History was made this week on the G4D Tour as it marked another milestone in its drive to promote inclusivity with its inaugural Net tournament.
The G4D Tour @ Ras Al Khaimah Championship was the second event of the 2024 season and featured an entire new field of ten players as eight men and two women contested the two-round event at Al Hamra Golf Club.
Launched in 2022 as a partnership between the DP World Tour and EDGA, formerly the European Disabled Golf Association, the G4D Tour is now in its third campaign and enabling a wider spectrum of disabilities to compete for glory.
“The G4D Tour, EDGA and the DP World Tour are doing a fantastic job and I know they will get a lot more players and tournaments in the years to come,” said Robin Rambo Singh.
“There are two groups in golf for the disabled. Golfers that are gross players, and the net players.
“I was very blessed and appreciated that the G4D Tour has net tournaments this year, which gives golfers like us with higher handicaps the chance to showcase ourselves on an international platform like this.
“I know it’s going to go from strength to strength.”
The South African was speaking after a second-round two-under-par 74 helped him to his maiden G4D Tour title on Tuesday.
It came after he contemplated giving up during the first round after he played his first eight holes in nine over par.
But after some words of encouragement from members of staff at EDGA, the 66-year-old recovered to play the back nine in four under as he took that momentum into the final day.
"Scott Bennett (EDGA Marketing Advisor) said to me “don’t give up”," Singh added.
"Seriously, I was really about to give up. He told me to go for it and he knew I could do it."
Just like with every previous G4D Tour event, all ten competitors have their own distinctive stories.
In 1991, Singh was playing off a handicap of four when a car accident caused damage to both his legs, and he had to have his right leg amputated above the knee the following year.
"I lost a leg, others have lost legs and arms, it’s not the end of the world," he said. "I accepted it. That’s life.
"If you’re confident in what you’re doing, nothing is going to stop you."
There is a great camaraderie among G4D Tour players. All are embracing their chance to show golf is open to everyone and inspire more people with disabilities to take up the sport.
"This opportunity is in my lifetime," Singh said of his pleasure at being able to compete on the same courses as leading DP World Tour professionals.
"If you don’t get opportunities like this it’s sad.
"It’s something a lot of people can look forward to. A lot of people are trying their best to improve their ranking to get invited to these tournaments."
The G4D Tour will make further history when it returns next month with its first visit to Africa as Kenya plays host to a Gross tournament at Muthaiga Golf Club from February 19-20.
