Golf Australia adds inclusive events to its national schedule

December 3, 2020

Golf Australia has advised of the release of its 2021 all abilities national events calendar on International Day of People with Disability (#IDPwD).

Golf Australia has incorporated these events into their traditional events on the back of the success of the Australian All Abilities Championship at the Australian Open and the Victorian Inclusive Championship held in conjunction with the ISPS Handa Vic Open in February.

Two new events will be added to the Golf Australia all abilities schedule – the South Australian Inclusive Championship and the Tasmanian Inclusive Championship, both to be fully integrated into the respective state amateur championships in late 2021.

It will mean both inclusive championships share the same 36-hole stroke play format as the state amateur titles, with the leading players advancing to the match play phase.

Golf Australia operations general manager, Therese Magdulski advised “these events have opened the eyes of both fellow competitors at the traditional events and also the crowds that have come to watch.

“They’re inspirational athletes, but more importantly, they’re genuinely good golfers and it’s the inclusive nature of the combined events that brings that all to light.”

The inclusive events bring together players from across the country and around the world, competing as part of a global calendar that contributes to the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), administered jointly by the R&A and USGA under World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Golf Australia senior inclusion manager, Christian Hamilton said the rankings had become an important element in the push to unite the world in presenting an international tournament pathway for people with disability.

Hamilton notes “Golf Australia is a major contributor to the WR4GD and has already provided opportunities to athletes through the rankings to play major events across the globe.

“Events such as the AAAC, European Tour-run Scottish Open, DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and Portugal Masters have all provided opportunities for Australian players to travel and play on the world stage.

“We only see these opportunities growing in the future.

“We are also working on a joint schedule with Golf New Zealand to provide further value to both Australians and New Zealanders to support both schedules.”

Hamilton also acknowledged the vital role that Australian disability golf associations play in supporting participation through events and programs.

Hamilton added “Golf Australia is fortunate to have such great relationships with organisations such as Special Olympics Australia, Blind Golf Australia, Amputee Golf Australia and Deaf Golf Australia.

“These organisations play a vital role in supporting their communities and GA wants to support their growth through promotion of their events and activities.

“We also want to provide a pathway to these organisations through our extensive network of PGA all abilities coaches and community instructors, along with national programs such as MyGolf and Get into Golf – All Abilities.”

To access Golf Australia's NATIONAL INCLUSIVE EVENTS CALENDAR click here

For more information on #IDPwD go to www.idpwd.com.au/

Image of Geoff Nicolas at the Australian All Abilities Championship courtesy of Golf Australia

3rd December 2020 - AIS and Paralympics Australia partnership expands mental health support to future Paralympians

3rd December 2020 - 2020 National Arts and Disability Awards celebrates outstanding achievement

23rd November 2020 - Monash Council partners to deliver Australian-first sport and recreation work program to young people with a disability

4th November 2020 - Eden Park backs New Zealand disability employment initiative

15th October 2019 - Sport NZ’s new Disability Plan looks to address inequality

10th July 2019 - Leading disability arts advocate to speak at Arts Activated 2019 Conference

10th June 2019 - YMCA Victoria partners with Disability Sport & Recreation

16th May 2019 - Merlin Entertainments signs up to global disability campaign

3rd December 2018 - Successful grant applicants announced for 2018 International Day of People with Disability

3rd December 2018 - Sydney Festival launches first Disability Programming Initiative in Australia

29th November 2018 - ESSA highlights the key role of physical activity in breaking down disability barriers

24th September 2018 - Australia Council backs arts and disability with significant new funding

20th April 2017 - Community development appointment a step towards new disability and diversity initiatives

4th March 2017 - New Queensland guide opens tourism opportunities for people with disability

22nd August 2016 - Point Walter Golf Course launches innovative disability program

16th January 2016 - Applications for 2016 arts and disability funding program set to close

6th March 2015 - Perth Zoo wins national disability access award

25th June 2014 - Australia Council promotes disability leadership in the arts

9th May 2013 - Perth Theatre Trust releases new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

7th January 2010 - Study on Disability Participation in Sport and Recreation

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.