Among the plethora of superstars in professional golf, very rarely do you find golfers battling disabilities. But there are a few shining examples in modern-day golf who have displayed remarkable courage to find their footing in the competitive world.

Among them is Irish golfer Brendan Lawlor, who scripted history by becoming the first player with disabilities to compete on the European Tour. However, for a player who broke records in the circuit, the differently-abled golfer faced harsh criticism after his participation at the ISPS Handa Championship last month. The 26-year-old was forced to make a video to address the issue, which won the condolences of fans worldwide.

Differently-abled Brendan Lawlor makes a stand against online abuse

Having played at the DP Tour event in Japan last month, the internet was filled with Lawlor’s highlights and received positive reactions till a certain period. However, as is the case with the best golfers, a few adversaries chirped with their rather insolent tweets.

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The negative reactions had an effect on Lawlor, who addressed the abuse with a brief clip. The 26-year-old revealed that he had received some “amazing feedback” on his performance at the ISPS Handa Championship, but there were a few shabby ones as well.

“I just wanted to get on and highlight how bad the negative was and, if you weren’t in the frame of mind to take this negativity, of what it could do to people,” he said. “I’m lucky enough where [sic] my condition has never affected me. I’ve grown up all my life with negative comments and I blew them off with the breeze, but I wanted to hop on and highlight these comments for other people.”

Brendan Lawlor’s fight for equal standing

The Irishman has single-handedly become the face of differently-abled golfers in the competitive circuit. Yet, he faces the burden of criticism aimed at his disability, which he revealed was indeed disappointing.

“These guys are putting themselves out there for other people to put themselves out there and it’s a roll-on effect. We’re trying to get more disabled people into sport in general and I just think the comments are damaging,” he said.

Lawlor is set to play at the Golf for the Disabled (G4D) Tour this month. Hosted by the Woburn Golf Club, the event will see up to 80 differently-abled golfers participating in a 54-hole event.

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