The governance of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability™ (WR4GD™) has been officially transferred to The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) to help sustain the growth of the sport.
EDGA, formerly known as the European Disabled Golf Association, have gifted the governance of the WR4GD to The R&A and USGA to be fully operated by the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®). The legal transfer will allow further development of the rankings under WAGR and ensure they meet the needs for the growth and success of golfers with disabilities.
The WR4GD ranking model was originally developed as R4GD by EDGA in 2014. The ranking was designed with three divisions and open to events approved by national associations for players who had a WR4GD Pass.
With events being played in more than 20 countries, it was agreed in 2019 for the rankings to be administered by the USGA and The R&A and posted on WAGR.com in an effort to build awareness and inclusivity globally leading up to the official transfer.
The number of annual events has since grown from 34 to 134, with now 1,987 actively ranked players across the three ranking divisions.
“More than a decade ago, various national federations had their own order of merits, each with different regulations,” said Tony Bennett, EDGA President. “We believed that a single, unified system was worth pursuing, one capable of bringing together male and female players from around the world.
“Since 2019, we have worked closely with WAGR on the administration of the WR4GD and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we formally gift the WR4GD to them. This transfer is the culmination of years of collaboration with exceptional individuals who have made this milestone possible.
“I have full confidence that WR4GD will continue to evolve, reflecting the ambitions of today’s players while growing alongside the increasing number of events and competitors. I commend all at The R&A, USGA and EDGA who have played a vital role in the ranking over the last ten years and bringing this transfer to fruition.”
“I’d like to express our sincere thanks to EDGA for the gifting of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability,” added Steve Otto, Executive Director – Chief Technology Officer at The R&A. “We are excited to take on the challenge of ensuring that the rankings remain fit for purpose as the number of events and players continues to expand across the globe.”
“We are excited to take oversight of the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA Chief Championships Officer. “Adaptive golf continues to grow globally, and our goal is to ensure the rankings not only recognise but also inspire the best golfers with disabilities from all around the world.”
As part of the transfer agreement, EDGA will work with WAGR in an advisory role to provide continued support and insight. EDGA will also continue to administer the eligibility and WR4GD Pass processes and support national associations and organisers in creating eligible events and tours to be counted in the ranking.
To remain in the rankings, players with a WR4GD Pass need to complete an online form to state that they allow EDGA to share their relevant ranking player info with WAGR. All players and event organisers should look out for communications from EDGA and WAGR regarding the changeover.
WAGR.com will soon be updated with improved ranking functionality for WR4GD. In the meantime, the rankings will continue to co-reside on EDGA and WAGR.com website pages.
WAGR was introduced in 2007 by The R&A for elite amateur males and in 2011 WAGR became jointly administered by The R&A and USGA and launched a ranking for elite women. WAGR currently incorporates over 6,800 events with over 8,100 players ranked worldwide. It also powers the PGA TOUR University Ranking and Global Amateur Pathway Ranking.