February 2022 —
Golfers with disability are set to enjoy some intense competition and the best in resort golf when they tee it up in two premier tournaments in Portugal to launch the 2022 EDGA Tour season.
Dubbed the ‘Portugal Swing’, the events will consist of the EDGA Vilamoura Open (February 13-14), held at the Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course, with the second key tournament the EDGA Palmela Open, held at the Montado Golf Resort, near Lisbon (February 17-18).
Both tournaments are open to all golfers with disability who hold an EDGA or WR4GD player pass. Each two-round event has points to be gained as players seek to climb the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), and tournament categories include Gross, Net and Stableford. The events are officially approved by the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, a member of EDGA.
EDGA is a not-for-profit volunteer-led association of the National Golf Federations from 34 countries worldwide. EDGA focuses on boosting awareness of the inclusive nature of golf, developing capacity within the golf industry, and providing opportunities for golfers with a disability throughout the player pathway.
The EDGA Vilamoura Open will be the first such event hosted by Dom Pedro. However, the group is no stranger to supporting EDGA as, in recent years, it has hosted EDGA action at the European Tour’s Portugal Masters.
At present, 48 players from 15 countries will compete in the Vilamoura event, while at Montado a field of 47 is set to play.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming EDGA Vilamoura Open, Dom Pedro Golf CEO, Luís Correia da Silva, said: “Everyone at the resort is excited to welcome the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) to Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection for the first time. Dom Pedro has often worked closely with the EDGA during our hosting of the European Tour’s (now DP World Tour) Portugal Masters, and we hope that by hosting this event, it will help to raise awareness for not only the strength of golf for the disabled, but also encourage more people to take up the game of golf in the Algarve. We are all looking forward to the event getting underway later this week and can’t wait to see all the players in action across the Dom Pedro Pinhal Course.”
Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “These two tournaments will create the best possible start for our new EDGA season of events. Both are fantastic venues that are truly welcoming with challenging courses, offering exciting competition and camaraderie in equal measure. We are grateful that the courses, the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe and the players are supportive of these events, which will no doubt make them a great success. We are looking forward to some wonderful golf and opportunities to reignite existing friendships after a prolonged period of restricted travel.”
For more information, visit EDGA at www.edgagolf.com