The European Championship for Golfers with Disability took place in Troia, Portugal over 6-8 June. The event this year was organised for the first time in a collaboration between the European Disabled Golf Association and the EGA, meaning it was also the first time EGA medals were awarded to the individual winners of the event's three categories.
Juan Postigo successfully defended his title in the men's category. The Spanish player opened with rounds of 72 and 75 to hold a two shot lead heading into the last round on three-over-par.
Sweden's Johann Kammerstad mounted an early charge on the final day, starting his round with an eagle on the first hole and a birdie on the second. Kammerstad's compatriot, Rasmus Lia, also put pressure on Postigo with two early birdies.
Despite making two birdies of his own, the defending champion also made two bogeys and a double-bogey on his front-nine, which left the standings very tight at the top between the three heading into the final nine holes.
The Spaniard turned things around however, making birdies on holes 10, 13, and 14, while the challenges from the Swedish players were setback by multiple bogeys.
Postigo's tap-in-par on the 18th hole for a one-over-par 73 confirmed his victory and was met with cheers from the Spanish contingent, who ran onto the green to congratulate him (and douse him with water) in front of the onlooking crowd and clubhouse.
Kammerstad and Lia both finished five-shots back of Postigo on nine-over-par. Kammerstad claimed the silver on countback with his two-over-par closing round of 74, while Lia was awarded the Bronze.
Daphne Van Houten claimed the Women's category with a 22-over-par total. The Dutch player shot rounds of 79 (+7), 80 (+8), and 79 (+7) to claim a margin of victory of 10 strokes.
Van Houten led the tournament from start to finish, shooting the lowest scores in the category on all three days.
Germany's Jennifer Sraga finished second and earned a silver medal on +32, two-strokes ahead of Denmark's Mette Lynggaard, who was awarded bronze.
The wheelchair event was dominated by Richard Kluwen. The dutch player finished on 53-over-par following rounds of 87 (+15), 94 (+22) and 88 (+16) to win by 34 shots. Second and third place also went to dutch players, Jurgen Boon and Monique Kalkman.
The three players played together in the final round, and were met by cheers and appluase from the Dutch contingent when completing their last hole of the tournament.
