The team representing Europe in this year’s Cairns Cup – disability golf’s premier matchplay event between the USA and Europe – is heading Stateside this week ahead of the matches against their US counterparts which are taking place at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.
Five talented British golfers will be flying across the Atlantic to represent Team Europe against in Michigan from July 27 to August 3.
The Cairns Cup is a week-long festival of golf that includes a pre-tournament charity golf day, followed by a fundraising gala dinner and an open day where the players hold workshops for disability groups and individuals close to the host club.
The opening ceremony is followed by three days of match play competition featuring foursomes, fourball and singles formats. The opening ceremony and the three match days will all be streamed live on The Cairns Cup social media feeds and via the LIVE SPORT NOW YouTube channel.
England’s Kris Aves from Barnet in London, James Gallagher from Huddersfield, Iain Millar from Alton, Hampshire,Charlie Appleyard from Thames Ditton, Surrey and Chris Foster from Manningtree in Essex are members of the 16-strong European team looking to win the Cairns Cup trophy for the first time, after losing to against the Americans at the inaugural contest played in London two years ago.
They will be teaming up with disabled golfers from eight other European countries – Scotland, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands – to take on their American counterparts for the prized trophy, named in memory of British disabled golfer Billy Cairns.
TEAM EUROPE PROFILES
Kris Aves, who is also vice-captain of the European team, was injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack, resulting in paralysis and use of a wheelchair. Introduced to disability golf by The Golf Trust, he now regularly plays using a Paragolfer at The Shire GC.
“I’m honoured to be the Vice-Captain of Team Europe in two consecutive events and looking forward to competing against a strong American team in Michigan” said Kris, who attributes his success to hard work, determination, and a great support network.”
James Gallagher, who has cerebral palsy, began playing disability golf in 2012 with British Inclusive Golf and now plays club competitions at Meltham Golf Club. He volunteered at the inaugural Cairns Cup in 2022, before being selected for Team Europe this year.
A strong advocate of golf for those with disabilities, Iain Millar suffered from a brain injury and multiple injuries playing rugby before joining the Disabled Golf Association in 2018 after five years of rehab. He credits the game for helping his physical recovery and mental health and plays at Worldham GC.
Charlie Appleyard has Parkinson’s Disease but has been able to improve his handicap since his diagnosis. He began playing golf at the age of eleven and remains extremely competitive, especially when it comes to match play golf which he loves. He plays at Wentworth Club and recently competed in Holland.
Chris Foster, who played in the 2022 event, was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of five and had his left leg amputated aged nine. A former Great Britain swimmer, he turned to golf after injury and became a PGA Professional at Hanbury Manor Golf & Country Club in Hertfordshire.
The event also includes well know American Adaptive golfers Amy Bockertstette, former US Open champion Kim Moore (US Captain) with the European lead by Dutch golfer Tinke Loogman.
The event is supported by major golf brands, including Sun Mountain, Mizuno, Titleist, Adidas, with 5iron Golf and Purpose Media being the respective team sponsors.