Support the Disabled Golf Team Europe at The Cairns Cup 2024

Hi, my name is Patrick Rosenast, married (three children), President of the Swiss ParaGolf Association and 53 years old.

At the beginning of 2018, I had extremely severe headaches caused by two AV fistulas and went into the routine surgery at the end of October 2020 with confidence. But when I woke up, everything had changed - I was paralyzed on the left side!

After a few months in a wheelchair, I was able to walk again to some extent and was desperate to get back on the golf course - playing golf requires a sense of balance, perfect swing coordination, mental strength, a little talent would be an advantage - but I no longer had any of this. I quickly had to give up trying to re-adapt Tiger Wood's unmistakable golf swing due to my only partially regained mobility (permanent hemiparesis) on my left side and opted for a simpler, one-armed swing that I perform with full weight shift on my healthy supporting leg.

Today, golf means a lot to me alongside my 100% employment! On the golf courses, we disabled golfers don't have the feeling of being "handicapped" and can compete with other people on an equal or even better level thanks to this sport's unique handicap system. Golf is; inspiration, enrichment, fun, focus, concentration, competition, wave pool of emotions, frustration and promotes health. The much-cited inclusion also comes into its own when practicing this sport.

To be able to represent Europe as a player against team USA at the Cairns Cup 2024, held from July 27 to August 3 at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan, is something I never expected! So, my nomination is the biggest honor I have received so far and fills me with pride!

The Cairns Cup is the "Disability Golf's premier match play event", hosted by the USA and Europe every two years. The first event was held in 2022 at Shire London, where each player had to pay to participate and represent their continent.

The costs (travel, accommodation, carer costs for events, tournaments, competitions and appearances as well as coaching, tuition, equipment and clothing) of the event itself and all associated occasions before it are self funded or sponsorship funded, therefore we need to try to raise funds from our circles to help us live our dream.

My goal is to make an important contribution to give all golfers with disabilities the opportunity to play at the highest level and, together with your support, to make participation in this prestigious event an unforgettable moment!

Please help bring the players, caddies, coaches and teams to Michigan.

Thank you so much, your donations make a huge difference and mean the world for us!

If you are interested in corporate sponsorship of the Cairns Cup event itself, please call me on +41 78 649 82 35

More details about the event can be found at https://thecairnscup.com/