Thirty-two European-based golfers with a disability have qualified for one of the season’s toughest tournaments, the RSM European Play-offs, which this year are being held at North Hants Golf Club from September 9-11.
Qualification through World Rankings in Gross, Nett and Stableford has once again inspired golfers from all impairment groups to aim for this now established end-of-season finale.
Starting in 2021, the RSM European Play-offs are now a much-anticipated series of G4D (golf for the disabled) finals each September. Golfers from across the disability spectrum, including physical, intellectual and sensory impairments, have all had the opportunity to qualify through the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
A significant aspect of the RSM Play-offs is that qualification is tailored to players who have not been able to qualify in the past two years for the G4D Tour, which was made up of Gross events until 2024, but new opportunities now exist with the creation of Nett events in the last two seasons. Thus, taking part in the Play-offs offers high level international competition to Nett and Stableford ranked players that can help prepare them to further increase their competitive experience.
Meanwhile, the gradual expansion of the event also reflects the increasing numbers of golfers who are teeing it up in a growing number of tournaments which are run or supported by EDGA, the acknowledged authority on G4D, with more opportunities for European players to earn WR4GD points closer to home.
Field of 32 European G4D players finalised
Excitement is now building as the full field of 32 men and women from 14 countries has been for the finals at the beautiful but challenging North Hants Golf Club, famous for its leading amateur tournaments and regional qualifying for The Open.
Male and female have players qualified in the divisions of Gross, Nett, and Stableford, while to further promote G4D opportunities for women, a women’s category of eight players is returning for a second year. Each division of eight players battles it out in matchplay rounds over three days to create the champions for 2025 (the field contains 11 female players out of 32 for 2025).
In recent years, this innovative format has presented examples of seated players sharing the fairways with players with limb difference, and visually impaired players has shared the tee box with golfers with neurological, musculoskeletal, or intellectual disabilities.
The tournament is welcoming first-time players and returning champions. France’s Melody Roccaz is looking forward to making her debut in the women’s category. The 23-year-old, who plays from a seated mobility device, says: “I am very happy to play in this competition. It is a real honour for me and a new milestone to check off in my life. I can’t wait to be there but I am also a bit nervous because I hope to live up to the event, so I will do my best. I know that this year will remain etched in my memory.”
Another debutant, Reinhard Berer of Austria, needed the amputation of both of his legs after being hit by a train in 2022. Just months later he took up golf. Reinhard says: “Golf is incredibly good for my soul. I’ve found my way back to life. Playing golf with two prosthetics – truly incredible! I’m very enthusiastic about EDGA tournaments. The level of professionalism and the people I’m meeting – sensational!”
England’s Nicky Weeks is a returning competitor. Nicky, who has multiple sclerosis, said: “It was very exciting to hear I was playing in the RSM Play-offs for a second year. I think that EDGA women collectively inspire each other, we are gaining strength from each other; it’s an exciting time to be part of it.”
Vincent Helly returns to play in the Gross division, after winning the Nett in the of the inaugural RSM Play-offs in 2021. Vincent, who is autistic, labels that win his finest performance yet in G4D.
The Frenchman says. “This will be a new challenge to compete against the best European players thanks to RSM. Last time… winning the final match was incredible. I remember the spectators who followed and encouraged us. It was very emotional for me, unforgettable.”
EDGA President Dr Tony Bennett said: “We are hugely excited to welcome the strongest of international fields for the 2025 RSM European Play-offs, all of whom have won their place by right, through fantastic golf. Together with our trusted event partners RSM UK, we have from the start wanted to offer a competitive journey for players from all impairment groups, creating an inclusive tournament but one with a highly competitive edge in what has become a really captivating match play series.”
Tony added: “None of this would have been possible with the excellent support and spirit from the whole team at RSM and we are delighted again to be ready to collaborate with all at North Hants GC to create a brilliant showcase for G4D at this wonderful golf club.”
2025 marks the fifth year that leading audit, tax, and consulting firm RSM UK has lent its support to this now established tournament in golf’s international calendar.
Nick Sladden, partner and EDGA advocate at RSM UK, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting EDGA’s latest event at North Hants Golf Club. Throughout our time as lead sponsors, the Play-off Series has continued to grow from strength to strength – not just in profile, but in the incredible talent that we have seen taking part in the tournament. Our involvement in the Play-off Series has allowed us to witness first-hand the positive impact that golf can have on people with disabilities and will hopefully go a long way in inspiring others to take up the sport.”
Since 2019, RSM, and the RSM Foundation, have supported the EDGA team across tournament growth, community engagement (with RSM staff and partners being trained by EDGA as community volunteers) and high-level research to help increasing numbers of people with a disability to experience golf and reach their potential as players.
Qualifying players for the RSM European Play-offs
GROSS
Frederik Brokfelt-Christiansen, Denmark
Manuel De Los Santos, France
Fredrik Fjaeraa, Norway
Vincent Helly, France
Oliver Hirst-Greenham, England
Mehmet Kazan, Turkey
Gordon Mclay, Scotland
James Wilson, England
NETT
Reinhard Berer, Austria
Ben Bowen, England
Ellen Larsen, Norway
Julien Mouchet, France
Alessandro Petrianni, Italy
Martin Shields, Scotland
Tereza Sršňová, Czech Republic
Malcolm Thompson, Ireland
STABLEFORD
Jan Boström, Sweden
Mario Gazzetta, Italy
Lars Johansson, Sweden
Giulia Marabotti, Italy
Jörg Pliskat, Germany
David Sellner, Czech Republic
Kimmo Sirviö, Finland
Pentti Vaara, Finland
WOMEN
Mascha Bos, Netherlands,
Heather Gilks, England
Martine Gilks, England
Erika Malmberg, Sweden
Ellie Perks, England
Melody Roccaz, France
Nicky Weeks, England
Mette Wegge Lynggaard, Denmark