Key Highlights
- Kipp Popert makes his debut on the DP World Tour at the Austrian Alpine Open.
- The G4D Tour, a series for disabled golfers, was placed on hold this year.
- Popert is ranked No. 1 in the world for golfers with disability and has won multiple events.
- The DP World Tour will host the annual G4D Open and a new G4D Ryder Cup match.
Kipp Popert’s Debut on the DP World Tour
It’s a big moment for Kipp Popert as he tees up at the Austrian Alpine Open, making his debut on the DP World Tour. Popert, who has cerebral palsy and is ranked No. 1 in the world for golfers with disabilities, brings a wealth of experience to this event.
The G4D Tour on Ice
However, the recent news that the Golf For Disabilities (G4D) Tour was put on hold earlier this year has cast a shadow over Popert’s preparation. The G4D Tour, which hosts some of the world’s best golfers with disabilities at events worldwide, is now facing an uncertain future.
Popert expressed his disappointment when he told the BBC, “I took it quite hard to be honest. It’s my livelihood, it’s how I’ve earned my money for the last five years.”
The Austrian Alpine Open
The first round of the Austrian Alpine Open saw Popert struggle through his opening nine holes, posting a three-over-par score. Despite the early difficulties, he impressed with his putting game, draining two long-range birdie putts on the 12th and 16th holes.
His performance was a testament to his skills, but it also highlighted the challenges faced by golfers with disabilities in terms of financial support and recognition. Popert’s achievements are more than just sporting feats; they represent progress for disability sports as a whole.
The DP World Tour’s Commitment
Despite the G4D Tour’s hiatus, the DP World Tour remains committed to supporting golfers with disabilities. The tour will continue to host major events like the annual G4D Open and a new G4D Ryder Cup match at the 2027 Ryder Cup.
“We established the G4D Tour to grow participation and are proud of the fact that today, the numbers of golfers with a disability playing our sport competitively has grown significantly,” said a statement from the DP World Tour. “G4D is now entering a new chapter with a wider range of stakeholders creating events.”
Popert’s Personal Initiatives
While waiting for G4D to resume, Popert hosted his own disabled golf event, the Kipp Popert World Invitational, at the London Golf Club in Kent. The event featured top disabled golfers from around the world and paid each player £3,000.
In a statement, Popert argued that players at the highest level of any disability sport should be compensated. “Players are not going to buy Ferraris, but it’s about keeping them in the sport and providing visibility to children and other people with disabilities.”
A Look Ahead
The future for Kipp Popert and disabled golfers is uncertain, but there’s hope as the DP World Tour continues to support this growing community. Whether or not G4D resumes, Popert’s success shows that disability sports are here to stay and deserve recognition.