Brendan Lawlor is no stranger to breaking new ground.

And the affable Irishman, an integral part of the first two Australian All Abilities Championships, is doing it again this week in the UK.

Lawlor, who led the AAAC into the final round in 2019 and was runner-up in the inaugural 2018 edition, has taken up an invitation to play on the European Tour this week.

And while his first-round 84 at The Belfry overnight wasn’t his best, his addition to the field was another major step forward for all-abilities golfers around the world at the ISPS Handa UK Championship.

“To have the opportunity to represent disability golfers across the world is a fantastic honour and I hope to have a solid few rounds, to showcase that disability golfers are talented in their own right,” said Lawlor, who also has played in Melbourne in all-abilities events alongside the World Cup and last year’s Presidents Cup.

“I can’t thank Dr Handa and ISPS HANDA enough for this wonderful opportunity and for their long-term dedication to disability golf.”

Dr Haruhisa Handa, founder and chairman of ISPS Handa, said he was “delighted to play a part in Brendan Lawlor’s debut on the European Tour”.

“The vision ISPS Handa shares with the European Tour for inclusivity is represented through our incredibly talented ambassador in Brendan Lawlor.

“We are excited for the inspiration he will bring to many households across the world through the UK Swing's 'Golf for Good initiative'. My sincere thanks to the European Tour for their support in making this possible.”

Lawlor, admired for his upbeat personality as much as his brilliant golf, is No.4 in the world rankings for golfers with disability.

“He’s a really talented player and has really endeared himself to a lot of people in Australia these past couple of years,” said Christian Hamilton, national inclusion manager of Golf Australia.

“It’s great for him to showcase his talents on behalf of all golfers with a disability and also for everyone to see the pathways that can present themselves when we open our minds to all the endless possibilities around golf.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge this week, but they’re all overcome in increments and he’s blazing a trail for all golfers.”