The world’s number one disabled golfer has thanked a construction company for providing ‘vital’ sponsorship funding – as the sport rarely provides prize money.
Kipp Popert, who has a form of cerebral palsy, says he is ‘extremely grateful’ for support from London Diamond Drilling (LDD), which has pledged significant funding this year as his new bag sponsor.
Although Kipp is the top disabled player in the world, he has to rely on sponsorship to maintain his career as adaptive golf does not regularly offer prize money to competitors.
Kipp said: “My major funding expense is travelling to competitions but on top of that, I was born with cerebral palsy so have a lot of physio and expenses keeping myself fit and competition ready.
“In disabled golf there’s no prize money so corporate sponsorship is vital.
“I am extremely grateful to my sponsors, they are propping up the sport at the moment and allow myself and others to ensure the next generation of disabled golfers can live and fulfill their dreams.”
Kipp met LDD owner Ziggy Seagroatt at a charity golf day at Loch Lomond last year and immediately struck up a friendship.
Ziggy said: “Kipp is quickly becoming an icon of adaptive golf and we are very proud to be supporting him with his sporting endeavours.
“He is a role model who champions the sport in any way he can, giving opportunities for other disabled players to shine and campaigning to make the sport more inclusive.
“We wish him all the best in his upcoming tournaments and will be cheering him on as he takes on the best players in the world.”
Kipp has a busy year ahead of him, with the Alpine Open, DP Tour and US Amateurs competitions coming up.
This month saw him host the first Kipp Popert Invitational, sponsored by LDD, with disabled golfers from 11 nations joining to compete.
For more information on LDD and its services, see www.lddconstruction.co.uk
