GOLF star Adam Dalton has catapulted himself to stratospheric new heights in the sport, as the Island star was recently named as part of Team Europe for this year’s edition of the Cairns Cup.
Scheduled to take place in one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations in San Roque Golf Club, Spain, between the 11th – 17th July, this event is generating a huge level of anticipation, bringing together the finest adaptive golfers from Europe and the USA in what is widely regarded as the premier matchplay event in disability golf.
“I’m as shocked as anyone honestly. This came as a huge surprise and it still doesn’t feel real,” said a gleeful Dalton. “I’ve been dreaming about it every night, I’m just so excited to get the team kit on, go out there and compete.
“It’s still quite a new competition, with this year being just the third time it’s been held, so I’m incredibly honoured to represent Europe and Jersey on such a big stage, hopefully putting Jersey on the map and selling the Island.”
Dalton reflected on the all-important call: “I got a call from Team Europe’s captain, Kris Aves – who’s just the nicest guy – and the Cairns Cup was very much a topic of conversation in our last meeting in Portugal earlier this year, as I was originally planning on attending as a visitor to help support the players.
“However, he then went ahead and asked if I would be interested in going as a player instead, to represent Europe. At first, I thought it was a prank, I just couldn’t believe it.
“I didn’t even know I was on the shortlist, but, as everything played out, I was unanimously voted in to step up and take a place in the team – which is just amazing.”
The Cairns Cup was born from 2018’s Phoenix Cup in Florida, where a team of disabled golfers from Europe and the United States played at Rotonda Golf Club.
Tragically, European team member Billy Cairns passed away the day after arriving in the Sunshine State. Despite casting a heavy shadow over the competition, it also brought the two teams closer together like never before, leading to both teams deciding to establish the competition in Cairns’ honour.
Since then, the competition has strived to celebrate and promote excellence in adaptive golf, by hosting a world-class tournament to highlight the players’ immense skillset. In the Cairns Cup mission statement, the aim is to inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue their passion for the game, breaking down barriers in the sporting world.
This perfectly aligns with Dalton’s values. Living by the motto “no hands, no limits”, Dalton has a huge emphasis on using his accomplishments and golfing endeavours as a vehicle to try to inspire “as many people as possible”.
“I really hope that being a part of this event will help inspire as many people as possible to chase their dreams, whatever they are. I just want to spread the word of golf and show everyone what’s possible,” added the golfing ace.
To be selected for such a large-scale competition is proof that Dalton belongs with some of the world’s best, as this event will feature the finest players from Europe and the United States battling it out for the spoils.
“Being selected for an event of this stature is a great sign that my career is starting to gain traction. I mean having my name in the hat for these high-level events shows I’m on the right track,” Dalton continued.
“To be selected unanimously is definitely a confidence booster, as I’ve been doubting myself a bit recently – but this just goes to show that they really do believe in me. Hopefully, this shows people that I am achieving and my name’s getting out there.
“I’d like to say that I can give it to them and stand my ground, but this is the first team event I’ve ever played, so I have to wait and see how I’ll fare – it’s going to be interesting, but I’ll be ready.”
Playing alongside “the world’s best” has Dalton excited to be part of Team Europe, as he added: “It’s so exciting to get the opportunity to play alongside the world’s best players, but a lot of them are also good friends from playing on the tour, so there’s loads of great connections there – they’ve been great helps on my journey and have been real role models.
“Although I have loads of great connections, I’m really keen to make new contacts – especially those who can help me find out more about the American side of the game, as it would be awesome to play an event in the USA.”
This may be the biggest announcement of Dalton’s career to date, but there’s no sign of the Caesarean resting on any laurels, as he described his mindset going into this seismic event.
“To be a part of Team Europe is a huge honour for me and it’s great for the resumé, but I don’t feel accomplished yet – there’s always something to achieve, so I’m hungry to keep pushing while enjoying every second along the way, as the sky’s the limit,” explained the Jerseyman.
“I’m just going to go over there and enjoy it. Of course I want to do well and concentrate, but I just want to enjoy the moment and have a good time above all else.”
As Dalton continues to show he belongs among the world’s best, the local golfer is still searching for sponsorship. If you’re interested in joining the journey, then please reach out to his manager, Sarah Arora of Golf Links, through her email: sarah@golflinks.pro
