Cian Arthurs returns to The G4D Open this week (15-17 May) as a father with a fresh perspective on life – and determined to impress on the big stage at Woburn.
The Irishman played in the inaugural championship in 2023, finishing in a creditable tie for 33rd place.
Arthurs, a former World One Armed champion, watched from afar last year as his life began a wonderful new chapter with the birth of his twin boys, Cobe and Archie.
The demands of becoming a new dad have rightly taken priority over recent months, but the 32-year-old is travelling across the Irish Sea in buoyant mood thanks to the spur from his home life.
“I have twin boys now and they will be a year-old on 8th May,” he states. “It was going to be a little difficult to play last year a week after they were born. Things have settled down a bit now at home and I’m out there playing more.
“Last year was a slow year, I maybe only played once a week, and other things took preference and I probably didn’t play as much as I would have liked. It definitely has affected my play, my handicap index has gone up three shots. I’m down to 5.5 again but when I registered for this week I was 6.3.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world and it kind of gives you a new perspective. I was always very hard on myself on the course and my mindset has changed, it’s not the be all and end all. Even if you have a bad day, you go home to the two little lads and see their faces. It gives you instant joy, it’s brilliant. I’m actually hitting the ball quite well and I can’t wait to get back to The G4D Open.”
Arthurs lost his right arm in a lawnmower accident when he was just two-years-old but has never allowed his disability to stand in his way.
Inspired by countrymen like Brendan Lawlor – the first winner of The G4D Open – the Dubliner sits 84th on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability and aims to showcase his talent at the venue near Milton Keynes.
Now in its third edition, The G4D Open – an event staged in partnership with The R&A and the DP World Tour with EDGA acting in an advisory role – sees 80 players representing 20 countries compete over the renowned Duchess Course at Woburn. Tales of courage and inspiration are to be found within a worldwide field.
“I really enjoyed it in 2023, I probably put myself under pressure as I was a bit nervous,” admits Arthurs. “It was the first time the championship had been held and against those top lads it was a little daunting.
“I can shoot low scores and I’m trying to do as well as I can against the likes of Brendan and Kipp. It needs to all come together. I have an awful habit of shooting a level par round following a ten-over round. I need to stay fully focused.
“I’m playing with solely one hand on the golf club, and people doing that may not even be able to hit the ball, never mind drive it 280 yards. To get to play such a prestigious course in the event that it is, its’ great. It’s a truly amazing championship.”
Arthurs warmed up for this week with practice at El Chapparal Golf in Spain, where his parents have a house. Learning lessons from two years ago, his strategy for Woburn is simple – stay out of the trees.
“I’ve put a 2-iron in the bag which I will probably use a lot but because there is no fun in missing fairways around there,” said the Roganstown Golf Club player. “For me, I hit the ball quite far so it’s not the longest track but it’s quite easy to rack up numbers when you’re not hitting the ball straight.
“If you’re not the right side of the fairway, you are coming in from the wrong angle with overhanging branches and it can be tough. I think it’s going to be a lot of target golf, finding greens and hopefully I can post a decent score. I definitely won’t be hitting driver as much as I did the last time.”
Arthurs competes in the Standing 2 sport class and is at the vanguard of the development of golfers with a disability. With support from Golf Ireland, he loves playing his part in helping the sport flourish.
He adds, “Disabled golf is becoming so big now with all the events we have every year and the recognition we are getting. With Golf Ireland, we have so much backing. This generation of golfers with disability are the driving force behind it too, going and playing events and putting on a show – driving diversity and inclusivity in golf.
“We just want to show up and play and be seen on the biggest stages. Woburn and the likes are giving us that opportunity. I started playing in one event pre-Covid-19 and then got into properly after the pandemic. How much it’s grown in the last three or four years is a testament to everyone involved, really.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend at Woburn from 15-17 May, with attendance and car parking free of charge.
Leave a comment