Milestone in Golf’s Pathway to 2032 Paralympic Games

Lausanne, Switzerland: Golf Australia and the International Golf Federation (IGF) have announced that the Australian All Abilities Championship (AAAC) will become the first IGF Counting Event played under the IGF’s new Classification Rules and Sport Classes, marking a major milestone in golf’s pathway toward inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

The 2026 AAAC, scheduled for late 2026, will be the first event globally to offer athletes and National Federations an opportunity to be classified under the new system aligned with the 2025 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code.

The IGF has worked closely with the IPC to refine its Classification Rules, Competition Pathway, and international events structure, helping build the global athlete pool and high-performance pathway required for Paralympic inclusion.

IGF Counting Events played under the new rules will provide:

·       International-level classification opportunities for athletes.

·       A consistent framework for eligibility and competition.

·       A pathway toward World Championships and potential Paralympic representation.

·       Momentum to support more National Federations to adopt and build para-golf programmes.

Golf returned to the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 after a 112-year absence. The IGF and member federations are now united behind the ambition to see golf added to the Paralympic programme for 2032.

The 2026 Australian All Abilities Championship tournament dates and venue will be announced shortly.

Guy Kinnings, Chairman of the IGF, said: “Designating the Australian All Abilities Championship as the first IGF Counting Event is a landmark moment for our sport. Golf Australia have been outstanding partners in helping us take this important step toward our Paralympic ambition, and we hope many more national federations will join us as we build the international pathway required for Brisbane 2032.

“We are ambitious about golf becoming part of the Paralympic Games, and we believe deeply in the contribution our sport can make. With more than 38,000 courses in over 200 countries, golf has a unique ability to advance the Paralympic movement and inspire new generations of athletes. The talent within our para-golf community is exceptional, and the AAAC will showcase that on a global stage.”

James Sutherland, CEO of Golf Australia, said: “Australia is proud to host the first IGF Counting Event under the new Classification Rules. The Australian All Abilities Championship has become one of the most inspiring tournaments in world golf, and seeing it contribute directly to a potential Paralympic Games as the host nation is one of the most significant milestones for the sport.

“We’re committed to working closely with the IGF and our fellow National Federations to grow the athlete pool, strengthen the pathway and help realise the ambition of seeing golf included in the Paralympic Games.”

Kipp Poppert, number one in the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), said: “It would be incredible to see golf in the Paralympics. The sport has grown so much over the last few years, and this will take it to another level. The AAAC has always been a highlight of the year and aligning it to the Paralympic bid gives all players a real target.

“Kids growing up watching the Paralympics might see someone like me and think: ‘Maybe I can do that’. That’s really powerful.”

Alexandra Viney, dual Paralympian and emerging para-golfer, added: “Sport is about creativity, expression and rewriting what’s possible, and para-athletes do that better than anyone. The chance for golf to join the Paralympic programme is a huge opportunity, especially for women and girls with a disability who have been missing from the conversation for too long.

“If golf became part of Brisbane 2032, it would open doors for so many people and show what’s possible in a truly inclusive sport.”