Algarve Open for disabled golfers kicks-off ‘golf4all’ campaign

Europe’s leading impaired golfers will compete in the European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA) Algarve Open from 18 to 23 November, where the winner of the 2014 EDGA Premier Series Order of Merit will be crowned at Pestana Vila Sol.

The event will mark the launch of a new ‘golf4all’ campaign by the Algarve Tourism Association, which seeks to showcase the Algarve as a fully-inclusive tourism attraction for golfers of all ages and abilities and for tourists from across the globe. It will target every unique type of golfer: from disabled golfers, to juniors, seniors and golfers from ‘minority’ backgrounds – both male and female. The campaign will also aim to reach golfers of all ability levels, from beginners, to casual players and experienced golfers.

Among those players scheduled to appear are Cédric Lescut (pictured) of Belgium, who turned pro in 2002 after having the lower part of his right leg amputated; Manuel de los Santos of the Dominican Republic and France, who before having his left leg amputated was a top-level basketball player, and Spain’s first ever wheelchair golfer, Sebas Lorente. Also taking part are Monique Kalman, a Dutch paragolfer who has also won Paralympic gold in tennis; former Paralympic skiers Nino Ouraboh and Martijn Wijsman; and French amateur Charles-Henri Quélin who has plus-two handicap and plays with a fused right arm.

Tony Bennett, president of the EDGA, said, “To have a partner such as the Algarve Tourism Association supporting the EDGA Algarve Open is very important for the successful delivery of what is the first European level tournament for golfers with impairment to be held in Portugal. The event is part of the ‘golf4all’ campaign and as a resident in the Algarve I can vouch, not only for the quality of the facilities that can be found in this region of Portugal, but also for the warm and friendly reception that the players are sure to receive. We at EDGA are looking forward to a great event in November and one which will sit on both our and the Algarve’s calendar for many years to come.” More at: www.visitgolfalgarve.com