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.
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.
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.
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.
Melody Roccaz
France – Hemiplegia