| The UK Golf Federation (UKGF) and EDGA are proud to announce a new collaboration aimed at advancing opportunities for golfers with a disability across the UK. The number of golfers with a disability is increasing globally. EDGA, the acknowledged international experts in ‘G4D’ (golf for the disabled), works closely with the game’s leading bodies including The R&A, International Golf Federation and European Golf Association, plus 50 national golf federations, to ensure opportunities increase for any individual with a disability (physical, neurological, sensory or intellectual) to thrive through their enjoyment of golf. Accessibility remains a key challenge in the sport. Many individuals with a disability face difficulties when trying to access golf facilities due to course design, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of awareness regarding adaptive golf solutions. The new collaboration between the UK Golf Federation and EDGA will add to the support of the home golf unions for golf facilities in creating more inclusive environments, ensuring that golfers with a disability can feel welcomed, play safely, and enjoy their game with confidence. The UK Golf Federation represents golf course owners and operators across the UK, advocating for the growth and accessibility of the sport. It supports its members’ facilities in adapting to industry changes and implementing best practices to enhance the golfing experience for all players. EDGA works with governing bodies to deliver growth in G4D via their organised national golf programmes: supporting development and eligibility teams, coaches, educators, and tournament teams. Increasingly, golf course operators are benefitting from EDGA’s expertise gained over 25 years as they gain the edge in becoming more inclusive, welcoming and innovative modern venues. EDGA’s ‘8-Stage Pathway’, endorsed by The R&A, supports federations, PGAs and golf operators at every step in transforming the golf offer to people with a disability. With more than 20% of the population in the UK having a disability this is a vastly underrepresented group. Dr. Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, commented: “Golf offers numerous opportunities to its players, including the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of engaging in moderate exercise, typically outdoors and often in the company of others. Social isolation and exclusion are significant issues for people with disabilities, yet golf serves as a great equaliser, bringing players together to share an enjoyable experience in a safe and welcoming environment. Golf for players with a disability is a powerful force for good. However, as so few people with disabilities consider it a viable sport, organisations that provide accessible facilities and inclusive practices can successfully reach a still largely untapped market.” Doug Poole, CEO of the UK Golf Federation, added: “The collaboration with EDGA and the UK Golf Federation marks a significant step forward in making golf more accessible across the UK. By working together, we can help golf facilities to understand the needs of golfers with a disability and create an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the game. The growth of golf for the disabled is an important part of the future of the sport. We are committed to supporting our members in adapting their facilities and welcoming this growing group of golfers.” Looking ahead, the UKGF and EDGA will collaborate on initiatives to educate golf course operators, install good practice, and provide resources to make golf courses more accessible. This partnership is a crucial step in ensuring that golfers with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy the sport as anyone else. For more information, please contact: – The UK Golf Federation at www.ukgolffederation.com – EDGA at www.edgagolf.com |
