Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM Ireland showcased its support of the European Disabled Golf Association and golfers in ‘G4D’ (golf for the disabled) by inviting players to a special tournament day at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club in Dublin to celebrate their achievements.
RSM is this year once again supporting EDGA, the international authority on G4D which works with the game’s major stakeholders to open up the sport to a wider audience recognizing that 16% of the world’s population is disabled.
RSM has supported national tournament growth, grass-roots community engagement and volunteering, and in detailed research and development to improve the G4D offer for its players. According to EDGA, encouragement from RSM team members since 2019 has meant that golfers with a disability now have more opportunity to sample, participate and compete in golf.
To celebrate this success, RSM Ireland partners, staff and invited guests welcomed 10 players who compete in Ireland and who play regularly in the 120 EDGA-run, badged or supported G4D tournaments held around the world.
The day’s team event followed the ISPS HANDA Irish Open for Golfers with Disability which took place between June 10-11 at the same venue. Organised by Golf Ireland, the tournament welcomed 45 players, including participants from Spain, Australia and the US, who all feature in one of nine ‘Sport Classes’ created by EDGA to offer competitive opportunities across the spectrum of disabilities.
For the RSM tournament day that followed, 10 invited players teed it up as part of 10 RSM teams for a celebratory event, which included an expert clinic given by Neil O’Briain, Head PGA professional at Roganstown. G4D players included Ian St John from Waterford, a PGA Professional himself of 20 years, now a seated player following spinal cancer who never thought he would play again.
Ian said: “To be able to get a Paragolfer and play competitively around the world has been a life-saver both physically and mentally. RSM’s commitment in the development of golf for the disabled is very welcomed. The funding of research and encouraging their staff to volunteer and support community golf brings great awareness.”
Joining Ian were Fiona Gray, from Down in Northern Ireland, 10th in the gross world ranking for women and playing with orthopaedic injuries, and also Cathy Fitzgerald from Meath, who has faced neurological challenges in making her comeback to golf.
Cathy said: “Golf is a great way of exercising and meeting new friends. Concentrating on a golf ball, you forget everything else going on in life which is really good for your mental health and wellbeing.”
Paul O’Rahilly, from Kilkenny, a former engineer who lost his sight in his late twenties, added: “As my sight deteriorated golf has been a way to keep going, to feel included. It’s too easy as a blind person to become isolated and lonely. The camaraderie and exercise is key, and it’s a privilege to play the game with a partner, who assists.”
Niall May, Managing Partner of RSM Ireland, said: “It was a real pleasure to host this special event in partnership with EDGA and our colleagues from RSM UK. EDGA’s work is vital in breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for golfers of all abilities to participate, compete, and thrive.
“At RSM Ireland, inclusion is a core value, and we all share responsibility for embedding it in our culture. Seeing the impact of this work on the players at Roganstown was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to change lives. We’re passionate about supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in our communities, and this event was a fantastic reflection of that purpose—with plenty of friendly rivalry on the course to match.”
Dr Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “The fantastic support from RSM really is helping to transform the G4D landscape: from changing the lives of individual players to growing opportunities for everyone across the player pathway; while encouraging the EDGA team to take a lead in research and development that is helping a greater number of players to reach their potential, and enabling golf courses and venues to become more inclusive and accessible.
“We have also been delighted that RSM team members request training to volunteer to help EDGA in providing outreach sessions to a range of disability associations, including delivering our R&A approved ‘first-touch’ golf format for brand new ‘samplers’ wanting to try golf. The RSM team is therefore helping to redefine what golf can offer this and the next generation of players, and this special event at Roganstown celebrates a great collaboration.”
