Golf Saudi Ambassador Kipp Popert is already ‘Breaking The Impossible’ just by taking part at the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund, and the world’s No 1 ranked golfer with a disability enjoyed his first opportunity to compete in an Asian Tour event. 

Englishman Popert teed off on Thursday morning at Riyadh Golf Club in a field containing LIV Golf stars Henrik Stenson and Kevin Na, as well as a number of Asian Tour stars. 

The Englishman suffers from cerebral palsy and has undergone 10 operations during his lifetime, but he has not let that stop him from chasing his dreams. Now, with the support of Golf Saudi, Popert is enjoying the opportunity to compete in his first professional main tour event. 

Popert said: “Having the support of Golf Saudi allows me to play the sport I’ve dreamt of playing as a kid. I have practiced for years and years to have this opportunity, to play in my first main tour pro event, it’s exciting. 

“It doesn’t matter what event I am playing, the golf ball doesn’t move and I am still playing the same shots. I want to play the biggest events I can and compete against strong fields and test myself. I love challenges, I love feeling uncomfortable and this is why I’m here. 

“I played very solid. I did what I wanted to do, which was to stay composed. I hit it well and if you play golf long enough you have days where you don’t feel too happy. I know I’m going to have a lot of good days to come.” 

Popert is a determined character and knows that his presence in the field in the Kingdom this week will inspire people with a disability across the world to pick up a golf club and play the game. He has been backed throughout his career by his family and encouraged all children with disabilities to never limit their expectations. 

Popert added: “If I spent my whole life limiting myself to what other people’s expectations are of me, I wouldn’t be here. I’m extremely fortunate to have the family I have, they never bubble wrapped me and always pushed me. If you have your sights set on something, then just do it. 

“My grandad always used to say: ‘press on’. Any challenges you have or setbacks, just press on. I took on that mantra. It’s a very simple mantra and that’s what I’ll do this week: hit a shot and press on. That is how I live my life and I am absolutely honoured to be here.” 

Popert was aiming to enjoy himself this week, no matter the outcome, and knows it is a great opportunity to talk to experienced professionals and to try and make improvements to his game. 

He said: “I haven’t played in many Asian Tour events or know the guys too well, but I have spoken to Henrik to try to and pick his thoughts as much as I can. Whatever this week threw at me, I wanted to play some solid golf, shoot some OK scores and it’d be a nice present to enjoy myself. In my life, I’ve always had challenges and I’ve always pushed myself to be uncomfortable. That is what I want to do. I want to be given the toughest challenge and see if I can rise to it.”

Image: Golf Saudi