Craig Dowling (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Canadian All-Abilities Championship takes over Kamloops Golf Club

Sep 15, 2023 | 4:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — The 2023 Canadian all abilities golf championship wrapped up Friday afternoon (Sept. 15) at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club. A field of 43 men and women, regardless of their disability classification, competed over two rounds to be crowned champions in four divisions.

Golfers from across Canada and the United States with neurological, intellectual, sensory and physical impairments proved unequivocally anybody can play golf at a high level.

“It really just changes that perception that golf is for able-bodied people,” said Craig Dowling, a below-the-knee amputee from Vancouver. “I’ve been playing for 20 years and you see people of all abilities all over the globe being able to compete. There are so many ways to put a score on that card, probably more than 20,000 different ways. It’s pretty special to be a part of it and put on a showcase.”

It’s the third annual Canadian All-Abilities Championship. Tournament director Adam Cinel was impressed with how much the event has already grown and expects that trajectory to persist.

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“Chatting with some of the players here this week, it’s pretty special to see what golf has been able to do for them. And providing this opportunity for players to compete at a national level, playing for their country as well, their province, their home club, it’s such a special opportunity. We are really excited to watch this championship grow over the years,” said Cinel.

With two golfers posting below-par first rounds, the gauntlet was laid down for Friday’s finale, with those in the hunt looking to knock down spectacular birdies.

“The whole inclusivity thing is pretty remarkable and just seeing all the different disabilities come together and play some golf on the grand stage is pretty good,” added arm-amputee Jesse Florkowski.

Forty-three men and women took part in the event this year in Kamloops. Dowling hopes seeing them out there will help inspire more who never thought they could take up the game of golf.

“Golf is accessible for everybody at all ages and all abilities. Whether you are a seated golfer, blind golfer, below-knee amputee like myself — it’s just really getting out there. Coming to these events you don’t really talk about the disabilities. It’s for the love, for the passion of the sport,” said Dowling.