The season-ending EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association Algarve Open recently took place at the stunning Pestana Vila Sol to coincide with the ATA’s (Algarve Tourism Association) new ‘Golf4all’ initiative – which seeks to showcase the Algarve as a fully-inclusive tourism attraction for golfers of all ages and abilities. Following in the footsteps of Alexander Levy, winner of the Portugal Masters 2014, the EDGA event was won by another Frenchman, Charles-Henri Quélin, who has +2 handicap and plays with a fused right arm. Charles-Henri shot incredible rounds of 79 and 75 (gross) to win by two shots.
Tony Bennett, president of the EDGA said: “The EDGA Algarve Open may have closed last season for the participants of the annual EDGA ranking, but it has opened a new chapter for both the Algarve and the players who regularly compete on the EDGA tour. From the reception that the players received on arrival at the airport, the service of both hotel and golf course staff and the attention to detail from the Associação Turismo do Algarve, each interaction was a great reminder that the Algarve really does deserve its award as 2014 Best European Golf Destination. The Associação Turismo do Algarve made this the opening event of their Golf4all initiative and we are so pleased to know that we are back in 2015 on two occasions to play EDGA tournaments in the Algarve.”
A spokesperson for ATA added: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the EDGA Algarve Open, and cannot wait to welcome the competitors back for next year’s event, in April and November. With our ‘Golf4all’ campaign, we are committed to highlighting just why the Algarve is one of Europe’s most popular, welcoming and inclusive golf destinations. The golf course was superb, the players all had a fantastic time and, of course, the standard of golf was exceptionally high. You cannot help but being hugely inspired by the quality of the golf the men and women of the EDGA Tour play.”
A spokesperson for ATA added: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the EDGA Algarve Open, and cannot wait to welcome the competitors back for the next events in April and November, 2015. With our ‘Golf4all’ campaign, we are committed to highlighting just why the Algarve is one of Europe’s most popular, welcoming and inclusive golf destinations. The golf course was superb, the players all had a fantastic time and, of course, the standard of golf was exceptionally high. You cannot help but being hugely inspired by the quality of the golf the men and women of the EDGA Tour play.”
The ‘Golf4all’ is also being publicised through ATA’s new social media channels, which have already attracted nearly 3,000 fans. A range of exciting ‘Golf4all’initiatives are planned throughout 2015 to further enhance the campaign and will target every unique type of golfer: from disabled golfers, to juniors, seniors and golfers from ‘minority’ backgrounds – both male and female. The campaign aims to reach golfers of all ability levels, from beginners, to casual players and experienced golfers. Congratulations to all involved including the EDGA, the ATA, this year’s Open victor, Charles-Henri Quélin and of course all the players whose participation actively supports prestigious events like the Algarve Disabled Golf Open.