February 2022 —
Young golfers from Vilamoura Golf School were granted a rare and privileged opportunity to learn from one of the world’s greatest golfers with a disability.
Hosted by Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection ahead of the EDGA Vilamoura Open on February 13 and 14, Italy’s Tommaso Perrino demonstrated the game’s fundamentals to local up-and-coming stars.
Ranked 12th in the Gross World Rankings for Golfers with a Disability, Perrino – alongside Dom Pedro TPI Golf Certified Coach, David Moura – provided practical tips and technical advice to help participants improve their skills or introduce them to the game of golf for the first time.
Perrino suffered a leg injury in a scooter accident when he was 17 in 2001. He has since become one of EDGA’s leading stars with his form over the last few years amongst the best on tour.
The session was held in collaboration with EDGA to help raise further awareness for golf in the region and showcase how the sport has had a positive impact, both mentally and physically, on people with a disability.
“It was amazing to host the clinic today and be able to share my experience in golf and EDGA with everyone who attended. EDGA is like a family, it has given me so many great opportunities to play the game of golf once again and compete against the best players in the world,” said Perrino, commenting on the opportunity to host the clinic.
EDGA was founded in 2000 as a non-for-profit volunteer-led association of the National Golf Federations from 34 countries worldwide, focusing on boosting awareness for golf, developing capacity within the golf industry, and providing opportunities for golfers with a disability throughout the player pathway.
“It is amazing to see so many people in the region turn up to learn more about the game of golf from one of EDGA’s leading stars. It is incredible to hear about Tommaso’s experience in the sport and hopefully by hosting this clinic it will encourage more people, both with and without a disability, to take up golf and feel the positive effects from it,” said Luís Correia da Silva, Chief Executive Officer at Dom Pedro Golf.
He added: “As a brand, we are always looking to grow the game in the Algarve, and hope that by hosting events such as the EDGA Vilamoura Open, it will inspire more people to take up the sport. We can’t wait for the EDGA to host their next event at the resort and look forward to working closely with them and their partners over the next few years.”
Tycho Kuiper, one of the participants from the Vilamoura Golf School, said: “It doesn’t matter if you have a disability because golf makes it possible for everyone to play regardless of what you are dealing with. It was amazing to learn from Tommaso today. Golf is the right sport and EDGA makes it possible for the players.”