Golf superstar and ISPS Handa ambassador Charley Hull was on hand at the Golf Ireland Academy last Tuesday, where she led a junior clinic that underscored Golf Ireland and ISPS Handa’s commitment to creating clear pathways for Golfers with Disabilities.
Hull, who was one of the star attractions at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open in Carton House eventually finishing fourth, spent time on the putting green and practice area mentoring juniors and elite Golfers with Disabilities who have benefited directly from the organisation’s Golf4All initiatives, which are supported by their partner ISPS Handa.
The clinic, delivered by Golf Ireland PGA coach Callum Slater and supported by ISPS Handa, featured interactive drills, skills challenges and a lively Q&A. Hull demonstrated some of her short-game techniques, fielded questions about life on tour, posed for photos and signed autographs.
“It is really important. A lot of respect to them, how many things are stopping them from playing golf, and they still go out there and play it. It’s unbelievable, it’s great to see,” said Hull.
ISPS Handa and Golf Ireland joined forces in October 2023 to support Golf Ireland’s Golf4All programmes and increase development pathways for elite amateurs with a disability. ISPS Handa also became the title sponsor of the Irish Open for Golfers with Disabilities.
“Golf Ireland has a wonderful partner in ISPS Handa, who supports our disability golf initiatives right across the board,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“We were delighted to be joined by ISPS Handa ambassador Charley Hull and Brendan Scannell to perform a clinic here for a combination of our elite national panel and some of our younger golfers with disabilities.
“It’s been a wonderful experience with them. We are delighted that Charley spent so much time with the players, giving them tips, answering their questions.
“So it’s been a really special occasion and we really appreciate the support we are getting from ISPS Handa in making today happen.”
The Golf Ireland ISPS Handa Junior G4D Pathway Programme aims to develop the golfing ability of junior golfers with disabilities by providing High high-performance coaching Support and a pathway to represent Ireland on the ISPS Handa Golfers with Disabilities team.
Players are offered coaching in their respective regions as well as building connections and community with other golfers with a disability.
“It was a great invite to get and an experience that I might never get again to meet Charley, she’s a world class player,” said Golf Ireland ISPS Handa Junior G4D Pathway Player, Julia Falvey Ryan.
“It was unbelievable for ISPS Handa to do this for us, they are a great support as always for the disability golf in Ireland.
“This is what we need for disability golf to become a bigger thing, it’s great to hear because when you see the people with ISPS Handa on their tops, you know they are part of the good crew.”
