In the summer of 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) for an unforgettable three days of golf. Here’s a look back at how the inaugural London Golf Club G4D Shield unfolded…
From August 6-8, some of golf’s leading players with a disability descended on the International Course to compete over 36 holes. Five nations – the UK, Italy, Germany, the US and Cameroon – were represented in the 30-strong field.
Issa Nlareb stole the show on day one, producing a superb four-under round 68 to cement his position as overnight leader. He wasn’t alone in excelling through 18 holes, though; strong performances from several competitors meant it was all still to play for going into Thursday.
The second round brought with it a very different set of challenges, with tough weather conditions setting up plenty of higher scores. However, Nlareb’s round of 78 was enough to see the Cameroonian finish one shot ahead of runner-up Jack McCrindle – and four strokes clear of the rest of the chasing pack.
Speaking after his victory, Nlareb said: “It was my honour to play in England and this lovely golf course. I like playing this type of course and I thank the London Golf Club team because it is not easy to keep it in this condition. I also want to thank EDGA, the sponsors and my wife Francesca.
In September, we welcomed Issa Nlareb back to the club just weeks after his unforgettable triumph – presenting him with membership so that he can visit the club at his leisure and for practice purposes when in the UK.
This was the first EDGA event held at the club since the EDGA Cazoo Classic in 2021, when Chris Biggins’ narrow victory was finally confirmed after a tense wait in the clubhouse.
“It was an honour to host the inaugural London Golf Club G4D shield on our International Course,” said our director of golf, Ben Stimson.
“The event was a humbling experience for the entire team, and we witnessed some magnificent golf from extremely talented individuals. It was incredible to watch how people with disabilities were able to navigate their way through a round of golf with such commitment and determination.”
Ahead of the event, the club worked with EDGA – an organisation which works with 50 national golf federations to deliver opportunities across the sport – to promote inclusivity and accessibility for golfers with a disability across the wider Kent region.
The EDGA team provided coaching to our PGA professional Paul Stuart to ensure that the club is fully equipped to provide lessons to golfers with disabilities, and free golf lessons were made available to local children and adults with a disability.
We also worked closely with EDGA across the golf course and wider facility to help identify all opportunities for improving visitor experience and for reaching new customers across the disability spectrum, and we look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring over the years to come.
Dr Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “When London Golf Club agreed to host an EDGA Tour event it immediately felt like a good match. The whole team has been so easy to work with throughout the planning process, all the way to delivering the London Golf Club G4D Shield.
“We were aiming for 30 players at this first event and we know that many of these golfers who clearly enjoyed their experience will now spread the word on the quality of the course and the warmth of their reception. I anticipate that getting a place in the 2025 event will be much desired by many G4D players.”
Everyone at London Golf Club would like to thank EDGA and every player who took part, and we look forward to welcoming the EDGA Tour back in May 2025!
To find out more about EDGA and the great work they do, visit edgagolf.com
London Golf Club is conveniently located just off the M25 and M20, and is easily accessible from London.
London Golf Club is keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer at the event and, for more information, please contact Matt Ryan on Matt@londongolf.co.uk.