Kipp Popert believes the “future is bright” for disability golf as he and Brendan Lawlor spoke of their hopes for the next phase in the development of the G4D Tour.
The G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour – launched in 2022 as a partnership between the DP World Tour and EDGA – has provided a platform to promote disability golf but at present does not have prize funds.
Now into its third full season, this week saw the first mixed team event take place with the G4D Tour Nations Cup at The Belfry, in advance of the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.
Popert, the most successful player in G4D Tour history, teamed up with Heather Gilks – who like Popert has cerebral palsy – to win the title for England in the event’s inaugural edition on Tuesday.
With three two-day events left on the 2023/24 G4D Tour schedule, Popert is thinking about how the sport can continue to grow and further boost participation.
Asked what the future is for disability golf, he said in an interview in the Green Room: “I would love to help grow this Tour to make it big enough where there is a prize fund for disabled players.
“I believe there is a lot of talent here that deserves it. I will keep being an advocate for that because the future is bright, and I just want to make sure that kids coming through have as much opportunity as possible.”
Lawlor, another key ambassador for the game, also teed it up in England alongside compatriot Fiona Gray and he also shares Popert’s hopes for what is the next step in the sport’s ongoing progression.
“There are many things where I want to see it go,” Irishman Lawlor said. “First of all, I want to see it become a paid sport.
“I think that is extremely important for people to [help] keep their ambition to keep playing."
Due to the European Tour group’s ongoing financial support, EDGA has been able to raise awareness, confirm eligibility, organise tournaments, and deliver golf development and coach education worldwide.
