Irishman Brendan Lawlor made history yesterday when he teed up in the ISPS Handa UK Championship at The Belfry, becoming the first professional disability golfer to feature on the European Tour.
The 22-year old suffers from a rare condition known as Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, which results in those who have it possessing a smaller stature and shorter limbs. A native of Louth, he is currently in fourth place on the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability.
Lawlor had a great start to his round yesterday, finding himself one-under after three holes. Unfortunately, he would struggle from that point on, shooting a 12-over 84.
He fared much better earlier on in today's round, finding himself at three-over after 11 holes. However, a tough finish saw him shoot an 82.
It won't be enough to book a place in the final two rounds, but the golfer revealed to Sky Sports that he is delighted with how the event has gone for him. Lawlor also hopes that his appearance at the event can inspire others with disabilities to pursue the sport.
🗣 "It has been absolutely fantastic. It feels so nice to be accepted."@brendanlawlor97 reflects on making European Tour history this week at the #ISPSHandaUKChampionship. pic.twitter.com/GRrcBsEXDA
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 28, 2020
It's been absolutely fantastic. I'm still in awe about being here playing with these guys.
It's so nice to feel accepted as well. Anyone you met, even the feedback from social media this week, everyone was so lovely and embracing me here.
It's going to do trojans now for the game, I think...
That was the main goal (to inspire others facing challenges). I'm very competitive as well and I do like to shoot a good score. I was a little bit disappointed with yesterday's around, especially after the flyer of a start.
But as you say, this week I got so many messages from people looking to get into the game. I think really that's what it was about this week.
