R & A
NEW GLOBAL RANKING FOR
GOLFERS WITH DISABILITIES TO
LAUNCH IN 2019
The R&A is looking to the future as it sets out its vision as a global leader in golf, working
collaboratively to ensure the long-term success of the sport. A new chapter begins in the long
history of the St Andrews-based governing body today with the unveiling of a new brand identity
and a “playbook” outlining its vision, purpose and values.
he R&A and the USGA will administer a global
ranking for golfers with disabilities, which will help
to grow participation and competition around the
world and to promote inclusivity within the sport.
The World Ranking for Golfers with Disability will
launch on 1 January 2019 and will be administered
in tandem with the World Amateur Golf Ranking™
(WAGR™) for both men and women via www.WAGR.com. The
R&A and the USGA will assume responsibility for the ranking
following agreement with EDGA, who created the comprehensive
and independent Ranking for Golfers with Disability in 2014. Further
information for golfers and tournament organisers wishing to register
their details with the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability will
be made available later this year. Duncan Weir, Executive Director –
Golf Development and Amateur Events at The R&A, said, “There is
an accelerating growth in the number of events around the world for
40 G o l f P l u s
DECEMBER
2018
golfers with disabilities to compete in, so it makes absolute sense that there
is a global ranking to provide a robust measurement of an individual’s skill
and ability. “It is another important step towards ensuring that golf is more
inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. Along with our colleagues at
the USGA we will continue to support EDGA’s drive to grow participation
and competition in the sport among all disability groups.” “One of golf’s
best benefi ts is that it can be played by everyone, and it can be played for
a lifetime,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA Senior Managing Director of
Championships. “We are pleased to administer this ranking in partnership
with The R&A, as it elevates an important population of the golf community
that clearly loves the game
and enables a variety of
competitive opportunities
around the world. Together
with the modifi cations to
the Rules of Golf for golfers
with disabilities and the
USGA’s work to make golf
courses more accessible,
we are working to create
meaningful and lasting
change to make golf more
welcoming.” Tony Bennett,
President of EDGA and
Director of Education for
the PGAs of Europe, said,
“This is a crucial step
forward for the growth and
development of the sport for golfers with disabilities and we believe it
will act as a catalyst for encouraging more people into playing golf, both
competitively and recreationally, around the world.”
The announcement of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability
coincides with the playing of the Australian All Abilities Championship,
which is being organised by Golf Australia and will see 12 golfers tee it
up at The Lakes in Sydney this week alongside the professionals at the
Emirates Australian Open.
This is a crucial step
forward for the growth and
development of the sport
for golfers with disabilities
and we believe it will act as
a catalyst for encouraging
more people into playing
golf, both competitively and
recreationally, around the
world.