A Golf Rivalry For The Ages: Kipp Popert and Brendan Lawlor

There aren't many certainties in adaptive golf, but one has emerged over the past four years: if Kipp Popert and Brendan Lawlor are in the field, they'll have something to say about who lifts the trophy. As the fifth U.S. Adaptive Open begins this week at Woodmont Country Club, Popert returns looking to become the male first golfer in USGA history to win the same championship four consecutive times. Standing in his way, as always, is his closest friend—and biggest rival.

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Popert has won the last three U.S. Adaptive Opens, joining Tiger Woods, Willie Anderson and Carl Kauffmann as the only men to win the same USGA championship three consecutive times. This week, he has a chance at a fourth straight title—a feat only achieved by one golfer, Carole Semple Thompson who won the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur with an incredible run from 1999 to 2002. And if anyone is hoping to stop him from joining that elite club in the USGA history books, it's fellow European Brendan Lawlor.

Popert credits his caddie, Ben Armstrong who has been on the bag for all three wins, with the achievement as well.

Photo Credit: Austin Kaseman

The 2025 Adaptive Open felt like a coronation of sorts for Popert. When we caught up with the golfer after his round of 61 that Monday (an Adaptive Open record by four strokes, which he tied again two days later), he was feeling optimistic but slightly concerned about his right foot. Back in January, he underwent the 12th surgery of his life to help heal a fusion to his big left toe, and the recovery time was more grueling than he anticipated, even in the days leading up to the event. The week was, for him, about “Whether or not my foot would be healthy. In the practice round, I struggled quite a lot, so I didn't even play a full round.” When I asked what he would do to ensure it would feel good throughout the week, he sheepishly added that he needed to “keep the tablets topped up.”

Kipp Popert swing sequence during the first round of the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open. (Credit: Austin Kaseman)

As for Lawlor, while a fourth place finish was certainly not the desired result, he was quick to give Popert credit after that opening round 61. “It was absolutely sick. I played steady. I probably left a few out there, but 11-under, I did not see. I want to see Bryson shooting that out there.” Beyond the rounds, though, Kipp and Brandon have a relationship that animates their on the course fireworks. “He's a really good guy,” Lawlor explained. “I had my bachelor party a couple of weeks ago in Liverpool and he was at it. I think rivalries in sports are fantastic, but if anyone shoots a score like that, you just have to appreciate it.”

Kipp Popert of Wildernesse and Brendan Lawlor of Carton House embrace on the 18th green following their round on Day Three of the 2024 G4D Open at Woburn Golf Club in Woburn, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Popert has equally high praise for Lawlor. “I've known Brendan for four or five years. When we first started off he was World No. 1. Over time it's become a really nice friendship. He’s an awesome guy and an insanely good golfer,” Popert explained. And while Lawlor is likely frustrated by not leaving Woodmont Country Club with the first place prize, his importance to the world of adaptive golf remains steadfast.

Lawlor has been a pioneering figure in adaptive golf since he turned pro in 2019. He made history by becoming the first disabled golfer to compete on the DP World Tour at the ISPS HANDA UK Championship in 2020, and is a recent champion in his own right. Back in May, he took home his second G4D Open, the European version of the USGA's U.S. Adaptive Open held annually in partnership between The R&A and the DP World Tour. He also won the event in 2023. It won’t be long before he’s winning in the US, too.

Their rivalry has only grown since those conversations last summer. Popert arrives once again as the player everyone is chasing, while Lawlor continues to push adaptive golf onto bigger stages through his play around the world. If history is any indication, don't expect either of them to be far from the top of the leaderboard this week.

“A couple years ago, I was the only one in Ireland playing disability golf. Now we have over 150 people playing,” Lawlor said. “If we can get that reception in other countries around Europe and America and anywhere we go, it'll be a household name and it'll grow to the level we want to grow to.” Adds Popert: “I'm just trying to max it out as much as I can. That's what I do with everything.” This victory is about more than just him. “I want the next generation to have even more opportunities than I have.”

Whether Popert makes history with a fourth straight title or Lawlor finally breaks through at the U.S. Adaptive Open, the biggest winner continues to be adaptive golf itself.

*This page was first published on July 10, 2026. Last updated July 6, 2026.