TEAM EUROPE
The following players have been chosen to represent Team Europe at the 2026 Cairns Cup.
The San Roque Club, Sotogrande, Spain
11th – 18th July 2026
Kris Aves – Non-Playing Captain
England
Kris is an inspiring and resilient figure in the world of adaptive sports. A former policeman, Kris was injured on Westminster Bridge, resulting in paraplegia. Despite this life-changing event, he refused to let it define him and went on to compete in two Cairns Cups, representing Europe with remarkable skill and determination. Now, as the non-playing captain for Europe in 2026, Kris brings his leadership, experience, and resilience to guide his team. His story of overcoming adversity and dedication to adaptive sports is a powerful testament to strength, perseverance, and leadership.
Charlie Appleyard – Vice-Captain
England – Parkinson’s
Charlie is a dedicated advocate for those living with Parkinson’s disease. After being diagnosed himself, he founded Sports Parkinson’s, an initiative that helps many individuals manage their condition through sports and physical activity. Charlie’s commitment to both the sport and the Parkinson’s community is inspiring. He played in the 2024 Cairns Cup in Michigan, demonstrating his resilience and determination. His passion for helping others and his leadership within the Parkinson’s community make him a true inspiration to all facing similar challenges.
Cian Arthurs
Ireland – Arm Impairment
At just two years old, Cian tragically lost his arm in a lawnmower accident. Despite this, he continued to excel in various sports until discovering his love for golf at 14. His dedication and passion led him to become a two-time World One-Armed Champion. Cian has also represented Team Europe in the One-Armed Ryder Cup, competing in both Europe and America. In the 2024 European Team Championships in Germany, he proudly wore the green shirt as part of Team Ireland, helping secure a fourth-place finish—one of his proudest accomplishments in golf.
José Bagnarelli
Italy – Arm Impairment
After a motorcycle accident left him with paralysis in his right arm, José discovered golf during a vacation in Southern France. Enthralled by the sport, he took his first golf lesson just two days later. What he loves most about golf is that it’s the only sport where a beginner can potentially beat a world champion by simply playing their best, thanks to the Handicap system—no matter their ability or disability. Now, ten years later, disabled golf has given him a profound sense of purpose. It was an incredible honor for him to be part of Team Europe at the 2024 Cairns Cup, and he is deeply grateful to be selected again for this prestigious opportunity.
Jason Croucher
England – Muscular Dystrophy
Jason, a former firefighter and officer with the London Fire Brigade, has become a leading figure in disability golf after being diagnosed with late-onset Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. In 2023, he founded the Brokenplayaz group, offering support and a platform for disabled golfers at all levels. A talented player, Jason moved from the EDGA Net division to the Gross level in 2024, securing multiple top 10 finishes on the European Tour. Ranked 6th in England for Neurological disability golf, he earned a spot on Team Europe for the 2026 Cairns Cup, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Graham Freeman
Belgium – Paraplegic
Graham, a T10 paraplegic from a rare neurological condition, competes with exceptional skill in a wheelchair-adapted paragolfer. Golf is more than a game to him; it’s a lifeline offering peace, camaraderie, and a deep connection to nature. Passionate about helping others, he participates in clinics worldwide for wheelchair players. The Paragolfer provides access to otherwise unreachable areas, offering stress relief and fostering competition. Representing Belgium in the 2021 and 2023 European Individual Championships and 2022 and 2024 European Team Championships, Graham also won the inaugural Woburn Open.
Miroslav Halmo
Slovakia – Hemimelia
Miroslav , born in Slovakia in 1977 with a rare condition causing a missing lower right leg, faced challenges in finding a sport that suited him. After discovering golf in 2019, he quickly became hooked. Just 18 months later, Miroslav competed in the RSM European Play-off Series, reaching the final. Now living in Nitra, he actively participates in EDGA events and aims to inspire others with disabilities to take up golf. Miroslav dreams of competing in the Paralympics, hoping for golf’s inclusion in the 2028 games. His journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and passion for the game.
Oliver Hirst-Greenham
England – Congenital Hip Dysplasia
Oliver, an English golfer from Morecambe with congenital hip dysplasia, has made a significant impact in disability golf. He won the 2023 English Open for golfers with a disability and was selected to represent England at the European Nations Cup in 2024. His achievements earned him a place on Team Europe for the 2026 Cairns Cup, disability golf’s premier match play event against Team USA. Ranked 31st in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), Oliver continues to inspire on and off the course while managing a private social care house for individuals with learning disabilities.
Mike Jones
Wales – Left Leg Amputee
Mike , a golfer from Gwent, South Wales, has played for 30 years. In 2015, a motorbike accident left him with the loss of his lower left leg and severe hip injuries. Undeterred, he pursued disabled golf on the EDGA tour, winning multiple titles, including the Welsh, Spanish, Scottish, and Italian Disabled Opens, and ranking No. 1 in Europe by 2017. Mike now delivers motivational talks across the UK in the leisure and rehabilitation sectors. He’s thrilled to represent Europe at the 2026 Cairns Cup in Spain, a dream he’s excited to fulfil.
Giulia Marabotti
Italy – Achondroplasia
Giulia, born in Milan, started playing golf at six, despite doctors advising against it due to her achondroplasia. In 2015, she made the decision to undergo 13 surgeries to lengthen the bones in her legs and arms. This challenging journey slowed her athletic progress, requiring long breaks and constant adjustments to her swing. After a final surgery in 2022, an infection put her ability to walk at risk, but golf motivated her to push through intense physiotherapy. By May 2024, she had completed her surgeries and, just two months later, won the Nations Cup with Team Italy, marking a remarkable comeback.
Iain Millar
England – TBI and Spinal Injury
In 2013, Iain sustained multiple TBIs and spinal injuries from rugby, enduring several concussions over the years. After five years of rehab, he joined the DGA in 2018 and became a part of the Brokenplayaz group in 2023. Like many disabled golfers, his journey faced challenges, but over the last four years, golf has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. Battling depression, playing alongside supportive peers reignited his competitive drive. Iain proudly represented Europe in the 2024 Cairns Cup, building new friendships and thriving both in golf and mental health.
Issa Nlareb
Italy (Formally Cameroon) – Multiple Amputations
Issa is a professional golfer whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Cameroon, he rose from life on the streets at age 11 to become Africa’s No. 1 golfer in 2015. After losing both legs and most of his fingers to bacterial meningitis in 2018, he made a stunning return to the sport in 2020. Now living in Italy, Issa competes in EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) events and is ranked 8th in the world in paragolf. He also holds a category on the Alps Tour, making him the only disabled golfer competing in Europe’s third division..
Melody Roccaz
France – Hemiplegia
Melody is determined to make paragolf a recognised sport. Born with right hemiplegia from a stroke, she overcame this challenge early on. At five, another stroke brought chronic pain, adding new struggles. Despite this, Melody, a golfer since childhood, refused to leave the sport that provided an escape. She adapted her game to her changing condition, and golf remained a sanctuary. Discovering paragolf was life-changing, as it connected her with others facing similar obstacles. Her journey has led to success, including being a champion of Europe in individual seated play and European champion with Team France. She’s unstoppable now!
Patrick Rosenast
Switzerland – Left Side Paralysis
Patrick is a resilient and inspiring figure whose journey through serious health challenges—including cancer and brain surgery—reveals a deep well of positivity, gratitude, and drive. A former securities finance trader from Zug, Switzerland, Patrick credits much of his recovery to the steadfast support of his wife Rovena and the unexpected therapeutic power of golf. Once skeptical of the sport, he now embraces it not only for its role in his own rehabilitation but also as a platform to support G4D (golf for the disabled) in Switzerland. At 52, Patrick’s energy, humility, and generous spirit continue to uplift everyone around him..
Cassidy Steffens
England – Tourette Syndrome