News

Golf Gratitude: Empowerment, inclusivity, and triumph

Published

2 years ago

Oct 24, 2024

As a long-time veteran of the golf industry and a PGA Professional, I’ve dedicated countless hours to introducing young people with disabilities to this incredible sport. I see golf as more than just a game—it’s a platform for empowerment and inclusivity that I’ve tried to help champion throughout my career.

Our Little Linksters G.O.A.L.S. program (Golf Outreach Advances Life Skills) has partnered with folks like Jordan Spieth.

Having worked with adaptive golf programs, I’ve witnessed first-hand the profound impact of specialized equipment and accessible courses. These innovations break down barriers that once seemed insurmountable, offering every individual a chance to connect with the game I’ve loved for so long. The joy on the faces of these young players when they sink their first putt or hit a solid drive is indescribable—it reminds me of how golf can indeed be for everyone.

Coach Brendon Elliott with Zoe at the National Alliance for Accessible Golf Conference in Orlando.

The golf community has shown tremendous support in embracing this inclusivity, creating an environment where children with disabilities not only play but thrive. It has long filled me with pride to have been a small part of a movement that uses golf as a vehicle for growth, achievement, and friendship. Watching these young golfers develop skills and confidence on the course has reaffirmed my belief that golf is not just a sport but a universal language of opportunity.

DP World Tour Taking Golf Inclusivity to a Higher Level

Juan Postigo in silhouette at the G4D Open. The G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour held it’s first tournament ahead of a PGA Tour event at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in February of this year.

The DP World Tour’s G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour stands as a groundbreaking initiative to promote inclusivity in the world of golf. This pioneering effort represents a transformative shift in the perception and opportunities available for golfers with disabilities at a highly competitive level. The G4D Tour is not only a competition but a testament to the unyielding spirit and talent that exists within this dynamic community.

Introduced as part of the DP World Tour, the G4D Tour is designed to cater to elite-level golfers with disabilities, offering them the platform and recognition they deserve. By integrating it into the mainstream golfing calendar, the DP World Tour has ensured that these athletes receive significant exposure, allowing them to showcase their extraordinary skills on an international stage. This move also aligns with the larger goal of promoting diversity and breaking down barriers in elite-level sports.

The structure of the G4D Tour mirrors that of traditional golf tours but with adaptations suited to the needs and strengths of disabled golfers. Participants compete in various categories, ensuring a level playing field that acknowledges and respects the different challenges the athletes face. This categorization allows each participant to compete competitively, with the emphasis placed on skill and strategy rather than physical limitations.

One of the core objectives of the G4D Tour is to change perceptions and dismantle stereotypes regarding athletes with disabilities. The tour increases visibility and awareness by providing a high-profile platform, helping to alter public perceptions and inspire others within the disabled community. The tour serves as a reminder that talent knows no boundaries and that all athletes can achieve remarkable feats with the right opportunities.

The G4D Tour also plays a crucial role in encouraging youth participation by showing younger generations that golf has legitimate, professional pathways, regardless of the challenges one might face. This is particularly important in cultivating the next wave of talented golfers who can continue to break new ground in this inclusive sport. By engaging with communities and collaborating with organizations that focus on disability sports, the tour helps to provide resources, training, and support to emerging talent.

Beyond the competitions themselves, the G4D Tour fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its participants. Through shared experiences on and off the course, athletes build invaluable relationships, exchange knowledge, and support one another, ultimately advancing the cause of inclusivity in the sporting world. This sense of belonging is crucial in an often challenging landscape, offering emotional and professional support to those involved.

Player Spotlight: Steven Alderson’s Emotional Triumph

A shining example of determination and excellence is Steven Alderson, whose journey reached a pinnacle with his emotional first G4D Tour victory in Spain two weeks ago. Alderson’s win is a testament to relentless dedication and passion for the sport despite the challenges he has faced. His victory was more than just a personal achievement; it was a moment that resonated with many, inspiring others within the community. Alderson’s performance in Spain showcased his outstanding skills, strategic prowess, and a deep love for golf, earning him admiration and respect from peers and fans alike. His story exemplifies the very essence of the G4D Tour, highlighting how obstacles can be overcome to achieve greatness.

The impact of the DP World Tour’s G4D Tour extends far beyond the leaderboard. It is a symbol of resilience, proving that every obstacle can be transformed into an opportunity with determination and support. As the G4D Tour continues to grow, it paves the way for future initiatives and collaborations geared toward creating a more inclusive and diverse sports environment globally.

The DP World Tour’s G4D Tour is a celebration of golfing prowess and an embodiment of the evolving narrative around disability in sports. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, setting a precedent for other sports organizations worldwide to follow. As it heads into new seasons, the G4D Tour promises to continue inspiring and elevating athletes with disabilities, showcasing the remarkable heights they can achieve.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

To learn more about my thoughts on the upcoming week in golf to come, go to my new weekly column, “Fairway Focus,” on RG.org.

Related Topics:DP World Tour G4D Tour Golf Inclusivity

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Brendon Elliott

As a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Brendon Elliott covers premier tournaments including the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, the Masters Tournament, and the PGA Championship. He has conducted notable interviews with golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, and modern greats like Keegan Bradley. Elliott's media career spans multiple prestigious platforms, with current affiliations including PGA.com and PGA Magazine (since 2018), GolfWRX (since 2018), MyGolfSpy (beginning in 2025), and RG.org (since 2024). Through his One More Roll Golf Media company, he works as a premier freelance golf writer while consulting with golf start-up companies. Elliott's distinguished career as a PGA Professional has focused on developing junior golfers. In 2017, he was named the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner and has been recognized multiple times as one of the best golf instructors regionally and nationally. In 2008, Elliott founded Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy, and in 2010 expanded with a sister nonprofit organization for children of all abilities. While he sold Little Linksters Academy in December 2024, he continues as Executive Director of the nonprofit and launched the BE A GOLFER Academy for competitive teen golfers in January 2025. Elliott's combination of teaching experience, business acumen, and journalistic expertise positions him as a comprehensive authority in the golf industry, bridging instruction and media for golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring players.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

2 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase