Lawlor roars back to world No 1 with historic G4D Open win
Brendan Lawlor. Picture: Getty Images
Dundalk's Brendan Lawlor will replace Kipp Popert as number one in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability after he claimed the inaugural G4D Open own the Duchess Course at Woburn.
Leading by a shot overnight from Popert, who was born with a form of Cerebral Palsy called Spastic Diplegia, Lawlor (26) bogeyed his first three holes to fall a shot behind the Englishman.
But he played par golf from there to be one ahead playing the 18th and made par to Popert's bogey for a three-over 75 to his rival's 76 and a historic two-shot win on three-over.
“It's just an unbelievable feeling,” Lawlor said. “It hasn't really sunk in yet. I've put so much hard work into my game the last few months and it's been trending really well.
Brendan Lawlor (front) pictured with the rest of the Irish competitors: Alan Gaynor (Sligo), Aiden Grenham (Ballinasloe), Paul O’Kelly (Portmarnock), James Mcparland (Roganstown), Conor Stone (Carton house), Cian Arthurs (Roganstown), Fiona Gray (St Patrick’s).
“I just couldn't get it over the line last year, so it's been a while since I've been in the winner's circle. I'm proud of myself just to get it done, really happy. I didn't hit it well all day but I made a lot of clutch putts on the front nine.
“Niall (Horan) has supported me from day one. I've been with the guys for four years at Modest Golf!. For a disability golfer, they never treat me differently than anyone else. I'm proud to be a part of that team and hopefully we can get more wins.”
awlor had carded 70 and 74 coming into Friday’s final round and he began with three straight bogeys but from there he steadied the ship.
A birdie at the beginning of the back nine put him back in contention and despite a bogey on 16 he outlasted Popert down the home stretch. Meanwhile, the Wildernesse clubman had three bogeys on the final six holes to lose out.
But it was a wonderful occasion and together with the rest of his Irish compatriots, Lawlor was thrilled to take home the crown.
“It's been an incredible week. Everybody involved has put in so much work to get this championship done. Every player here, we felt like royalty this week,” said Lawlor.
“Hopefully this is the start and we're going to have many more of these major events. Disability golf is definitely on the way up.”
