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

There aren’t many inevitables when it comes to adaptive golf tournaments, but one thing is certain when competition is at its highest level: Kipp Popert, the number one disabled golfer in the world, will be near or atop the leaderboard. The British golfer won the Men’s U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst No. 6 in 2023. A year later, he repeated at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas. In 2025, he left little doubt, winning the tournament by twelve strokes, thanks in large part to two staggering rounds of 61. Another inevitability? His buddy from across the pond, Irishman Brendan Lawlor, will be nipping at his heels, eager to wrestle some victories back from the 27-year-old. The two have become dominant forces in adaptive golf, with the current No.1 and former No.1 stirring up a rivalry that Lawlor called “The Tiger and Phil rivalry in disability golf.” At its core, though, is a strong friendship between Popert and his 28-year-old counterpart.

This isn't the first time Tiger Woods' name has been referenced when talking about Popert. This year marks his third straight victory at the U.S. Adaptive Open, only three other male golfers have won a USGA Championship three times in a row. Woods did it twice (1991-93 U.S. Junior Amateur and 1994-96 U.S. Amateur) while Willie Anderson went three-for-three at the U.S. Open (1903-05) and Carl Kauffmann at the U.S. Amateur Public Links (1927-29).

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 on 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.

Regardless of where Popert and Lawlor finish on the leaderboard, they share a goal with each golf shot they hit. “A couple years ago, I was the only one in Ireland playing disability golf. Now we have over 150 people playing,” Lawlor explains. “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.”