Five talented British golfers will be representing Team Europe at the Cairns Cup, disability golf’s premier matchplay event between the USA and Europe. The event will take place at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan from July 27 to August 3. The Cairns Cup is a week-long festival of golf that includes various events such as a pre-tournament charity golf day, a fundraising gala dinner, and workshops for disability groups and individuals.
The opening ceremony of the Cairns Cup is followed by three days of match play competition featuring foursomes, fourball, and singles formats. The matches will all be streamed live on The Cairns Cup social media feeds and the LIVE SPORT NOW YouTube channel. The European team consists of 16 golfers, including Kris Aves, James Gallagher, Iain Millar, Charlie Appleyard, and Chris Foster. Team Europe will be aiming to win the Cairns Cup trophy for the first time after coming up short against the Americans in the inaugural contest two years ago.
Kris Aves, the Vice-Captain of Team Europe, was introduced to disability golf by The Golf Trust after being injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack. James Gallagher, who has cerebral palsy, began playing disability golf in 2012 and is a strong advocate for the sport. Iain Millar, who suffered a brain injury playing rugby, credits golf for his physical recovery and mental health. Charlie Appleyard, who has Parkinson’s Disease, remains competitive and loves match play golf. Chris Foster, a former Great Britain swimmer, turned to golf after injury and became a PGA Professional.
The Cairns Cup also features well-known American Adaptive golfers, including Amy Bockertstette and former US Open champion Kim Moore. The European team is led by Dutch golfer Tinke Loogman. The event is supported by major golf brands like Sun Mountain, Mizuno, Titleist, and Adidas, with 5iron Golf and Purpose Media being the respective team sponsors. This year’s event promises to be a thrilling competition between Team Europe and their American counterparts for the prized Cairns Cup trophy.
Overall, the Cairns Cup is a showcase of talent and determination within the disability golf community. It provides a platform for disabled golfers to compete at a high level and inspire others with their stories of overcoming challenges. The event also serves as a celebration of inclusivity and diversity within the sport of golf, highlighting the importance of accessibility for all individuals to participate and enjoy the game. The Cairns Cup is not just a competition but a symbol of unity and camaraderie among golfers from different backgrounds and abilities coming together to showcase their skills and passion for the game.
