Opening Golf to the World
The G4D Open
The G4D Open: Guy Harrison aiming to inspire for New Zealand
08 May 26
5 mins
New Zealand’s leading golfer with a disability, Guy Harrison, is preparing for his first appearance at The G4D Open, taking place this year at Celtic Manor Resort from 14–16 May.
The Championship, staged in partnership with The R&A and the DP World Tour and supported by EDGA, brings together players from across the world and will see 80 players compete over the Roman Road Course at the Welsh venue. For Harrison, it’s a first chance to see how his game compares at that level, having built strong form back home in New Zealand. The 24-year-old arrives in the UK off the back of a solid season, including a victory at the New Zealand All Abilities Championship. He also recently competed in the Scottish Open for Golfers with Disabilities in St Andrews, finishing eighth. Speaking after arriving in Scotland, Harrison reflected on what it meant to be playing at the home of golf.Savouring Scotland opportunity
“It’s pretty awesome really,” he said. “I was lucky enough to come here in August last year and it was pretty overwhelming, just the history and everything around golf. It’s an unbelievable place to be. “I’ve been playing on the disability circuit in New Zealand since 2019, so to now come over and play my first overseas event at the home of golf is pretty cool. I’m just looking forward to seeing how the other players go, getting a feel for their level and having the chance to play some really good courses.”
Guy Harrison, who has been a regular feature on The G4D Tour is relishing the opportunity at The G4D Open.
Harrison’s journey into the game started early, shaped by circumstances that changed his life at a young age.
When he was three, he suffered a major seizure and was clinically dead for ten minutes before being revived by his father. From that point, things were very different. He lost the ability to walk, talk and use his hands, and doctors said he would likely spend his life in a wheelchair. He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and much of his early years focused on rehabilitation and rebuilding his movement.
“Before that everything was normal, and then after that everything changed,” he explained. “I lost the ability to walk and talk, and doctors said I’d likely be in a wheelchair.”
Many sports, including running and swimming, became a key part of that process, encouraged by his sporty parents as a way to stay strong and active, but golf proved to be the perfect fit early on.
Starting out in golf
He said, “They thought about different options and landed on golf. I started when I was five. It was perfect because I could be active and walk a lot, but it’s safe and low impact. I just really enjoyed it and it gave me the chance to make friends my own age.” That enjoyment has remained key throughout his golfing journey. “When I’m enjoying myself, I play a lot better,” he continued. “I’ve learned not to stress too much about scores. I’m not a robot, and my game can be a bit erratic at times, especially with my legs, so it’s about just going out there, taking it one shot at a time and enjoying it.”
Guy's mentor, Andrew Jessop, will caddy for him at The G4D Open.
Looking ahead to The G4D Open in Wales, Harrison is keeping his expectations simple.
He said, “It’s going to be awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything is run, especially the classification system, and just being able to play with the best golfers in the world.
“I’m a pretty chilled Kiwi but I know the course is going to be tough. I have no expectations, which is kind of exciting. I’ve come from the other side of the world, so if I can shoot my Handicap Index, I’ll be happy. It’s a good chance to see how I go under pressure on a tough course.”
In form for Wales
He also arrives in good form but is realistic about what that means heading into a new environment. “I’ve had a really good season back home,” he added. “I’ve played seven events and won five and had two second place finishes. And about a month ago I won the All Abilities Championship which was big for me. But at the end of the day, it’s about what happens on the day. I feel good, and I’ll just see what happens.” Managing energy levels is an important part of his preparation, particularly given the fatigue that comes with cerebral palsy. “In the past I’d put a lot of pressure on myself and try to be fully switched on from the start, but I’ve changed that over the last six to eight months – I’ve changed my whole mindset,” he stated. “Now I turn up a bit later and try to save energy for the round. “Usually after ten or 11 holes I start to fatigue, so it’s about managing that better. I’ve been focusing on enjoying the week before any event, keeping things relaxed and then going into the round with good energy and just playing the game I love. When I’m enjoying myself, I play a lot better.”Inspiring others
Having players competing at this level is about more than results for Harrison. It’s about visibility and giving others a reason to believe they can be part of the sport too. As top runner, swimmer and badminton player, he represented New Zealand across all three sports, and that kind of high-level sporting experience still shapes how he sees things today. “Having people performing at that level is so important because it shows what’s possible and inspires others,” he said. “For a long time back home, people talked about overseas events, but no one really took that step. That’s part of why I wanted to come over, to play events like the Scottish Open for Golfers with Disabilities and The G4D Open.”
Guy aims to inspire others to pick up golf.
That sense of responsibility goes beyond his own game, particularly through the work he does off the course with young people.
“A lot of the kids I work with, and others in the community, have seen what I’m doing and I get messages from them saying how cool it is. That means a lot. Hopefully it gives them something to aim for and shows that they can get here too.”