ANTICIPATION ‘SKY-HIGH’ AS LONDON GOLF CLUB TO WELCOME EDGA TOUR EVENT FOR SECOND YEAR
London Golf Club is continuing its commitment to making golf accessible for all as it prepares to welcome the world’s leading golfers with a disability for the return of the London Golf Club G4D Shield.
Taking place from May 5-7, a fully subscribed field of 60 golfers will compete over 36 holes on the prestigious Kent venue’s International Course – the second edition of the event following last year’s hugely successful tournament.
Run by EDGA – an organisation that works with 50 national golf federations to create opportunities for individuals with a disability to sample, participate in and compete in golf – this year’s event will see men and women from ten different impairment groups compete across net, gross and Stableford categories.
The highest-ranked player in the field for 2025 is England’s Brad Smith, currently 15th in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) gross ranking. Smith will be joined by international competitors hailing from ten different countries, with some travelling from as far as the US and Australia.
One of the many inspirational stories of players taking part is that of Kris Aves, a Metropolitan Police officer who survived the 2017 Westminster attack. Paralysed from the waist down, Aves’ passion for golf motivated him to return to the sport using a Paragolfer mobility device, and his participation at London Golf Club is just one example of the talent and resilience that characterises the EDGA Tour.
Ben Stimson, director of golf at London Golf Club, said: “We are honoured to be welcoming EDGA back to London Golf Club for the London Golf Club G4D Shield event following the incredibly successful inaugural edition last year.
“It was incredible last year to spectate and watch how people with disabilities were able to navigate their way through a round of golf with such commitment and determination, and we cannot wait to welcome the world’s leading golfers with disabilities back to London Golf Club next month.”
As part of last year’s tournament, EDGA worked closely with London Golf Club staff across the golf course and wider facility to help identify opportunities to improve visitor experience and reach new customers across the disability spectrum.
Dr Tony Bennett, president of EDGA, said: “Following the overwhelmingly positive response to the inaugural event in 2024, anticipation for this year’s edition has been sky-high. Last year’s debut tournament was met with genuine enthusiasm and praise from the players, who relished the chance to compete on the outstanding International Course. The club’s warm and dedicated staff were also widely commended for going above and beyond to make the event such a success.
“We are absolutely delighted that this year’s field includes competitors from eight countries, eleven women golfers, and players representing eight different impairment groups, which, in my view, is a true testament to the event’s growing stature and inclusive spirit.”
In 2024, Cameroonian Issa Nlareb – currently world number nine – took victory in the event as his superb four-under opening round of 68 and second round 78 in difficult conditions was enough to see him finish one shot clear of the chasing pack
London Golf Club is keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer at the event and, for more information, please contact Matt Ryan on Matt@londongolf.co.uk.