Popert and Ma reunite at Hong Kong Open
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
British golfer Kipp Popert and Hong Kong junior Andreas Ma met again at the Link Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, revisiting a connection first formed at the same tournament in 2024. Popert, who has cerebral palsy and has undergone more than 10 leg and foot operations, has remained a mentor to Ma through social media and messaging since their first meeting. Ma, who has a rare congenital hand difference, has since grown into a more confident 14-year-old player, rising to eighth in the world disability golf rankings and winning the upper-limb category at the 2026 Japan Disabled Open. Their latest reunion included a short-game practice session and Ma's appearance in the Hong Kong Open Pro-Am alongside Andy Ogletree at the invitation of community partner the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Key Points
- Popert became the first disabled golfer to qualify for the R&A Amateur Championship and also the first disabled golfer to compete in the Link Hong Kong Open two years ago
- The 28-year-old Briton is a long-time world No. 1 in disability golf, a 16-time G4D Tour winner, and a semi-finalist at the Amateur Championship
- Ma, a student at Christian International School, is now 14, ranked eighth globally in disability golf, and won his class at the 2026 Japan Disabled Open
- Since first meeting in 2024, Popert has supported Ma as a mentor through social media and messaging, offering encouragement on golf and life more broadly
- During their Fanling reunion, Popert praised Ma's chipping and putting, while Ma said he learned new short-game techniques, spin control and distance management
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the reunion offers a concrete example of how local young athletes can benefit from sustained international mentorship and access to elite competition environments. Ma's progress, together with support from Hong Kong Golf Club and his ambassador role with the Hand in Hand Association, also points to the growing visibility of inclusive sport in the city