of the seven Links courses at St Andrews, including the world-famous Old Course, host of The Open a record 30 times. More than 250,000 rounds are played over the seven courses attracting visitors from around the world to follow in the footsteps of the world’s greatest golfers and become a part of golf’s rich history.
In recent news, golfing equipment worth £500 was purchased by the Warren Clark Golfing Dreams charity in Southampton to help disabled people and groups try out the sport, thanks to a donation by housebuilder Bellway.
