Adaptive equipment, modified swing techniques, customized coaching, assistive technology, and inclusive course design are all techniques that can help golfers with disabilities play the game they love. For those with limited mobility in their hands or arms, specialized grips and clubs are available to make gripping and swinging easier. Golfers with lower body disabilities can modify their swing techniques with a seated swing or a modified stance.
Techniques and Tools to Improve Golf Accessibility for Disabled Golfers
Customized coaching is a technique that can be used to help disabled golfers improve their game. Coaches can create personalized coaching plans that focus on developing techniques that work with their physical limitations. This can include exercises to improve strength and mobility in certain areas of the body. While coaching helps technology can make a difference too. Assistive technology such as electronic carts can be used to help golfers with limited mobility move around the course. Laser range finders can be used to help visually impaired golfers accurately judge distance.
Inclusive Design in Everyday Products and Environments
Inclusive course design is an important aspect of golf course architecture to make more accessible to disabled players. Designers can create courses with wider fairways, shorter distances between holes, and accessible restrooms and facilities to make it easier for golfers with disabilities to enjoy the game.
By designing products, services, and environments that are inclusive and accessible, golf can be enjoyed by groups that otherwise couldn’t access the game. With the right equipment, techniques, coaching, technology, and course design, disabled golfers can play the game to the best of their abilities and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
Custom Clinics and Club Fitting to Help Players of All Abilities
Golf Town, the largest golf retailer in Canada, has announced its partnership with ParaGolf Canada, an initiative that creates a pathway for Canadians of all abilities to participate in golf. Through this partnership, Golf Town and ParaGolf Canada aim to promote inclusivity and grow the game of golf for all players, regardless of their abilities.
“This great partnership provides an incredible opportunity for a group of individuals who have historically been underrepresented in this country to not only have a national platform but the resources to change the golfing landscape with the largest golf retailer in Canada. Through new initiatives that Golf Town and ParaGolf Canada will be collaborating on, we will provide many opportunities for individuals with various physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities to ‘Come Out and Play.'”
Todd Keirstead, the Founder and CEO of ParaGolf Canada
Todd Keirstead, a long-standing PGA Member, is committed to promoting full inclusion towards the sport of golf in Canada.
Todd Keirstead, the Founder and CEO of ParaGolf Canada, expressed his excitement about the partnership. The program will provide opportunities for individuals who have historically been underrepresented in the sport and provide resources to change the golfing landscape with the largest golf retailer in Canada.
Keirstead envisions igniting passion in individuals with disabilities and transcending personal boundaries both on and off the fairway. Todd has become a world leader in inclusion and diversity, speaking to 32 National PGA’s on the importance of involving individuals of all abilities in the game of golf. He has also inspired thousands with his vision that anyone can play golf, no matter what their circumstance. In addition to his advocacy work. Todd’s efforts have raised millions of dollars for various charity and celebrity golf tournaments worldwide.
Adaptive Golf Clinics and League Among the New Initiatives Planned
Golf Town and ParaGolf Canada will collaborate on new initiatives to provide many opportunities for individuals with various physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities to participate in golf. These initiatives will include Adaptive Custom Clinics, Adaptive Club Fitting, ParaGolf Day/Adaptive Golf Day, and an Adaptive Golf League.
Select Golf Town locations across the country will offer custom clinics to interested customers. Fred Lecoq, Chief Marketing Officer for Golf Town, stated that the partnership with ParaGolf Canada furthers Golf Town’s efforts to make the game inclusive and accessible for all Canadians and that Adaptive Club Fitting services are available across all 47 Golf Town locations.
“In the past six years at Golf Town, we have inspired Canadians to Come Out and Play, no matter their age, ability, gender, or background. We believe in making the game inclusive and accessible for all Canadians, we’ve developed programs that bring golf to more women and children, and our latest partnership with ParaGolf Canada furthers these efforts.”
Fred Lecoq, Chief Marketing Officer for Golf Town
By creating products, services, and environments that are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, golf can become a more welcoming and enjoyable activity for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Through adaptive equipment, modified swing techniques, customized coaching, assistive technology, and inclusive course design, golf can become a sport that can be played by individuals with various disabilities.
