TEAM EUROPE
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The following players have been chosen to represent Team Europe at the 2026 Cairns Cup.
The San Roque Club, Sotogrande, Spain
11th – 18th July 2026
Kris Aves – Non-Playing Captain
England
Kris is an inspiring and resilient figure in the world of adaptive sports. A former policeman, Kris was injured on Westminster Bridge, resulting in paraplegia. Despite this life-changing event, he refused to let it define him and went on to compete in two Cairns Cups, representing Europe with remarkable skill and determination. Now, as the non-playing captain for Europe in 2026, Kris brings his leadership, experience, and resilience to guide his team. His story of overcoming adversity and dedication to adaptive sports is a powerful testament to strength, perseverance, and leadership.
Charlie Appleyard – Vice-Captain
England – Parkinson’s
Charlie is a dedicated advocate for those living with Parkinson’s disease. After being diagnosed himself, he founded Sports Parkinson’s, an initiative that helps many individuals manage their condition through sports and physical activity. Charlie’s commitment to both the sport and the Parkinson’s community is inspiring. He played in the 2024 Cairns Cup in Michigan, demonstrating his resilience and determination. His passion for helping others and his leadership within the Parkinson’s community make him a true inspiration to all facing similar challenges.
Marc Oller Astort
Spain – Partially Sighted
Marc is a Spanish blind golfer known for his competitive spirit and skill. A respected figure in disabled golf, he has made a name for himself on the international stage. He regularly competes in major disabled tournaments, such as the G4D Open and the Spanish Open, showcasing his talent against other top players. His career and journey in the sport are well-documented on his social media, where he shares his experiences and milestones with a wide audience.
José Bagnarelli
Italy – Arm Impairment
After a motorcycle accident left him with paralysis in his right arm, José discovered golf during a vacation in Southern France. Enthralled by the sport, he took his first golf lesson just two days later. What he loves most about golf is that it’s the only sport where a beginner can potentially beat a world champion by simply playing their best, thanks to the Handicap system—no matter their ability or disability. Now, ten years later, disabled golf has given him a profound sense of purpose. It was an incredible honor for him to be part of Team Europe at the 2024 Cairns Cup, and he is deeply grateful to be selected again for this prestigious opportunity.
Mascha Bos
Netherlands – Arm Impairment
Mascha lives in Capelle aan den IJssel in the Netherlands and first discovered my love for golf 20 years ago. I played competitively and with great passion until work and life led me away from the game. In 2018, a serious workplace accident left me without the use of my left arm and hand, and I was later diagnosed with PTSD. Three years ago, a close friend reintroduced me to golf, and I learned to play again. In 2025, my first year on the EDGA Tour, I finished second at the Scottish Open Net and was runner-up at the RSM Playoffs, earning multiple top-10 finishes. In 2026, I am proud to represent Europe at the Cairns Cup in Spain.
Jason Croucher
England – Muscular Dystrophy
Jason, a former firefighter and officer with the London Fire Brigade, has become a leading figure in disability golf after being diagnosed with late-onset Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. In 2023, he founded the Brokenplayaz group, offering support and a platform for disabled golfers at all levels. A talented player, Jason moved from the EDGA Net division to the Gross level in 2024, securing multiple top 10 finishes on the European Tour. Ranked 6th in England for Neurological disability golf, he earned a spot on Team Europe for the 2026 Cairns Cup, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Adam Dalton
Jersey – Congenital Limb Deficiency
Adam , aged 20, is a talented and determined golfer from Jersey who has become an inspiring figure in international disability golf. Born with congenital limb deficiency, he has never allowed challenges to define him. After first picking up a club just a few years ago, Adam rapidly progressed from local courses in Jersey to competing across Europe. He now plays on the G4D Tour and in EDGA events, earning multiple top-10 finishes and a world ranking of 19th (WR4GD). A 2023 Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year, Adam lives by his motto, “No hands, no limits.”
Catherine Fitzgerald
Ireland – Hemisensory Loss
Catherine is a passionate and resilient golfer, proudly representing Killeen Castle Golf Club in County Meath. A lifelong lover of the game, her journey has been defined by determination and courage. Following four neck surgeries in 2016 that left her with chronic pain and loss of sensation affecting her balance and co-ordination, Catherine spent several years away from golf. Through perseverance and the support of disability golf events, she made an inspiring return to competition. She has since represented Ireland, become Lady Captain at her club, and continues to champion inclusivity in golf while inspiring others through her strength, positivity and love for the sport.
Graham Freeman
Belgium – Paraplegic
Graham, a T10 paraplegic from a rare neurological condition, competes with exceptional skill in a wheelchair-adapted paragolfer. Golf is more than a game to him; it’s a lifeline offering peace, camaraderie, and a deep connection to nature. Passionate about helping others, he participates in clinics worldwide for wheelchair players. The Paragolfer provides access to otherwise unreachable areas, offering stress relief and fostering competition. Representing Belgium in the 2021 and 2023 European Individual Championships and 2022 and 2024 European Team Championships, Graham also won the inaugural Woburn Open.
Miroslav Halmo
Slovakia – Hemimelia
Miroslav , born in Slovakia in 1977 with a rare condition causing a missing lower right leg, faced challenges in finding a sport that suited him. After discovering golf in 2019, he quickly became hooked. Just 18 months later, Miroslav competed in the RSM European Play-off Series, reaching the final. Now living in Nitra, he actively participates in EDGA events and aims to inspire others with disabilities to take up golf. Miroslav dreams of competing in the Paralympics, hoping for golf’s inclusion in the 2028 games. His journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and passion for the game.
Mike Jones
Wales – Left Leg Amputee
Mike , a golfer from Gwent, South Wales, has played for 30 years. In 2015, a motorbike accident left him with the loss of his lower left leg and severe hip injuries. Undeterred, he pursued disabled golf on the EDGA tour, winning multiple titles, including the Welsh, Spanish, Scottish, and Italian Disabled Opens, and ranking No. 1 in Europe by 2017. Mike now delivers motivational talks across the UK in the leisure and rehabilitation sectors. He’s thrilled to represent Europe at the 2026 Cairns Cup in Spain, a dream he’s excited to fulfil.
Mehmet Kazan
Türkiye – Ankylosing Spondylitis
Mehmet is a Turkish disabled golfer and proud member of the Turkey National Para Golf Team. Overcoming physical challenges, he has built an inspiring career through determination, discipline, and passion. Kazan has represented Turkey internationally, winning titles across Europe, including Germany and the Czech Republic. He has achieved 16 first-place, 8 second-place, and 8 third-place finishes in Europe. Known for his focus and competitive spirit, he also won the Turkish Open Para Golf Tournament in Antalya. Off the course, he promotes inclusion in sport and inspires others with disabilities to pursue their ambitions.
Iain Millar
England – TBI and Spinal Injury
In 2013, Iain sustained multiple TBIs and spinal injuries from rugby, enduring several concussions over the years. After five years of rehab, he joined the DGA in 2018 and became a part of the Brokenplayaz group in 2023. Like many disabled golfers, his journey faced challenges, but over the last four years, golf has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. Battling depression, playing alongside supportive peers reignited his competitive drive. Iain proudly represented Europe in the 2024 Cairns Cup, building new friendships and thriving both in golf and mental health.
Issa Nlareb
Italy (Formally Cameroon) – Multiple Amputations
Issa is a professional golfer whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Cameroon, he rose from life on the streets at age 11 to become Africa’s No. 1 golfer in 2015. After losing both legs and most of his fingers to bacterial meningitis in 2018, he made a stunning return to the sport in 2020. Now living in Italy, Issa competes in EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) events and is ranked 8th in the world in paragolf. He also holds a category on the Alps Tour, making him the only disabled golfer competing in Europe’s third division..
Patrick Rosenast
Switzerland – Left Side Paralysis
Patrick is a resilient and inspiring figure whose journey through serious health challenges—including cancer and brain surgery—reveals a deep well of positivity, gratitude, and drive. A former securities finance trader from Zug, Switzerland, Patrick credits much of his recovery to the steadfast support of his wife Rovena and the unexpected therapeutic power of golf. Once skeptical of the sport, he now embraces it not only for its role in his own rehabilitation but also as a platform to support G4D (golf for the disabled) in Switzerland. At 52, Patrick’s energy, humility, and generous spirit continue to uplift everyone around him..
Martin Shields
Scotland -Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Martin lives on the tiny island of Kerrera in North West Scotland, where the rugged rural landscape doubles as his unique golf practice ground. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2006, he was left with bilateral foot drop, but advances in leg brace technology have given him a new lease of sporting life. In 2025, his first full competitive season, Martin claimed the Net Championship at his home Scottish Open. A series of impressive podium finishes followed, earning him qualification for the RSM Playoffs. To say golf has taken over his life would be a huge understatement.
Cassidy Steffens
England – Tourette Syndrome