Disability Golf

Film Highlights Golf for Disabled

The R&A

07 Oct 20

3m read

The R&A has helped support the creation of a new film, ‘MULLIGAN’, a story of hope and determination for golf for the disabled.

EDGA (formerly known as the European Disabled Golf Association) have worked hard over the last two years to create the inspiring 44-minute film, which recently aired on Sky Sports Golf. With the valued support of partners, including The R&A and the European Tour, the film tells the stories of six wonderful people – Monique Kalkman, Marcus Malo, Adem Wahbi, Juan Postigo Arce, Stewart Harris and Mike Gays – who refuse to be defined by their disability.

Power of golf

Through adversity they have found a way to grow, inspire and become strong role models – together through a shared love of golf. The film has been launched with a series of short clips shared across social media, featuring the six individuals involved. The EDGA team believes these will draw attention inside and outside of the sport to the courage, resilience and humour of these athletes and demonstrate the power of golf, including its physical and mental health benefits, to new audiences. Tony Bennett, EDGA President, said, “Everyone has a story, each scattered with highs and lows. Ten years ago, I was lucky to share time with some golfers whose stories took my breath away and made my wife and I look at how we could contribute more.

Film concept

“I noticed that these golfers, despite having a range of disabilities, were just like any other, enjoying the game, its challenge and social interaction with other players. The idea of a film came four years ago over dinner with friends, and it was that conversation which became the genesis of what is now called ‘MULLIGAN’. Just as the players featured reveal their authentic selves, the small mulligan creative team have committed their very best to share these powerful stories.” ‘MULLIGAN’ follows on from the successful book, ‘Mulligan – Tough Love & Second Chances’, podcasts and players’ stories in which EDGA has interviewed more than 70 golfers with disability. The story of ‘MULLIGAN’ reflects the growing work of EDGA. EDGA members are now located worldwide and it currently has a membership of 29 national federations. EDGA became affiliated to The R&A in 2018, the only disabled organisation affiliated. The R&A’s investment towards EDGA in 2020 has helped towards the completion of the ‘MULLIGAN’ filming, as well as towards supporting women and girls’ golf and their national federation development pathway programme. Together with the USGA, The R&A also took over the administration of the Rankings for Disabled Golfers from EDGA last year; now the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). The full video will be available to view in due course. View more information on EDGA at https://edgagolf.com

Disability Golf