Cape Town Disabled Open 2025 celebrates inclusivity and ability in golf

As part of Disability Awareness Month which runs from 3 November to 3 December, the City of Cape Town will once again host one of South Africa’s premier events in golf for people with disabilities. The Cape Town Disabled Open will be played over 36 holes at King David Mowbray Golf Club on 16-17 November.

Presented by the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), the championship forms part of the All Abilities Golf Tour (AAGT) and brings together golfers who show that ability always finds a way. There is a strong field, including leading South African golfers with disabilities and a solid international line-up. Players will compete across various divisions: Physically Disabled Gross, Physically Disabled Nett, Physically Disabled Stableford, Deaf Gross, Deaf Stableford and Leading Female.

The field includes defending champions Daniël Slabbert, Morne Els, Roux Steenkamp, Zubernathi Kroti and Yolande Magatye, two-time winner David Watts, and many well-ranked golfers on the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). The international line-up features Issa Nlareb from Cameroon, James Hourigan from Ireland, Jimmy Semenye from Kenya and Malcolm Thompson from Wales, giving the event a strong global presence.

New faces this year include Larian Malgas and André van der Westhuizen, amputee golfers from George. The field also features several graduates of SADGA’s First Swing Program, highlighting how young players introduced to golf at school level are now progressing into national competition.

The field represents a wide range of abilities and experiences. Some golfers were born with their impairments, while others have adapted to life after illness or injury. Competitors include players who are amputees, visually impaired, deaf, or have muscular or skeletal impairments - each showing in their own way how golf can be played and enjoyed by anyone.

On Tuesday, 18 November, the week concludes with an Interschools Adaptive Golf Competition, where children with disabilities from schools in Cape Town and beyond will represent their schools in a series of fun, modified golf challenges. It’s one of the most uplifting days on the SADGA calendar, giving young players the chance to compete for the trophy while learning from some of South Africa’s leading golfers with disabilities. The day captures the spirit of inclusion at its best, with children leaving proud, inspired, and smiling from ear to ear.

“The City of Cape Town has played a crucial role in growing golf for people with disabilities,” says Lily Reich, Operations Manager of SADGA. “Their support gives our players the chance to compete, inspires children to take up the game and helps us show what inclusion in sport really looks like.”

This year marks the fourth time the City of Cape Town has supported the Cape Town Disabled Open, reaffirming its commitment to making sport accessible to everyone. The City’s continued support gives golfers from across South Africa and abroad the chance to compete at a world-class event and helps raise awareness of the sport’s growing impact in the region.

“Sports is about inclusion and ensuring that all are provided an opportunity to participate in the recreational activity they love,” says JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. “The Cape Town Disabled Open provides a platform for golfers with disabilities to showcase their talent. The City of Cape Town’s partnership with the South African Disabled Golf Association goes many years having previously supported the Cape Town edition of the SA Disabled Golf Open. It is more than just a golf tournament but a stage where SADGA raises awareness in support of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities. As the City we are honoured to be part of a platform that seeks to empower people living with disabilities.”

Hosting the event in Cape Town also gives Western Cape golfers the opportunity to compete in a world-ranking tournament close to home. It offers local spectators, schools and community groups the chance to see adaptive golf in action and be part of an event that celebrates ability, determination and community spirit.

The Cape Town Disabled Open hosted by the City of Cape Town continues to inspire players, families and communities each year, showing that golf truly is a game for everyone.