The International Series is set for a groundbreaking moment at the LINK Hong Kong Open, as the World No.1 ranked disabled golfer Kipp Popert will join the field for the 63rd edition of this prestigious event.
The eighth of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar marks the first time a golfer with a disability has been included in the tournament lineup, reinforcing the historic event’s 2024 tagline: LINK Hong Kong Open – Open for All.
The 25-year-old Englishman’s participation, granted through an exemption by The Hong Kong Golf Club, aligns with the values of The International Series, offering opportunity to golfers on the global stage.
Reflecting on the significance of Popert’s inclusion, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain Andy Kwok said: “The tagline for this year’s championship is ‘Open for All’, so we are delighted to have Kipp, who has excelled on the G4D Tour in recent times, join this world-class field at Fanling.
“His story, like those other sportsmen who compete to such a high standard despite the challenges brought about by disability, is truly inspiring and we will all be cheering him on and wishing him the very best.”
Despite challenges brought about by cerebral palsy and having undergone more than ten surgeries, Popert has risen to the pinnacle of disabled golf and has dominated the DP World Tour’s 2024 G4D Tour season with victories in five of its ten events.
This includes recent wins in his home country England, including the G4D Open in May, the inaugural G4D Tour Nations Cup at Betfred British Masters team event with Heather Gilks in August, and September’s G4D Tour at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
On Wednesday, Popert won the G4D Tour Series Finale at the DP World Tour Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai with an impressive 9-under par 135.
Popert said: “I am very excited to be playing the LINK Hong Kong Open in 2024. I relish the opportunity to continue to prove to myself and others that golfers with disability have the skills and talent to compete professionally. I look forward to visiting Hong Kong and engaging with the fans next week.”
He also addressed the challenges he has faced in his life and golf career to date, adding: “It is a powerful force, being at a disadvantage at the start, because you learn that you have to work hard to achieve what you want. I think it gives you that drive and that work ethic that you can become whatever you want to be in life.
“Just because you have cerebral palsy does not mean you cannot achieve anything you want to, it just means you have got to find your way of doing it, and when you do find a way, and when you come through the setback, you’re going to be a more dominant force, including mentally.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League
