The world’s top adaptive golfers will return to Arizona for the second annual Arizona Adaptive Open Championship, held December 8–10 at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix. The 36-hole stroke-play event will showcase 60 WR4GD-certified competitors vying for the overall Men’s and Women’s championships, along with titles within their individual impairment categories.
The championship reflects AZ GOLF’s commitment to creating meaningful playing opportunities for golfers of all backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities. Through extensive research and collaboration within the adaptive golf community, AZ GOLF has worked to deliver an authentic championship environment while reducing barriers to participation.
A full 60-player field is anticipated. Eligible entrants include golfers with physical or intellectual disabilities who hold a handicap index of 36.4 or lower.
The Arizona Adaptive Open debuted in 2024 at Papago Golf Club. In the maiden event, Tennessee’s Ford Martin and Virginia’s Cassie Sengul went wire-to-wire to capture the Open in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. While several East Coast Allied Golf Associations had already introduced adaptive golf championships, AZ GOLF was the first to bring such an event to the western region.
AZ GOLF began internal discussions of hosting the Arizona Adaptive Open Championship in summer 2023. The Association underwent a process of research and discovery to ensure an authentic golf experience while reducing barriers for players.
"Now in its second year, the Arizona Adaptive Open is quickly becoming a cornerstone event for adaptive golfers and we are thrilled to lead its continued growth," said AZ GOLF Championships Manager, Everett Priddy. "Building on the excitement and momentum of our inaugural year, we're proud to elevate the experience even further and continue shaping a premier adaptive tradition in Arizona."
Impairment Categories (Based on US Adaptive Golf Alliance)
Lower Limb Impairments
G1 — Impairment affecting one leg. Golfers may use a prosthesis or golf on one leg.
G2 — Impairment affecting one leg, but with less impact on golfing than G1.
G3 — Impairment affecting both legs.
Arm Impairments
G4 — Impairment affecting one arm and play every stroke with one arm and no aid from any part of the impaired arm or a prosthetic.
G5 — Impairment affecting one arm and an aid in some form is used for up to two points of contact with the club for any stroke during the round.
G6 — Impairments affecting both arms, prohibiting athletes from full use of the golf club.
Combined Arm and Leg Impairments
G7 — Impairment affecting one arm and one leg.
G8 — Athletes with neurological conditions and coordination impairments.
Seated Golfers
G9 — Players with impaired trunk control and have no consistent sitting balance or independent standing balance. They require external support to maintain a seated position.
G10 — Players with trunk control and sitting balance, but no independent standing balance.
Visual Impairments
G11 — Athletes with very low visual acuity.
G12 — Athletes with a visual acuity higher than 20/600 with some light perception. Higher visual acuity than athletes competing in G11.
G13 — Athletes with the least severe visual impairments.
Short In Stature
G14 — Athletes with short stature.
Intellectual Disabilities
G15 — Athletes with an intellectual disability with limitations to cognitive functioning and skills.
The Field
The Arizona Adaptive Open field is represented by 60 players from three countries (Canada, Italy and USA) and 23 states. There are five impairment category winners returning from last year’s field:
Other notables in the field:
SCHEDULE OF PLAY
The championship schedule is as follows:
COURSE SETUP
Papago will be set up at three different yardages based on impairment categories and will play to a par of 36-36 — 72
Note: Yardages are subject to change
ABOUT PAPAGO GOLF CLUB
Established in 1963, Papago Golf Club was created by William Francis (Billy) Bell, offering golfers views of Camelback Mountain, buttes and the downtown Phoenix skyline. The club is home to the Arizona State University men’s and women’s golf teams, as well as the Arizona Alliance for Golf.
ABOUT AZ GOLF
Founded in 1923, AZ GOLF is a nonprofit dedicated to serving and advancing the game of golf in Arizona. We engage our community through championships and tournaments, player development, education, and outreach while providing official USGA Handicap Indexes to golfers statewide. With more than 550 member clubs and golfers of all ages and abilities, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive golf community and ensuring the game’s long-term growth and sustainability.