The field is set: 32 European-based golfers with a disability have qualified for one of the season’s toughest tournaments to win, the RSM European Play-offs. Qualification through the World Rankings has once again inspired golfers from all impairment groups to aim for this now established end-of-season finale staged at North Hants Golf Club, England between September 9-11.  

 

First contested in 2021, excitement is building this year as players from 14 countries face the beautiful but challenging course at North Hants Golf Club, west of London, famous for its leading amateur tournaments and regional qualifying for The Open.  

 

Male and female players have qualified in the divisions of Gross, Nett, and Stableford, while to further promote opportunities for women, a women’s category of eight players is returning for a second year. Each division of eight players battles it out in matchplay rounds over three days to create the champions for 2025 (the field contains 11 female players out of 32 for 2025). 

 

In recent years, this innovative format has presented examples of seated players sharing the fairways with players with limb difference, and visually impaired players has shared the tee box with golfers with neurological, musculoskeletal, or intellectual disabilities.

 

The tournament is welcoming first-time players and returning champions. France’s Melody Roccaz is looking forward to making her debut in the women’s category. The 23-year-old, who plays from a seated mobility device, says: “I am very happy to play in this competition. It is a real honour for me and a new milestone to check off in my life. I can’t wait to be there but I am also a bit nervous because I hope to live up to the event, so I will do my best. I know that this year will remain etched in my memory.”

 

Another debutant, Reinhard Berer of Austria, needed the amputation of both of his legs after being hit by a train in 2022. Just months later he took up golf. Reinhard says: “Golf is incredibly good for my soul. I’ve found my way back to life. Playing golf with two prosthetics – truly incredible! The level of professionalism and the people I’m meeting – sensational!”

 

Vincent Helly returns to play in the Gross division, after winning the Nett in the of the inaugural RSM Play-offs in 2021. Vincent, who is autistic, labels that win his finest performance yet in G4D. 

 

The Frenchman says. “This will be a new challenge to compete against the best European players thanks to RSM. Last time… winning the final match was incredible. I remember the spectators who followed and encouraged us. It was very emotional for me, unforgettable.”

 

GB&I players to look out for include England’s Ben Bowen, Heather and Martine Gilks, Oliver Hirst-Greenham, Ellie Perks and James Wilson, Scotland’s Gordon Mclay and Martin Shields, and Ireland’s Malcolm Thompson. 

 

EDGA President Dr Tony Bennett said: “We are hugely excited to welcome the strongest of international fields for the 2025 RSM European Play-offs, all of whom have won their place by right, through fantastic golf.

 

“None of this would have been possible with the excellent support and spirit from the whole team at RSM and we are delighted again to be ready to collaborate with all at North Hants GC to create a brilliant showcase for G4D at this wonderful golf club.”

 

See www.edgagolf.com