Grow the game
how dynamic these athletes are, for many
probably for the first time.
“This concept is huge for golf in Australia, but
also around the world as we seek to make
the sport open to all.”
The initiative has the support of the R & A,
with chief executive Martin Slumbers saying:
“The R&A is delighted to see this initiative
from Golf Australia showcase the world’s
best golfers with disability and the use of the
Ranking for Golfers with a Disability (R4GD)
in the qualification process. The Australian
All Abilities Championship will do much to
promote the inclusive nature of golf to a
global audience, and to demonstrate that
golf is a game for all, for life.”
The Emirates Australian Open is supported
by the NSW Government via its tourism and
major events agency, Destination NSW. It is
one of the most historic national Opens in
the world, dating to 1904, and its winners
include legends like Jack Nicklaus, Gary
Player, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Peter
Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Adam Scott, Rory
McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.
Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia
which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of
Australasia echoed Pitt’s statements.
“For the Australian All Abilities Championship
to share the spotlight with our country’s
Open is an incredible step forward
for inclusive golf and another terrific
advertisement for the game,” said Kirkman.
“We’re lucky to have people like PGA
Professional Christian Hamilton who works
tirelessly in his role as Golf Australia’s
National Inclusion Manager driving these
kinds of initiatives.”
This year’s Emirates Australian Open will be
played at The Lakes from November 15-18.
Golf Industry Central I Winter 2018
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