Brendan’s voyage of discovery Down Under
DUNDALK’S Brendan Lawlor could become world No 1 if he wins the new Australian All Abilities Championship in Sydney this week.
Ranked third in the world rankings which have been run by the European Disabled Golf Association since 2014, he could become the first man to top the new World Ranking for Golfers with Disability which will be administered by the USGA and the R&A in tandem with the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) from January 1 next year.
News of the launch of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability was announced to coincide with this week’s event, which will be played during the Australian Open with the disabled golfers playing alongside the tour stars.
Lawlor was a member of Dundalk’s Leinster Barton Shield winning squad this year and the one-handicapper got to meet several of his heroes in Sydney, including Australia’s Cameron Smith and US Ryder Cup star Brandt Snedeker.
“It’s an honour to be around these type of lads and for them to have time also to talk,” said Lawlor, who has Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome, a bone growth disorder that leads to shorter limbs.
Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development and Amateur Events at The R&A, believes this week’s event is a milestone for disabled golf.
“It is another important step towards ensuring that golf is more inclusive of people of all ages and abilities,” Mr Weir said. “Along with our colleagues at the USGA we will continue to support EDGA’s drive to grow participation and competition in the sport among all disability groups.”