Why You Must Watch Kipp Popert Profile Film

Golfshake's Derek Clements has some recommended viewing for you in his latest View From The Fairway.

I WATCHED the Roots profile on Kipp Popert last week on Sky Sports Golf, and I don’t mind admitting to you that I cried.

Popert is the world’s top-ranked disabled golfer. He was born 10 weeks premature and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy early in his life. He has undergone 10 operations on his legs and spent a great deal of time in hospital. But asked to describe his childhood, he does so in one word: “Perfect."

Does he dwell on his disability? Does he feel sorry for himself? Not a bit of it.

He has a loving and caring family who have supported him throughout his life. His dad gave him a set of plastic golf clubs as soon as was able to stand up and young Kipp would spend hours swatting a plastic ball.

He has never let his condition define him, playing football and several other sports before deciding that golf was the game for him. And he is good at it. Very good. Despite all the problems he has with his legs, he has a handicap of plus four.

He has a terrific support network. Not just his parents, but a fitness coach who is also a close friend, doctors and medical staff. And then there are the members and staff at Wildernesse Golf Club in Kent, where Kipp plays.

He has also had to deal with the death of his cousin, Archie Bruce, a rugby league player who died in 2019 when he was just 20 years old. Bruce was more than a cousin. He was a close friend and his passing hit Kipp hard.

Kipp said: “I decided after Archie died that I wanted to achieve something for him. I’m self-motivated and I aspire one day to represent my country in the Paralympics and turn full time professional in able-bodied golf, it’s my ambition to bridge the gap between able-bodied and disability sport.”

As Kipp talks about his cousin he fights back tears. He also gets very emotional when talking about the support that his parents have given him.

He doesn’t complain about his health issues but is determined to one day compete on level terms alongside able-bodied golfers on the DP World Tour. Not only wouldn’t I bet against him doing so, but I will be rooting for him every inch of the way. And so should all of you.

Keep an eye on Sky Golf’s schedules - Popert’s profile is shown on a fairly regular basis. Or you can watch it on YouTube. You should check it out. I will be astonished if you are not also deeply moved by this extraordinary young man.