Dundalk’s Brendan Lawlor will be one of the stars of the show when the inaugural EDGA Scottish Open gets underway this weekend.
Lawlor, who plays off a one-handicap, was born with Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome, a bone growth disorder that leads to shorter limbs. Far from allowing his disability to get in the way of his golf swing, the 4’ 11” swinger is the world number 3 disabled golfer who’s taking aim at top spot in the rankings as Disabled Golf’s increasing exposure will be further boosted in Scotland.
“ISPS Handa are trying to merge disabilities golf into able-bodied golf,” said Lawlor.
“Obviously, we’re not going to compete with those lads at a high level but if we’re within four or five shots off the pros, there’s massive interest in that. If they’re seeing us hit the ball 260 yards off the tee, they’re thinking, ‘what’s going on here – how can they only be a few shots off the pros?’”
Continuing the drive for inclusivity within golf, the EDGA Scottish Open field will tackle the same course setup as the European Tour professionals at the Renaissance Club, before play begins in the Scottish Open on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Further exposure will be gained from the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai that will host a second tournament run by the European Tour and EDGA at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
EDGA President and IGF Head of Disability and Inclusion, Tony Bennett, said: “The two events in Scotland and Dubai are exciting developments and help to illustrate that golf has the potential to be the most inclusive game of all.
“The inaugural EDGA Scottish Open promises to be an exciting and game-changing event for our sport, and we look forward to showcasing the skills of the field at The Renaissance Club.”
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