Fife course to host disabled golf’s Ryder Cup

The Phoenix Cup Team International will be played at Elmwood Golf Club, Cupar, below, from September 13-15.

The competition was created by Scottish Disability Golf and is the disabled version of the Ryder/Solheim Cup.

It was first held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where 26 golfers, making up a North American and World Team, travelled from Australia, South Africa, Germany, the States, Scotland, France and England to play over the three forms of traditional match play golf.

Elmwood manager Steve Johnstone said: “Elmwood Golf has proudly been involved with the SDGC since the facility opened its doors in 1998.

“Club facilities are well suited to golfers with disabilities and provide easy access to the course, practice areas, driving range and clubhouse.

“Next year will be the first hosting of a disabled golf match play international at the club, although the SDGC has golfed with our members for over 20 years.

“Several disabled golfers use the club regularly and hopefully more now it has become the first SDGC hub.

“The teams are level on victories and I’m sure it will be a keenly fought competition.”

SDGC founder and honorary secretary Jim Gales described the event as “a wonderful opportunity to take on the Auld Enemy over the fairways of one of our best and most welcoming golf clubs for players with disabilities”.

Disabled golfers will be able to qualify through the Scottish Order of Merit Championship, but the team captain will also select wild card players from around the world as the SDGC membership numbers more than 1,000 in 20 countries.

Plans are already in place right through to 2024, when the Phoenix Cup will be played at St Andrews, over the Old and Jubilee courses.