Vincent’s story is “pure magic”

Why Vincent Helly, a golfer with autism who won the RSM European Play-offs 2021, is transformed by playing the game.

The tranquil setting of Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club in England, October 2021, bore witness to a remarkable event: the inaugural RSM European Play-off Series. Sixteen golfers, each confronting unique challenges, gathered to compete in a trial of resilience and passion. Among them stood Vincent Helly, a 25-year-old Frenchman from Golf de Moliets near Biarritz, whose journey through autism has been as intricate as that in the game of golf itself.

Helly navigated the course at Stratford with a blend of precision and grace. His path to victory in the ‘Net’ Play-offs was marked by decisive wins: overcoming Daphne van Houten of the Netherlands in the quarter-final, Norway’s Stian Halvorsen in the semi-final, and ultimately Finland’s Jari Vihanne in the final. At the time, the young player had a 3.1 golf handicap, which means he would expect to play a par 72 course in around 75 shots.

Reflecting on his relationship with the sport, Vincent shared, “In golf, we can enjoy the landscape too, and nature. I can travel in other countries and so I can discover other landscapes.” For him, golf transcends competition; it is a conduit to the world’s beauty and a bridge to social connection. Vincent acknowledges his mother Michele’s influence in building his confidence in everything, noting: “My mother helps me to be good in social interactions and golf is a great part of my life in my dealing with autism.”

Michele in turn observes a transformative effect: when Vincent plays golf, he forgets he is different, describing the experience as “pure magic”. This sentiment underlines the profound impact golf can have, offering not just a game but a sanctuary where challenges fade and only the next swing matters.

This is the power of golf—not simply as a sport, but as a gateway for those who might otherwise feel shut out. It is a game of independence, but also of community, of personal striving and quiet companionship. EDGA (the European Disabled Golf Association) has long recognised this, working to create opportunities for golfers like Vincent to develop their skills, test themselves in competition, and, most importantly, experience the joy of the game.

None of this would be possible without the support of organisations that believe in the power of inclusion. RSM, a global leader in audit, tax, and consulting, has been a committed partner to EDGA, helping to expand access to the game and ensure that golfers of all abilities are given the chance to compete and grow. RSM’s involvement is about creating a culture in which golf truly becomes a game for everyone.

Vincent’s journey in the sport is ongoing, measured in rounds played and lessons learned. The golf course provides order. The geometry of fairways and greens imposes a quiet logic, a rhythm of movement from tee to green, shot to shot, thought to action. For Vincent, this order is more than just the framework of a game—it is a safe space where the noise of the world softens, and his mind finds clarity.

The boy who struggled with communication speaks, fluently, in the language of golf. He stands on the first tee, club in hand, the fairway stretching out before him—a world of possibility in the morning light.

As the sun set over Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club, the significance of the RSM Play-offs resonated beyond the fairways. It was a celebration of ability over disability, of partnerships that pave the way for inclusion, and of the resilient human spirit that finds expression in the simple act of a swing.

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

– Learn more about Vincent’s story here with EDGA.

Contact EDGA