The EDGA Tournament “provides playing opportunities for golfers with a disability”, with 80 players from 14 different countries, and aims to “change the lives of people with disability through the power of golf”
– November 7, 2022
The EDGA Tour, which provides playing opportunities for golfers with a disability, has consisted of 72 tournaments and visited 15 countries in 2022 and will take place between November 24-26 at Pestana Vila Sol.
The Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) together with EDGA launched the event in 2014, and it has been a regular feature on the EDGA schedule ever since.
A full field of 80 players with various impairments from 14 countries will arrive at the tournament which also welcomes families, friends and volunteers, helping to create a strong social connection for all present.
However, when it comes to teeing off, the tournament always creates intense competition across three divisions: Gross, Net and Stableford, with golfing handicaps ranging from plus one to 36. Winners of the 2021 tournament, Charles-Henri Quélin (France) and Daphne van Houten (Holland) will be returning to defend their Men’s and Women’s Gross titles respectively.
Meanwhile, the attractive but challenging Vila Sol course (par 72 for the event) has proved to be a highly popular set-up for golfers who have a range of physical, intellectual and sensory impairments.
“This is a much-loved tournament at Pestana Vila Sol, so it is no surprise that so many of our EDGA golfers wanted to play here again this year,” said EDGA President Tony Bennett.
“The standard of competition is always very high indeed as there are some seriously strong players taking part. Our players love the venue and the warm welcome they receive. Vila Sol offers a great advertisement for the Algarve to players and families, while the EDGA golfers create an excellent showcase for how people with a disability can reach their potential in a chosen sport.
“Our international competitions are great for all involved but they also offer a chance to promote just how good an activity golf can be. Golf can really enhance your life physically and mentally and it’s a game everyone should take a look at, from simply putting and chipping, to the longer, full game.”
EDGA seeks to change the lives of people with disability through the power of golf. The objective is to help 500,000 people with disability to try the game.
The international not-for-profit association is made up of the National Golf Federations from 34 countries around the world, and provides advice, guidance and standards to leading golfing bodies, including The IGF, The R&A, and The EGA.
The staging of the EDGA Algarve Open is being made possible once again thanks to supporters of EDGA, including The R&A, European Tour Group, Ryder Cup European Development Trust, RSM, PING, Srixon, Dreams, Federação Portuguesa de Golfe and Golfbidder.
Find out more at www.edgagolf.com
Source: Portugal Resident