Following the first tournament in the calendar in New Zealand, Europe’s contribution to 100-plus G4D (golf for the disabled) tournaments run, supported or approved by EDGA begins in January with two events in Portugal that top players will be vying to win.
The curtain-raising 2026 EDGA Algarve Classic at Pestana Pinta (January 12-13) and the EDGA Portugal Masters at Pestana Gramacho (January 16-17) will welcome back some leading golfers after the season break while providing new opportunities for emerging players to make their mark.
Played in three divisions: Gross, Net, and Stableford, these are a signature of EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) tournaments to encourage golfers with any impairment to play. For example, seated golfers with spinal conditions, players with limb difference, golfers with a visual impairment or who are deaf, and others who play with neurological or neurodiverse conditions, are just some of the players sharing the fairways together in Portugal.
EDGA welcomes any player with a disability recognised by their national authority, regardless of the nature of the impairment. While welcoming and inclusive for all – these tournaments are also highly competitive in nature. Throughout 2026 G4D players will take on the test of strong international fields, highly rated golf venues and all the personal challenges of competitive golf in a growing schedule that will reach from Canada to New Zealand and Japan, and South America across to Norway.
Each of the opening two tournaments in Portugal feature more than 65 players, from a total of 19 nations. Names to look out for include leading world ranked female (Gross) player Daphne van Houten of the Netherlands, top European Net player, Mario Gazzetta of Italy, and world number one Stableford player Jörg Pliskat from Germany.
Players from as far afield as Turkey, South Africa and Australia will be making the trip. Former EDGA tournament winner and G4D Tour competitor David Watts, said: “I’m really excited to return to Portugal. It’s a great way to start 2026, and I’m aiming to build momentum with a strong performance.”
Meanwhile, defending champion at Pinta in January, Turkey’s Mehmet Kazan, is sure to be asked about a new EDGA Tour event in February, the 2026 EDGA Turkish Open by Mehmet Kazan. With Mehmet being one of the most highly regarded players in G4D, this is an exciting addition to the schedule in the highly popular golf destination of Belek.
Exciting season highlights
The 2026 G4D season will include multiple highlights such as The G4D Open in May at Celtic Manor in Wales (staged by The R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour and supported by EDGA), the US Adaptive Open in July (staged by the USGA at Woodmont CC, Maryland), and the European Team Championship at Golf Club Genova Sant’ Anna in northern Italy, staged by the European Golf Association also in July.
The Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability held on The Eden Course, St Andrews, EDGA Tour events at Pas de Calais, France, and London Golf Club in England, and the EDGA European Play-offs, are complemented by events in Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Finland and more, with more tournaments being confirmed in 2026.
EDGA President Dr Tony Bennett said: “The list of events and host courses is designed to encourage everyone: from a first time challenger in a regional G4D Stableford event, to seasoned competitors pushing their boundaries in international competition. Welcoming and inclusive on the one hand in an atmosphere of friendship and trust, but also competitive tournaments, with both factors helping to forge lasting memories for all involved. Our opening Portugal tournaments exemplify this thinking in every way, and we look forward to meeting the players, and offering the warmest of welcomes to everyone taking part.”
The EDGA team is also working with host venues in 2026 to prepare their professional staff and volunteers to enable them to deliver sampling sessions for individuals with disabilities pre, during, and post the tournament.
Bennett added: “It is vital that we work with all the game’s stakeholders to leave a meaningful legacy, and thus help ensure a bright future for all involved with G4D.”