Nerveless Lawlor enjoys 'amazing' debut

Brendan Lawlor revealed he did not feel any extra nerves as he made his European Tour debut on day one of the 2020 ISPS HANDA UK Championship.

The Irishman, who is currently ranked fourth in the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), has been blazing a trail for disabled golf over the last few years and turned professional last September.

The 22-year-old has a rare condition called Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, a disability characterised by a shorter stature and shorter limbs, but that has not stopped him from making his impact on the game, notably winning the 36-hole EDGA Scottish Open in 2019.

He is playing the final event of the UK Swing on an invite on behalf of his sponsor and tournament title partner ISPS HANDA, and he carded an opening 84 in the company of European Tour regulars Richard McEvoy and Jeff Winther at The Belfry.

"The nerves were fine, just the usual first tee nerves," he said. "I hit a good one down the middle on the first and sort of relaxed then. I really enjoyed myself today. 

"It felt amazing, the company of Richard and Jeff was fantastic.

"The back nine was a bit tough. I got off to a flier, I was one under after three. I really enjoyed today. I didn't shoot the best score but it's not about the score today. 

"The coverage over the last few days, people texting and on Instagram, looking at EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association). That's the reason why I'm here this week. It's really incredible.

"It's a week to change my life and other people's lives, so just go out and enjoy it and that's what I did. I didn't have any expectations of scores. I'm just so grateful to be competing on the same stage as these guys and getting opportunities like this. 

"What ISPS Handa represent, they have asked me to be an ambassador this year as well. It's a great role for me and I'm enjoying it."

You can hear more from Brendan in this week's Player Blog presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car.