Disabled competition added as part of Irish Open

The Irish Open will host a competition for disabled golfers as part of a new initiative by the DP World Tour.

The newly-named G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour will feature a minimum of seven tournaments in 2022, including in Ireland.

New events will also take place at the British Masters, European Open, PGA Championship and the Andalucia Masters.

The DP World Tour has also committed to a financial support package for the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) which will see EDGA move from a volunteer-led organisation to a semi-professional one.

Kipp Popert, the number one ranked player in the gross World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability, said: "The EDGA has been doing amazing work for more than 20 years and this new collaboration with The DP World Tour will create opportunities for more golfers with a disability to showcase their talents and compete on a global stage.

"Golf is unique in that it can be a fully inclusive sport. It is my aim to capitalise on every opportunity throughout my career, in the hope that I can help inspire more people with disabilities to take up golf and enjoy its benefits.

"The G4D Tour is an exciting initiative which will benefit many."

Last season, the DP World Tour staged the five-event EDGA European Tour, with Ireland's Brendan Lawlor taking the title after winning the EDGA Dubai Finale, which took place alongside the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

Additional reporting: PA