Lanark golfer Ian White rises to Phoenix Cup challenge in fine style

Ian and his team-mates triumphed after keenly contested matches held between September 15 and 22 at Gleneagles PGA Centenary, Panmure, Blairgowrie, Carnoustie Championship and Trump International Golf Courses.

The Phoenix Cup was created by Scottish Disability Golf and is the disabled version of the Ryder/Solheim Cup. It was first held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where some 26 golfers, making up a North American and World Team, travelled from countries including: Australia, South Africa, Germany, the States, Scotland, France and England to play over the three forms of traditional matchplay golf.

This year, the event was originally to be a competition between Europe and the USA, however, the pandemic hit home and the US players were refused entry to the UK.

Even after interventions by the US House of Representatives, the Senate, multiple UK agencies, MPs and MSPs, plus direct contact with the White House, the Scottish Government refused to budge, and the subsequent event had to involve countries not on the ‘restricted list’.

Disabled golfers from countries including Norway, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in what became the 25th and 26th Phoenix Cup.

The two competitions were played in the traditional matchplay formats of foursomes, fourballs and singles competitions, between a Great Britain & Ireland and European squad.

Europe won the 25th Phoenix Cup and Great Britain and Ireland won the 26th, over the prestigious links, heathland and parkland golf courses in glorious Scottish sunshine.

GB and I co-captain Jim Gales said: “Over 30 disabled members got to play during the week long golf competition and it is undoubtedly a great boost for our charity’s profile. We can’t thank the host venues enough.”