The 2026 EDGA Algarve Classic and the EDGA Portugal Masters tee off this January
– January 9, 2026
The 2026 Golf for the Disabled season starts this month with two tournaments in the Algarve. The EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) Algarve Classic will be played at Pestana Pinta on January 12–13, followed by the EDGA Portugal Masters at Pestana Gramacho on January 16–17.
The tournaments mark the return of many leading players following the off-season, whilst also offering emerging golfers the chance to make an early impression.
Both tournaments will be contested across three divisions: Gross, Net and Stableford. The format is central to EDGA events and designed to encourage golfers with a wide range of impairments to compete together. Players include seated golfers with spinal injuries, athletes with limb difference, golfers with visual or hearing impairments, and those with neurological or neurodiverse conditions. The tournaments are open to any player with a disability recognised by their national authority, regardless of the nature of their impairment.
Across 2026, G4D players will test themselves against strong international fields at highly rated golf venues around the world. The expanding schedule stretches from Canada to New Zealand and Japan, and from South America across to Norway.
Each of the opening tournaments in Portugal features more than 65 players from 19 different nations. Players to watch include world number one Gross female player Daphne van Houten of the Netherlands, leading European Net player Mario Gazzetta of Italy, and world number one Stableford player Jörg Pliskat of Germany.
Former EDGA tournament winner and G4D Tour competitor David Watts said: “I’m really excited to return to Portugal. It’s a great way to start 2026, and I’m aiming to build momentum with a strong performance.”
Meanwhile, last season’s champion at Pestana Pinta, Turkey’s Mehmet Kazan, is also expected to attract attention ahead of a new EDGA Tour event in February – the 2026 EDGA Turkish Open by Mehmet Kazan. One of the most highly regarded players in G4D golf, Kazan’s involvement adds further excitement to the growing schedule in the popular golf destination of Belek.
The 2026 G4D season runs throughout the year, with standout events including The G4D Open in May at Celtic Manor in Wales, the US Adaptive Open in July, and the European Team Championship at Golf Club Genova Sant’ Anna in northern Italy.
EDGA President, Dr Tony Bennett said: “The list of events and host courses is designed to encourage everyone: from a first time challenger in a regional G4D Stableford event, to seasoned competitors pushing their boundaries in international competition. Welcoming and inclusive on the one hand in an atmosphere of friendship and trust, but also competitive tournaments, with both factors helping to forge lasting memories for all involved.”
“Our opening Portugal tournaments exemplify this thinking in every way, and we look forward to meeting the players, and offering the warmest of welcomes to everyone taking part.”
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