Meet the field: Ten inspiring stories as the G4D Tour visits Ras Al Khaimah

The G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour marks another milestone in its drive to inspire and promote inclusivity as ten new players with distinctive stories compete at the Tour’s inaugural Net tournament in Ras Al Khaimah.

The second event of the 2024 season sees eight men and two women from the Net division of the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability (WR4GD) take part over two rounds on Monday and Tuesday at Al Hamra Golf Club.

Net tournaments have been introduced to the schedule for the first time on the G4D Tour, now in its third season, in an effort to further opportunities for golfers with a wider spectrum of disabilities.

• READ MORE: Field confirmed for historic G4D Tour event in Ras Al Khaimah
• READ MORE: Growth of the G4D Tour continues in 2023
• READ MORE: All you need to know about the G4D Tour

Ahead of the historic G4D Tour @ Ras Al Khaimah Championship in the United Arab Emirates, we spoke with all ten players in the field to hear about their unique stories.

Kevin Delaney

• Age: 44
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 4
• Handicap: 7.2

When and how did you first get into golf?

Like most Canadian kids I was put on ice skates at the age of two and it was all ice hockey when growing up [Kevin has since been a key figure in starting the sport of ‘Standing Hockey’ in Canada and the U.S. for hockey players with a disability]. I was encouraged into golf later by my father, Ellard, in my thirties. My home course is Pointe West GC, in Ontario. My biggest fans are my parents and sister, who never let me use my impairment as an excuse to quit anything.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I am a right arm, below elbow amputee since birth. I had been struggling with my golf when I was around 36 and then I received a prosthetic device to hold the club better, and everything changed in an instant. I could now hit the ball well, and the addiction began. The prosthetic is what made me a golfer. I played two seasons without it. If I hadn’t found it I would no longer be playing!

In recent times I have finished in the top 10 of the Gross division in Golf Canada's national G4D tournament two years in a row, as well as winning the Stableford division in 2022.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

Aren’t all golf shots hard?! Golf is a disciplined sport, I cannot get mad when I’m not playing well. I need to stay patient and stick to the process and things work out. It’s helped make me more patient in life.

But golf feeds my competitive nature. I love the challenge, every round is a battle. I'm told that others look up to people like me, who have the ability to look past their own barriers and not let them slow you down but instead speed you up!

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

The G4D Tour is the highest level of tournament golf I could hope to achieve. Playing in this tournament validates the time and effort I've put into golf.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

Golf is the only sport where anyone with a different level of ability and talent can play a fair game together with other players. Having a place to play with golfers who have a disability and who can play at their highest level is a great thing to be involved with.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

My Dad, Ellard, and my Mum, Lena. They have given me every opportunity in life to succeed and ingrained in me that I can do anything, as long as I'm putting forth the effort.

Robin Singh

• Age: 66
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 7
• Handicap: 10.2

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started playing golf at the age of 12, and in my younger days I also learned as a caddie at Huletts Country Club in South Africa (now Mount Edgecombe Country Club). I had no coach, I had to learn by myself but I loved the game and have always worked hard at it to keep improving.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

In 1991 I was playing very good golf with a handicap of 4, when I was seriously injured in a car accident. Both my legs were fractured; my right leg was damaged very badly and needed amputation above the knee in October 1992. I thank first the Almighty for giving me a second chance and also myself for accepting my disability and moving on in my life.

After my accident I didn't play for 10 years or so. I met another physically challenged golfer called Reggie – we actually met at the hypermarket – and I then started playing with other golfers with a disability. I played in the early events staged by the South African Disabled Golf Association. Fast forward to 2021 and I earned a series of nice victories and today I’m excited to have climbed into the top 10 of the World Rankings (Net).

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

When I play any shot from sloping ground or uneven lies. It is very difficult for me as I can't bend at the knees because of the above-knee amputation. I used to try to play using crutches but this was really difficult, but my prosthesis now helps me a lot, and I have developed a consistent swing again.

Golf has helped me so much. I feel I have earned respect for my game and also helped bring on my fellow players. I have also been happy to teach the game to new players young and old and share my story.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

The fact that the G4D Tour has given the Net players an opportunity to participate in an international event, this is an opportunity no one can miss!

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

The players taking part can encourage and inspire others to play and I hope I am also doing this, as I’ve been similarly inspired in the past. My life changed when I became disabled but I didn't let this hinder me. I accepted it and adapted with this condition because life must go on. Golf has helped me physically and mentally because I can deal with my disability both on and off the course.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

My hero when I was growing up was Seve Ballesteros who I much admired for how he showed the world what great golf can look like; the way he played the game, his attitude, discipline and respect for golf made him one of the greatest players of all time. I learned a lot from him and he will always be my hero!

Philipp Ritzinger

• Age: 21
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 10
• Handicap: 1.9

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started when I was eight years-old. Aged nine, I could no longer play soccer or enjoy skiing races, so golf was the only sport I could play, and I very much liked it! I am lucky that my golf club (GC Seefeld Reith) was just a few minutes away from my home.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I had bone cancer in my right leg (Ewing sarcoma) when I was nine, and I only have one bone in this leg now. Since my cancer therapy it has been all golf in terms of sport, and I have always loved playing and practising, trying to get better. With the support of my coach, Harald Strobl, I continue to improve, and I was delighted to make the top-10 of the Net World Ranking with my handicap of 1.9.

My best achievements in G4D have been Austrian champion, twice Bavarian runner-up, and what I am personally very proud of is that I became my club champion for the first time this year.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

The biggest challenge is keeping my balance, because I only have one bone left in my right leg. And although I have a heel on the shoe that allows me to compensate for the length of my leg, this is also unstable.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

This is the feeling of playing like the professionals, and of course playing well if I can.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

I believe that having a disability shouldn't stop you from playing sport. Golf is very important to me because I have been a passionate athlete since I was a child. This is simply what I love to do, and I want others to enjoy the experience of playing golf.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

I've always been a big fan of Rory McIlroy since I started golfing. It's just his style, his game and his incredible swing. I would like to thank my family for their constant support for everything, definitely everyone at my home club, my sponsors, and especially my coach Harald Strobl.

Riccardo Bianciardi

• Age: 32
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 11
• Handicap: 9.9

When and how did you first get into golf?

I discovered golf in 2004 through a golf school project and it was immediately love! I am a member of the Abbadia Golf Club, at Colle di Val d’Elsa, Siena. Over the years, with my teachers, I’m managing to find the right way to succeed in golf. Currently my handicap is 9.9. I have been playing EDGA competitions since 2019; it is inspiring to see other players with their own stories sharing this beautiful sport.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I was born with cortical dysplasia, with hemiplegia (weakened right side). Golf is my rebirth where I have found personal growth, not giving up and being patient. The beauty of golf is the challenge between you and the course. I have always worked hard and though I love to smile on the golf course and enjoy it, I am competitive. For example, I won the 2022 EDGA Giovanni Nasi International in my home country, playing nine months after a kidney transplant.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

Certainly with my disability, balance and weight management in my legs and feet is an ever present challenge. With hemiparesis, some twisting for a better shot creates difficulty and loss of balance also. I'm working on strengthening my body for better stability. Like golf, it takes time to get results.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

It will be an honour to be able to play on the G4D Tour; I never thought I would get to this point. [En route, Riccardo qualified for the RSM European Net Play-offs in England and won the tournament]. Afterwards I was emotional. It was wonderful to play with the Italian badge on my shirt. I called my father and he was overjoyed and crying on the phone!

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

G4D is definitely a good window for inclusion in golf, and EDGA and the DP World Tour are doing well. They encourage us to improve ourselves, and to work towards these prestigious opportunities. It's nice.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

As a child I followed Nick Dougherty, I liked his game, attitude and being smiley. At that time I wore a visor and unkempt hair and I had a Callaway bag, like him. Unfortunately, when I learned of his retirement I was sad. When I see him on TV and social media, it makes me smile, especially seeing him in G4D messages.

Luisa Ceola

• Age: 54
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 40
• Handicap: 14.9

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started golf after a very difficult time which led to a heart attack aged 29, and was encouraged by my friends to try. I play at Padova Golf Club near Venice, and the sport allowed me to smile again after living with fear. Being in tune with nature for a few hours every week, with fresh air cleansing my lungs, and the warm Italian sun on my face. To learn the game I had to focus on balance and motor co-ordination but I have a fierce determination and commitment to training.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I have a rare genetic condition affecting my legs, joints and spine, and had to battle cancer in my right leg at 43 years-old.

Along with my daughter Emma, golf offers me so much. I recall I could hardly walk to the driving range from the parking lot when I started. But I remember it was better than any medicine. It filled my head with new goals and took away many other thoughts. Golf represents the freedom to pursue my dream. I don’t feel invisible, I feel good and happy.

Golf is the only sport I can practise but I love it. 2023 was great, winning the Italian Open for Golfers with a Disability in April and returning to the same venue of Royal Park I Roveri in October to win the EDGA President’s Cup. I have broken into the top 50 of the Net category of the World Ranking and I am trying for a single figure handicap, which is a huge challenge but very exciting.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

To be able to transform the disability into an opportunity. In my every day life an opportunity like this is able to reduce or sometimes cancel the disability in my mind.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

That there are no limits. To play on the same course as the biggest champions makes me feel over the moon.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

It is very important. It has helped me so much and I am sure it can help others. Golf offers freedom. I can forget the hospital, the doctors, this is like being in heaven for me, and I am sure others can also be inspired to find the same.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

I could stay to watch for hours Rory McIlroy swing a club and try to learn more. Nelly Korda is the same in the women’s game.

I would like to thank my family for their support and the patience they have with me because I spend all my work holidays in EDGA tournaments, and also my coaches Alex Senoner and Tullia Calzavara for the precious knowledge they share with me; and finally the Italian Federation for believing in my potential.

Kevin Cassidy

• Age: 48
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 12
• Handicap: 13.6

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started to play just casually aged nine with friends on my local housing estate in Northern Ireland, inspired by local professional Paul Leonard (who actually led in The Open, 1975). Paul gave us all tips, it was amazing to have this on your doorstep. Today, I’m a member at Dungannon Golf Club in Tyrone, home of Darren Clarke.

Can you explain your journey with your disability.

I am a below right knee amputee due to a traffic accident in September 2012, but my leg wasn’t amputated until August 2014. I wanted to return to golf and so many people encouraged me, including my club professional Stefan Ackermann who helped me to build a new swing.

In G4D events in 2023, I had a second place finish in Portugal in January (I three-putted the last hole to miss out by one shot!) and in my home Irish Open for Golfers with Disability at Roganstown in June I earned a third place finish which put me into the top 20 in the World Ranking for Net, which was way beyond my target for the year, so I was really pleased.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

As my amputated leg is my ‘front leg’ [Kevin is left-handed] I had to rebuild my entire swing, as that leg is where the power is usually generated. My prosthetic has now got an ankle joint that enables my foot to move left or right and can also move up and down. This helps a great deal including when playing from an uneven lie.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

Being in the first group of competitors in the Net category in a G4D Tour event is amazing and getting to play on the same course as the professionals, later on in the week, and seeing how they go about it themselves will be thrilling. To win my first ever event would really go beyond anything I could have thought possible in my G4D career to date.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

There are so many golfers with a disability playing to a high standard, which can only help other people, male and female, to try the game and discover that they too can compete and reach their full potential, playing the game just like anyone else out there. I was a keen golfer prior to my amputation of course and for me it was all worth the struggle to get back playing.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

Growing up as a big Liverpool fan my idol was John Barnes, and I loved watching how he would have the fans on the edge of their seats every time he had the ball. Golf-wise it was Seve Ballesteros because he had it all, and was fiercely competitive, and took it to the Americans in the Ryder Cup.

I’ve mentioned Paul Leonard and my coach Stefan. Also, thanks to my family and friends for supporting me and helping me get back. And the many golf friends at Dungannon GC who really encouraged me.

Michelle Lau

• Age: 34
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 48
• Handicap: 14.7

When and how did you first get into golf?

I first tried golf in 2015 at an Intro to Golf group session (little instruction and didn’t really understand). Nobody told me it was a statistical dream! I tried again after Covid and fell in love; I enjoy learning. Dad’s played golf for a while, and now we can talk about technique and analyse our swings. I was inspired by fellow EDGA player Erika Malmberg, welcomed by all at Cambridge Country Club, and have a good coach in Joel Rickard.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

It took me a long time to be referred and diagnosed (over six years). Reflecting, I displayed many autistic and ADHD traits; now I understand why I struggle with certain things that others do easily. It’s a work-in-progress – I know there are challenges but, importantly, I embrace the unique wiring.

Golf has helped me take great strides and I want to show other individuals with autism that we can compete with the right support. Playing golf – or other suitable sports – also has so many health benefits and offers us a chance to learn about ourselves.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

Having autism and ADHD, playing in a competitive field of strangers away from my routines and familiarity of my home club, is a huge personal challenge. Anxiety and nerves, concentration to play, communicating with others, physical and sensory issues, forgetting to eat or drink and fatigue all play a part. It’s early days for me as a competitor so I’m still learning how to navigate.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

It is experiencing a tour event – as the professionals experience them – and to compete at such a high-level (never thought I would have the chance to) and for it to be on a stunning, prestigious course in Ras Al Khaimah.

I’m very nervous but also excited about understanding more about my abilities (and realistically, constraints too), to see what I can achieve despite the challenges.

To share this opportunity with my loved ones and everyone whose been so supportive: to say 'I wouldn't be here without you, I couldn't have travelled and competed, regardless of the result, without the support and understanding’ – including all at EDGA, European Tour group, DP World Tour, G4D Tour and fellow golfers.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

It’s a chance to showcase how inclusive golf is and perhaps it might encourage someone (autistic like me, with a different impairment, or perhaps a young, autistic girl) to try golf or to compete! (Big thank you to EDGA!) There's always hope, we give ourselves a chance and have faith and have fun along the way.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

Growing up I was very much in my own world and not really aware. My parents became my heroes – they still are.

My parents overcame hardship, built a life in a different country – my Mum is so strong and my Dad has such clarity about what's important in life. They sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings, and they taught me what kindness, compassion and love are.

Related to that, my older sister, Witney, is also a hero of mine. I see how much she cares for all of us, how hard she works – everything that she's achieved, and what a great mum she is. She always finds the time to offer support when we need it.

Angelo Colussi

• Age: 53
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 14
• Handicap: 11.4

When and how did you first get into golf?

A friend who became my golf coach encouraged me to try golf in 2012. I had played other sports but following my accident I was looking for something new. When I tried golf it was “love at first sight” for me. I'm from Milan but now I live in Tuscany and I'm a member of the Punta Ala Golf Club.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I broke the elbow of my left arm in a motorbike accident in 1996, losing movement and the extension in the arm. But you can forget such things when you are on a golf course. After life with my family and work, golf is my greatest passion. I love playing friendly golf with my 20 year-old son Francesco who can hit a 5-iron 180 metres! And G4D events have been great for me in recent times.

2023 was good for me, including a win in my home country, and third place finishes in the Italian Open for Golfers with a Disability, and the EDGA St Andrews Links Open all helped me qualify through the World Ranking for the RSM European Play-offs, at North Hants Golf Club in September. This EDGA event was so enjoyable: qualifiers from all around Europe playing on a fantastic golf course. I had been surprised to qualify and I was honoured to take part. Now I am looking forward greatly to the G4D Tour event in the UAE.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

Losing movement and the extension in my left arm, there is a challenge for me, but I have learned to work around this and create the best swing for me, to help me keep improving.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

To see it all previewed on the DP World Tour website thrilled me; playing just before on the same course as the top professional players will be an unforgettable, incredible experience!

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

Very important. My experience with the G4D and EDGA has brought me closer to people with disabilities who have the strength and desire to succeed, not only in golf but any sport and in their wider lives also.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

Usually for our hero we say the father, but unfortunately I lost him when I was one year-old. I grew up with three women! I have always liked athletes who have distinguished themselves not only for sport but as an example to others. In basketball I appreciated Julius Erving and Magic Johnson; in football Marco van Basten and Franco Baresi. In tennis it is Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. For golf, Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas are my favourite players but my hero has to be my son Francesco.

Iglin Grobbelaar

• Age: 37
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 16
• Handicap: 4.2

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started swinging plastic clubs at an age I can hardly recall, likely around four. My Dad got me started. He was a keen golfer and sportsman, so sport was something I was introduced to from a young age.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

When I was 11, I was hit by a car in a bike race. I fractured my C2 and C3 vertebrae, my right femur and a few ribs. I was paralysed from the neck down for a month, so my recovery was truly a miracle.

This spinal injury affects my whole left arm from my hand to my shoulder, while in the left leg it starts at the hip/knee extending into the foot. I've been told I only use about 50 per cent of what an able-bodied person would use.

But today my golf index is 4.7 and I’m a PGA professional, playing out of Cathedral Peak GC. I’ve won South African Disabled Golf Association tournaments, with some great fights to the finish against some top competitors. Sometimes I have not been fit to play but drawing positive results regardless is a massive confidence booster.

What is the most challenging element of playing with your disability?

Physically, I'll be honest, sometimes it sucks. Swinging with pain from impairments is not something you look forward to, but there is something 100 per cent greater – that keeps bringing you back.

Of all the sports I've played, it is truly the most challenging and it is certainly humbling. You can't beat the game! Just like some obstacles in life that you can't remove or change, you learn to manage.

What excites you most about playing on the G4D Tour for the first time?

Seeing some of the world's best, and being inside the ropes, must be near the top of the list! Playing a world class, beautifully presented golf course is another ‘Wow’ moment. G4D is the biggest thing for golf for the disabled since sliced bread, and it is massively exciting to be included in an event that is shaping the future.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

Most certainly, every sport needs showcasing and I am glad to be a part of it. I draw my inspiration from every single golfer with a disability who makes an attempt to play. The greatest ambassadors for our sport are the guys and girls who just make the effort to try.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

My Dad is my hero for a number of reasons, but he was at the core of saving my life when my accident happened, stabilising me at the scene with severe injuries.

Over the years I've looked up to many of the sporting greats. Names that come to mind: Rory McIlroy for his athleticism, Tiger Woods for his record and ability to make comebacks, Roger Federer for his approach to things on and off the court, and many more!

I thank all those close to me, my fiancé, my parents, sister, friends, coaches over the years, all my opponents, and all the doubters. Contributions are endless.

Kenji Motoki

• Age: 46
• Net World Ranking (at time of entry): 17
• Handicap: 10.7

When and how did you first get into golf?

I started playing when I was 34. I wanted to learn to play for myself because of my disability, rather than relying on the help of my friends. My home course today is Shonai GC, found in my home region of Yamagata, Japan.

Can you explain your journey with your disability?

I lost my leg due to a traffic accident. However, now it is alright as I would have never tried, or dedicated myself to golf, if I hadn’t had a disability.

My recent inspiration came in 2022 playing in the Japan Open Golf Championship for People with Disabilities. I played with a golfer named Hayato Yoshida, and he was ranked No.1 in Japan. He is known as a long driving distance player. At that time I was new to the competition and unsure but I out-drove Hayato at a par 5. This motivated me further to focus on my golf and I have recently climbed into the top 25 of the Net category of the World Ranking.

How important is G4D in showcasing golf as a sport for everyone?

It is very important, 100 per cent! I believe golf is a wonderful sport in which people with disabilities can compete under the same rules and conditions, on the same field, at all levels.

Who was your hero (sporting or otherwise) growing up and why?

Everyone who has supported my life and the people who introduced me to golf!

The 2023/24 G4D Tour Schedule