Daphne’s story: ‘Resilience, skill, and an unyielding determination to succeed’

How Daphne van Houten replaced the negatives with the positives to emerge as a highly popular winner in RSM and other supported tournaments, and a champion to inspire new players into the game.

In golf, as in life, challenges can define a person just as much as their successes. For Daphne van Houten, the fairways have been both a proving ground and a sanctuary. Born in The Netherlands, a country that prides itself on inclusivity and sporting excellence, her journey is one of resilience, skill, and an unyielding determination to succeed.

Daphne’s athletic path was not always set in golf. As a child, she played multiple sports, but at the age of 12, a diagnosis of scoliosis changed everything. The condition, causing a severe curvature of the spine, eventually led to major surgery at 17. For many, such an operation might have marked the end of their sporting aspirations. But just two weeks post-surgery, Daphne was back on the course, defying expectations.

She says: “If I hadn’t had the operation, I couldn’t have walked by the time I was 30. I was thinking a lot about the negatives, but I had to focus on the positives.”

Daphne’s dedication to the sport quickly propelled her onto the international stage. She claimed the European Golf Association’s G4D Women’s Championship in her first attempt in 2018. In 2022, she won the RSM European Play-off Series Net category, a victory that further cemented her place in elite disability golf. More recently, successive triumphs at The G4D Open at Woburn, golf’s equivalent of a Tennis Grand Slam, saw her finishing 17 strokes ahead of her nearest competitor as she won in 2023, while her defence of the title in May 2024 was no less impressive; proving that she belongs among the best players in the world.

Her story serves as a beacon, illustrating that physical limitations need not constrain one’s aspirations, and her achievements resonate far beyond The Netherlands. By competing and excelling on international stages, she redefines perceptions of disabled sport, inspiring countless others to pursue their passions despite adversity.

Daphne’s success reflects the wider mission of EDGA, which works tirelessly to make golf more accessible for individuals with disabilities. By fostering an inclusive environment and advocating for adaptive golf, EDGA is reshaping the sporting landscape. Crucially, the support of organisations like RSM enables this progress. As a long-standing partner, RSM has played a key role in driving initiatives that empower golfers with disabilities. Their sponsorship of the RSM European Play-offs has provided a vital platform for top talents like Daphne to rise and excel. Beyond competition, RSM’s backing extends to grassroots programmes, ensuring that aspiring golfers, regardless of their physical challenges, have access to the sport.

In essence, Daphne van Houten’s story is not just one of personal triumph over adversity, but proof of what is possible when talent meets unwavering support. With EDGA and RSM working together, barriers are falling, and new opportunities are opening for future generations to embrace the sport with confidence and pride.

– With thanks to RSM for their support. Click here to find out more about the RSM European Play-offs.

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