Six talented British golfers will be flying across the Atlantic with Sun Mountain golf travel bags to represent Team Europe against the USA at The Cairns Cup contest for players with disabilities in Detroit, Michigan, later this month (27 July-3 August).
Disability Golf’s Premier Matchplay Event, The Cairns Cup is a week-long festival of golf that includes a pre-tournament Charity Golf Day, followed by a fundraising Gala Dinner and an open day where the players hold workshops for disability groups and individuals close to the host club, Cherry Creek Golf Club in Metro Detroit. The opening ceremony is followed by three days of matchplay competition using the fourball, foursomes and singles formats.
England’s Kris Aves from Barnet in London, James Gallagher fromHuddersfield, Iain Millar from Alton, Hampshire, Charlie Appleyard fromThames Ditton, Surrey, Chris Foster from Manningtree, Essex and Scotsman Trevor Crombie from Kirkcaldy in Fife are members of the 16-strong European team looking to win the Cairns Cup trophy for the first time, after suffering defeat against the Americans at the inaugural contest played in London two years ago.
They will be teaming up with disabled golfers from seven other European countries – Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands – to take on their American counterparts for the prized trophy, named in memory of British disabled golfer Billy Cairns.
Kris – who is also Vice Captain of the European team – was injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack, resulting in paralysis and use of a wheelchair. Introduced to disability golf by The Golf Trust, he now regularly plays using a Paragolfer at The Shire GC. “I’m honoured to be the Vice-Captain of Team Europe in two consecutive events and looking forward to competing against a strong American team in Michigan,” said Kris, who attributes his success to hard work, determination and a great support network.
James, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, began playing disability golf in 2012 with British Inclusive Golf and now plays club competitions at Meltham Golf Club. He volunteered at the inaugural Cairns Cup, before being selected for Team Europe this year.
A strong advocate of golf for those with disabilities, Iain suffered from a brain injury and multiple injuries playing rugby before joining the Disabled Golf Association in 2018 after five years of rehab. He credits the game for helping his physical recovery and mental health and plays at Worldham GC.
Charlie suffers from Parkinson’s disease but has been able to improve his handicap since his diagnosis. He began playing golf at the age of 11 and remains extremely competitive, especially when it comes to matchplay golf which he loves. He plays at Wentworth Club and Surbiton GC and recently competed in Holland.
Chris, who played in the 2022 event, was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of five and had his left leg amputated aged nine. A former Great Britain swimmer, he turned to golf after injury and became a PGA Professional at the Hanbury Manor Golf & Country Club in Hertfordshire.
Trevor also suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Having begun playing competitive golf in 2013, he won the Scottish Order of Merit twice in succession. A member at Dunnikier Park GC, he has also represented both Scotland and Europe in various international disability golf events.
Sun Mountain is the Official Bag Sponsor of the 2024 Cairns Cup contest and is supplying all 32 competitors with an easy-to-use ClubGlider travel cover to transport their clubs to the event, plus the respective Team cart bags used in competition.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Grant Knudson, President & Chief Brand Officer at Sun Mountain, said: “As a brand that looks to provide all golfers across the world with high quality products that make the game more enjoyable, we’re thrilled to support The Cairns Cup and its ambition to be one of the leading global events in the disability golfing calendar. Every one of these amazing players taking part has an inspirational backstory that we look forward to sharing with our wider Sun Mountain community.”
