Grow the game
EMIRATES AUSTRALIAN
OPEN TO FEATURE ALL
ABILITIES CHAMPIONSHIP
A world-first championship for golfers with a disability will be
contested during this year’s Emirates Australian Open in Sydney.
O
n the same course, at the same
time and under the same playing
conditions, the world’s top golfers with
a disability will share the fairways chasing
the Australian All Abilities Championship
as the fight for the Stonehaven Cup rages
simultaneously at The Lakes Golf Club. An elite field of 12 golfers with a disability will
play for world rankings points at the AAAC,
one of eight annual Australian-based events
to offer such points, and placed into the
Emirates Australian Open field in a way that
is being determined in consultation with the
ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
Golf Australia national inclusion manager
Christian Hamilton was thrilled that players
with a disability would have the opportunity
to share the global spotlight. The rankings system was developed in
Europe and has since been adopted in 30
countries globally, including Australia and
New Zealand.
“This is far from an
exhibition event. These are
the world’s best players, as
determined by their own
world rankings system, and
they’ll face the same test as
all the champions who’ll be battling for the
Aussie Open,” Hamilton said.
“It will complement the work of the
International Golf Federation which is poised
to promote its case for golf’s inclusion in the
2024 Paralympics in France.
“One of the sport’s great advantages is its
capacity to include; these tournaments
combined will not only inspire the public to
see that, but also encourage other golfing
federations to follow Australia’s lead in
making the game accessible to all.”
20
Golf Australia chief
executive Stephen
Pitt was delighted to
expand the national
championship’s scope.
“The Stonehaven Cup has long been
regarded as one of the world’s great golfing
prizes and we hope this new event will
ultimately be regarded with the same level of
global respect,” Pitt said.
“Along with the PGA of Australia, we have
been working hard on inclusive golf for the
past couple of years and this is a critical next
step to showcase our pathways.
“It’s fitting that Australia is at the forefront
of inclusive golf and we can’t wait to see
our fans’ reactions as they witness just
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