With its highly inclusive atmosphere, this week’s G4D Open at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales will provide a wonderful test for the assembled field.
These Sport Classes are assigned via the way individual golfers play, as a result of their recognised individual impairment/s. Contesting these nine categories, the competitive edge is likely to remain sharp throughout the 54-hole format (including a cut after 36 holes). Each player is striving to be the “best of the best” in their class, having qualified through international tournaments as part of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). While the two players making the biggest headlines for the week are likely to be the overall Men’s and Women’s Champions, these nine unique Sport Class winners will deservedly have their own achievement recognised for their role in shaping this prestigious and inclusive G4D Open, staged for a fourth year by The R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour, supported by EDGA (formally the European Disabled Golf Association).
How it works
Two of these champion golfers will be seated players (Sport Classes Sitting 1 and Sitting 2) who typically, but not always, use a powered chair such as a Paragolfer to lift them up into the correct supported position to swing the club. Two of the winners will have intellectual/neurodiverse conditions, such as autism for example (Intellectual 1 and Intellectual 2); a trio will be from three different Standing classes, while classes Visual 1 and Visual 2 will be contested by golfers with a visual impairment. By tuning-in to the Sport Classes, spectators can better understand the context of what is at stake for the players as they demonstrate their skills: experiencing how a golfer with a visual impairment sets themselves to play for example, or how a golfer hits with one arm, or swings with an above-knee amputation, or plays from a powered chair.The Sport Classes were created by EDGA after research and collaboration with leading sport, medical and rehabilitation experts from around the world. Equity and competitive integrity for all players lies at the heart of the Sport Class system. A quick look at a selection of recent male and female Sport Class Champions reveals more.
Sport Class: Intellectual 1
Players with intellectual impairment and/or Downs Syndrome.
Canada’s Natasha Stasiuk, 27, has an auditory processing condition and autism. She says, “I’m a role model for a lot of people back home. A lot of people have supported me. Golf has taken me to a whole new level. I’ve won tournaments, which is great for my self-confidence.”
Sport Class: Intellectual 2
Players with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
Having played in the 2024 G4D Tour championship in the UAE, and this being her third G4D Open, Michelle Lau, 37, from England, has emerged as a positive storyteller for the women’s game and for young people with autism and ADHD.
Sport Class: Standing 1
Players with impaired static standing balance with multiple limb impairments or severe single lower limb impairments, likely to lose balance during or after making the shot. Includes players with significant bilateral arm impairments requiring the use of long-shafted clubs.
Juan Postigo Arce, 30, has won his Sport Class in all three years of The G4D Open to date. The Spaniard plays on one leg following an amputation, without using a prosthetic leg, demonstrating incredible power and balance from his left foot movement in a smooth and classic swing. Power and rhythm mix with stunning effect, much admired by watching spectators.
Standing 2
Players with impaired dynamic standing balance, but able to stand on two legs, with prosthetic limbs if required. Able to maintain standing balance throughout and after making the shot.
Playing golf as an athlete with multiple sclerosis (MS), and a role model for other sport participants with similar conditions. Playing in her fourth G4D Open, Aimi Bullock, from near London, has won women’s Sport Class Standing 2 for consecutive years and was G4D Open overall runner-up in 2024.
Standing 3
Players with good dynamic standing balance and mobility, able to grip the club with two hands and swing without losing balance or grip. Usually walking the course using a golf cart or carrying clubs.
Daphne van Houten, from The Netherlands, world number one female player and defending Women’s Champion, was born with scoliosis of the spine. Daphne says, “Because I can’t turn my hips separately from my shoulders/upper body, I can’t get a lot of swing speed and I lose some distance compared with others.”
Sitting 1
Players with impaired trunk control, lack of consistent static sitting balance and no independent standing balance.
Yorkshire’s Terry Kirby, now 70, was Sport Class Sitting 1 Champion in 2023 and 2024. Terry uses his powerful right arm only, in a ‘forehand’ sweeping swing that can achieve clean hitting and great accuracy. Terry says, “I love to play the game. Golf keeps me sane and gives me the reasons to get up in the morning.”
Sitting 2
Players with active trunk control, dynamic sitting balance, minimal unsupported standing balance and unable to play standing without support.
Richard Kluwen relies on a high level of skill and focus. He says, “I always try to win, but I play golf to train, keeping my body fit and flexible, and for the great friendships. Playing tournaments is a bonus. You need a clear head, and this helps with my disability.” The Dutch player returns as Champion of the Sitting 2 Sport Class of two consecutive years.
Visual 1
Players who are totally blind.
Norway’s Mette Havnaas, 58, hears when she plays a good shot, she enjoys the sound when a putt has fallen to the bottom of the cup. She explains, “I found golf after losing my sight and I loved it immediately.” Mette is guided on the course by her husband Birger.
Visual 2
Players with significant visual impairment.
John Eakin has been victorious in the Visual 2 Sport Class for two years in succession. The 67-year-old Englishman believes the “fun, challenge and focus” of the Championship has helped keep his game and his mind sharp. John says, “Golf for the visually impaired is very much a team game. It’s about enjoyment, health and great friendships.”
These are the stories of nine different champion players who will all be at Celtic Manor Resort for The G4D Open 2026 (entry is free for spectators). Come along and experience their play and discover the 80 stories that make up the nine Sport Classes.
