Money raised at the Portugal Masters will fund the European Disabled Golf Association’s work to get more disabled people playing golf. Picture by GETT IMAGES
THE European Disabled Golf Association is the official charity of this week’s Portugal Masters, which takes place at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course from October 24-27.
EDGA aims to change the lives of people with disability through the power of golf.
Made up of volunteers from the national golf federations from 29 countries around the world, its objective is to help more than 500,000 people living with a disability to try the sport of golf.
All charitable funds raised by EDGA from tournament draw sheet sales at the Portugal Masters, a longest drive competition sponsored by Golfbreaks, taking place during Wednesday’s pro-am, and a raffle, with some fantastic prizes to be won, will help fund the delivery of training, education and programmes in the country.
The European Tour announced earlier this year its ‘Golfers with Disability’ programme, running, in conjunction with EDGA – two 36-hole tournaments for disabled golfers running alongside two of this season’s biggest Rolex Series events.
The first – the EDGA Scottish Open, won by Irishman Brendan Lawlor – took place alongside the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, while the second, the EDGA Dubai Finale, will take place on the Friday and Saturday of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates, next month.
EDGA president Tony Bennett, who is head of disability and inclusion for the International Golf Federation, said: “EDGA is proud to be the official charity of the Portugal Masters.
“Both locally, and internationally, the support of the European Tour during the last four Portugal Masters continues to transform the lives of people.
“EDGA has a deep connection to Portugal. Over the last six years, 10 tournaments, and diverse development programmes in rehabilitation centres, schools and associations have been delivered in Portugal.
“Funds raised at the Portugal Masters have allowed EDGA to donate equipment, literature and provide training to professionals and coaches throughout the country.
“EDGA is finalising the translation of the book – Mulligan: Tough Love and Second Chances – into Portuguese.
“The backdrop of the Portugal Masters, together with clinics that will operate on the Saturday of the tournament are powerful testaments to the ability of players with impairments and showcase the positive impact of the game.”
Portugal Masters championship director Peter Adams said: “We are proud to partner with EDGA once again as the official charity of the Portugal Masters.
“Tony and the team at EDGA have done a wonderful job of raising awareness of disability golf in the country over the last six years, and we are delighted to welcome them back to Dom Pedro Victoria later this month.”
The European Tour and the European Disabled Golf Association have worked together for more than 10 years, but the relationship with the Portugal Masters only started in 2016.
“Initially a phone-call from the Associação Turismo do Algarve was the catalyst for this as EDGA was invited to be the nominated charitable organisation.
“Over the last four years the relationship between the European Tour, the Portugal Masters and EDGA has flourished.”
Mr Bennett added: “It is a natural fit for these three entities to work together – golf is the magnet that brings them together, and helping people with disability to enjoy the proven benefits of the game is a shared vision.”
•For more information about EDGA visit www.edgagolf.com.
