USA win The Cairns Cup 2024!
MATCH REPORT
In a rain-soaked afternoon at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township, Michigan, TEAM USA held off a gallant fight from their European counterparts, securing back-to-back victories to win The Cairns Cup for the second time in succession.
After three gruelling days of golf played at times in 30+ degree heat, the USA Team, headed by Michigander Kim Moore, finished 12.5 Pts to 11.5 Pts, to lift the prestigious trophy named after Scottish disabled golfer Billy Cairns.
However, it was Brandon Williams who had the honor of sinking the winning putt to claim victory.
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Day one began with a 4-2 lead after the foursomes, with TEAM Europe taking the honours on day two to reduce the deficit to just a single point.
Day three began with TEAM USA still requiring 5.5 points to retain the Cup and 6 points for outright victory.
However, it was Rutger Pranger of the Netherlands who put the first match to bed, levelling the scores. But following an interruption in play for the forecasted lightning, TEAM USA weathered the storm in the early afternoon, putting a flurry of red on the scoreboard.
Williams, from Ohio, unaware of the magnitude of the putt he faced, was a picture of calm as he watched his ball disappear into the cup.
Asked how he felt to secure his country’s win on home soil, he said,“ Amazing, it’s awesome!” Commenting further on the win, he said, “It is a dream come true! This event has demonstrated that the world of disability golf now has its own stage on which to grow the game of golf.”
The Cairns Cup – disability golf’s premier match play event – returns to Europe in 2026.
DISABILITY GOLF’S PREMIER MATCHPLAY EVENT
The Cairns Cup is played bi-annually between Europe and USA.
It is totally inclusive and allows for people with varying abilities and disabilities to compete on the highest platform possible.
The official Handover took place in Oct 2023…
The official handover of The Cairns Cup 2024 has taken place at Cherry Creek Golf Club, Shelby Township, Michigan.
Vice-President John Bell, and US Winning Captain Tracy Ramin presented the host flag to General Manager Erle Webber in October 2023.
ABOUT THE CAIRNS CUP >CHERRY CREEK GOLF CLUB
Detroit, Michigan, USA
27th July – 3rd August 2024
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Our mission is to raise enough funds so that all adaptive and disability golfers have the opportunity to be selected regardless of their financial status.
Please give generously – Thank You!
$ DONATION >£ DONATION >€ DONATION >____________________
THE 2024 CAPTAINS
The Cairns Cup are breaking with tradition by appointing two female captains to represent USA and Europe in the best disability golf match play event in 2024.
TEAM USA CAPTAIN – KIM MOORE
Kim a PGA teaching professional is head coach of Western Michigan University’s women’s golf team since 2020. She won the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at the legendary No. 6 Golf Course at Pinehurst, USA. Kim was a USA team winner at The Shire London in 2022.
WHO IS ON TEAM USA >TEAM EUROPE CAPTAIN – TINEKE LOOGMAN
Tineke in 2006 was European champion and in 2016 received a Royal ribbon for all her work in this branch of golf. She was awarded a Knighthood in The Netherlands and owns Golf Amsteldijk, a 9-hole course in rural Amstelveen. Tineke was Vice Captain at The Shire London.
WHO IS ON TEAM EUROPE >____________________
COMPETITION RULES & FORMAT
The rules have been designed to accommodate all playing abilities, a diverse range of disabilities, equality and include players from different US states and European countries making The Cairns Cup a truly INCLUSIVE competition.
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THE CAIRNS CUP SCHEDULE
The Cairns Cup team have devised a 10-year plan for the event hoping to secure the future for many generations giving the opportunity for golfers with disabilities to perform on the best stage possible.
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FESTIVAL OF DISABILITY GOLF WEEK GALLERY
The Shire – London Highlights
THE CAIRNS CUP 2022
Over the 3 days we saw some excellent golf played in Fourballs, Foursomes & Singles on the opening day 22 out of 24 players hit the Par 3 first hole over water, hitting the first shot on opening day of a prestigious event is no mean feat but the standard was set for the week…
WATCH 2022 HIGHLIGHTS REEL >____________________
SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS IN 2024
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WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT 2022
Don’t take our word for it, in their words!
Here’s what the players said about our premier disability golf evnet…
The inaugural Cairns Cup was a historic event, A true display of overcoming challenges through golf while representing our respective nations. The camaraderie displayed by both opponents was absolutely phenomenal. All players rose to the occasion & made their countries proud! We are blessed to continue this event every 2 years for decades to come.
Jonathan Snyder – Team USA
I’ve played a lot of sport in my time especially golf, though mostly as an able bodied man. I did think that becoming a bilateral below knee amputee would be the end of my particaption in golf but I was wrong. Representing Europe in The Cairns Cup was the very pinnacle of all my sporting life. Thanks for asking me to play, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Nick Dodge – Team Europe
4 years of planning The Cairns Cup turned into a great success. We had a great display of two teams of mixed disabilities and skill levels coming together enjoying new friendships and having an absolute fantastic adaptive golf festival along with match play golf. It makes my heart happy when we all come together and share smiles at such a great event.
John Bell – Team USA
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THE CAIRNS CUP NEWS
As well as keeping you up to date with the latest Cairns Cup News we also post information and updates on all things disability golf.
However, we mainly like to keep organisers, players, volunteers up to date with the latest event and fundraising news, so please keep an eye on our latest blog posts
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