Weeks After Facing Hate Comments, EDGA Pro Has the Last Laugh With His Latest Triumph

An EDGA Pro from Louth, Ireland was diagnosed with Ellis Van Creveld syndrome, a condition that causes bones to grow abnormally and results in shorter limbs. But he didn’t let that deter his passion for golf, and he went on to pursue it with determination. In August of 2020, he made history by being the first golfer with a disability to compete in events on both the DP World Tour and the Challenge Tour. He continues to participate in these competitions on a sporadic basis.

In a spectacular display of determination and talent, this EDGA Pro has triumphed through hardship to earn a historic victory. After receiving harsh remarks for several weeks, he silenced his detractors and made history by winning the first-ever G4D Open.

Combating adversity: avoiding hateful remarks

The world’s second-ranked golfer with a disability, Brendan Lawlor, recently received an invitation to compete at the DP World Tour’s ISPS Handa Championship in Japan from a sponsor. With 81 and 77, he fell short of the cut. Despite being a role model for others with impairments, he was made fun of for his height and health.

According to the Irish Golfer, Lawlor expressed his deep emotion speaking about the issue.

“I just wanted to get on and highlight how bad the negative was and, if you weren’t in the frame of mind to take this negativity, of what it could do to people.”

“I’m lucky enough where my condition has never affected me. I’ve grown up all my life with negative comments and I blew them off with the breeze, but I wanted to hop on and highlight these comments for other people.”

Lawlor faced difficulties along the way to winning the G4D Open Championship. Despite his extraordinary talent and commitment to the sport, he encountered nasty and disparaging words from others who questioned his skills. Lawlor, however, resisted letting criticism define him. Instead, he focused his efforts on disproving his detractors and used their criticism as a motivation to work harder.

Brendan Lawlor: The inaugural G4D Open champion

Ireland’s Brendan Lawlor came out victorious in a thrilling head-to-head duel against England’s Kipp Popert, capturing the inaugural G4D Open championship for golfers with disabilities. The exciting confrontation took place at Woburn’s Duchess course.

Read More: LPGA Star Charley Hull Raises Her Voice in ‘Full Support’ of EDGA Professional After Golf Communities’ Hurtful Comments

Despite getting off to a rough start with three bogeys and falling behind by two strokes after Popert’s birdie on the third hole, Lawlor displayed outstanding golf throughout the remainder of the round.

He ultimately won the tournament with a score of three over par after 54 holes, two strokes ahead of Popert. While Popert was able to close the margin to one stroke with a bogey on the 16th hole, he ran into problems on the final hole.

What’s your opinion on an EDGA Pro overcoming the hate and shining through? Share your views in the comments down below.

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