Golfers of all levels with a disability will compete for the title of Scottish Disability Champion at a tournament hosted by St Andrews Links Trust at the renowned Home of Golf.
In collaboration with Scottish Golf, the 2026 PING Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability will be held in St Andrews on the Eden Course over two days between April 30 and May 1.
Open to male and female golfers, the competition consists of 36 holes of stroke play over two days, with an official practice day held the day prior to the start of the championship. Entry for the competition is now open, with a closing date of March 30.
Facilitating this event feeds into the Trust’s wider objective of broadening participation in golf and supporting players no matter their ability or experience. As part of this mission, the Trust is investing again in its Disability Coaching Programme for anyone with a physical, sensory or learning disability. The programme offers safe and engaging sessions for first-time or experienced players alike, with PGA Professionals on hand to offer tips and tailored sessions.
Held over an eight-week period at the Trust’s Golf Academy, the sessions will be split by golfing ability so adults and juniors can get the most out of the lessons and focus on all the key skills needed for playing golf.
The expanded programme follows the successful completion of the Scottish Golf Disability Hub taster sessions last spring, and the coaching sessions held in the summer and autumn.
To enhance the programme, the Trust has been training instructors on the Golf Trust’s Paragolfer – an all-terrain mobility vehicle which raises users up to a standing position. This specialist technology is life-changing for golfers with restricted mobility, enabling players to swing a golf club freely.
Laurie Watson, Director of Engagement at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “One of our core missions at St Andrews Links Trust is to ensure anyone who wants to play golf can do so, no matter their circumstances. We know that there are many golfers who face challenges because of a disability and who would love to play our courses. Hosting this championship underlines that the Home of Golf is a place for everyone.
“On top of this, we are investing further in our Disability Coaching Programme after exceptional feedback from last year’s participants. We’re using our resources and expertise to offer participants a relaxed environment and remove any barriers to playing golf, supporting them to develop their skills and build confidence on the course.”
This builds on the Trust’s existing efforts to support and encourage golfers with a disability, having hosted the 30th year of the Phoenix Cup – the only fully inclusive amateur match play team golf event in the world – on the Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course – in 2024.
Jim Gales MBE, three times British Open blind golf champion, said: “It’s great to have the Disability Open championship back at the Home of Golf. The Eden Course, where the championship will be held, is ideal for the competition. It’s very popular and its layout gives everyone a real chance – it’s a true test of golf.
“The Links Trust’s coaching programme has provided a pathway into the championship for many players, giving them the confidence they need to play and enjoy the game. People come to these sessions with a very wide range of disabilities, and I’ve seen for myself how fantastic the instructors are at adapting to different needs and supporting players. These sessions offer the chance for golfers with a disability to meet others in a similar situation to them. That social aspect of the game is really important, and the Links Trust is great at promoting that.”
Gales helped to create Scottish charity Phoenix Disability Golf and the annual Phoenix Cup championship. He has led 13 international squads, played in more than 100 Open championships – winning 17 titles, including the British Open on three occasions.