England Golf has become the representative body on the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) for disabled golf in England.
England Golf is taking over the work previously undertaken by BALASA, the charity which promotes golf for all disabilities. BALASA will continue to run its own events and host EDGA events.
Jamie Blair, England Golf Disability Manager said: “England Golf would like to thank BALASA for the foundations they have put in place and the opportunities they have created for disabled golfers to compete in top European competitions.
“I look forward to working with EDGA and to learning from my colleagues in Europe, not only improving the opportunities for talented golfers but also on getting more disabled people into the game. We will continue to work with BALASA and the other impairment specific golf groups to use their knowledge to ensure that EDGA events become as inclusive as possible”
BALASA chairman Richard Saunders (pictured © Leaderboard Photography) commented: “We have worked extremely hard behind the scenes with England Golf and other impairment groups to reach this significant position.
“We will continue to work on behalf of our members and the disabled fraternity to promote disabled golf, to encourage further participation for all – and to eventually achieve our ultimate aim of seeing golf in the Paralympic Games.”
A new process is now in place for disabled golfers who meet the required level of impairment and wish to participate in the EDGA Access, Challenge and Premier events.
In order to access EDGA competitions players must hold:
- An approved EDGA Medical Pass – meeting required level of impairment
- Active CONGU handicap
- Enter ballots through the EDGA website
Disabled golfers wishing to retain membership of BALASA will pay their BALASA fee in the usual way. BALASA will continue to select England teams for relevant international events. To be eligible for selection to represent England, players will need to be a member of BALASA.
For more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for a medical pass please click here
England Golf and its partners are committed to increasing the participation of disabled people in golf and providing more people the opportunity to enter, return and develop within the game to whatever level they chose to play to.
BALASA http://balasa.org
England Golf www.englandgolf.org
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