Spring has sprung and the greens are lush. It’s time to play golf! Don’t be left behind. Whether you want to learn the game or hone your skills, there is a golf program for those in a wheelchair, disabled veterans, amputees, those with a stroke, MS, cerebral palsy, vision impairments or any class of people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Many solutions exist for whatever stops you from enjoying the game of golf, from carts to clubs to accessories and specialty devices.
- Adaptive golf carts now have swivel and extending seats and armrests to play while seated as well as elevating lifts that allow paraplegics and others with limited leg strength to play from a standing position.
- Adaptive golf clubs can have special grips for those with missing fingers, deformed hands, osteoarthritis or loss of strength.. Some are specialized for seated or standing golfers. Some club shafts are bent for seated individuals.
- Gloves and grip aids include prosthetic golf grip devices, elastic gripping devices and more.
- Accessories include tee setters and ball retrieval systems to reduce bending. One device even stabilizes your balance.
Search for a golf program for those with disabilities in your area to get tailored instruction from golf instructors certified to teach. For more information, Google “adaptive golf.” Also check out national associations like the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (accessgolf.org), Disabled Sports USA (dsusa.org), United States Golf Assoc. (USGA.org) or Royal Canadian Golf Assoc. (RCGA.org).
The Adaptive Golf Foundation of America (agfofamerica.com) has scrambles, classics, opens, championships and tournaments across the country throughout the year.
Get on the course and share your story on the 19th hole.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.
Image Credits: European Disabled Golf Association