Kent Golf Limited

DISABILITY GOLF

WHY GOLF?

Golf is a sport that can be played irrespective of age, gender, physical condition or limitations. Golf is a fully inclusive mainstream sport which is typically played in the open air and which can also be practised in traditional and non-traditional golfing environments. The primary task of golf is to strike a ball from one location and reach a target in the least number of strokes. A simple way to think about this is that the player takes a club to hit a ball to the target, and the activity can be done alone or with others.

BENEFITS OF GOLF

Golf has been associated with health-enhancing benefits for the general population. These include: increased longevity, improved cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic profiles, improved muscle strength and balance and enhanced mental well-being (Golf and Health Report, 2020; Murray, Daines, et al., 2017b; Murray, Jenkins, et al., 2017).

The following testimony highlights how golf can facilitate enjoyment within a group activity:

“Golf, physically, has been good for me, as well as the fresh air, with some nice company who share your values. On the whole, most of the golfers I’ve ever met have the same principles and are kindred spirits. Golf is a game that is so good for your soul. During my illnesses, the girls were so supportive. I thought I would get better at the sport, but never have! I’m now off a 32 handicap, but I’m just delighted to be enjoying and playing golf. I love it.”

PLAYER STORIES

TRY GOLF

Our organisation is actively seeking regional partners, golf clubs and community venues to help stage sampler/taster sessions for new players. If your venue/organisation would like to lead in this area of growing our sport, please contact Tim Ewer jdo@kentgolf.co.uk

COMPETING IN G4D

Participants can choose their level of inclusion and, at the most inclusive end of the spectrum, can compete on a level basis in the mainstream sport. Golf’s World Handicap System, variable tee markers and different scoring formats facilitate this opportunity. G4D includes players assessed as being disabled by their National Government and so can compete in events even though they may not have an eligible impairment or meet the minimum impairment criteria as defined by the IPC Classification Code. These players can still enjoy golf fully; however, to compete in international G4D tournaments, players must prove that their impairment limits their ability to play the game against a set of definitions under constant review.

Useful Links:

USEFUL LINKS

PARENT FEEDBACK

1) "I just wanted to say, thank you so much for organising the junior disability academy. My son has just attended his final session at Stonelees and he absolutely loved it.

He has gone from not being able to make contact with the ball on the first session, he had never played before, to hitting some amazing shots down the driving range today.

He also loved getting to use a real golf trolley on the course this afternoon he said he was a 'proper golfer' now!"

2) "Just thought I would let you know how my daughters Amelia and Poppy are enjoying the golf coaching course at Stonelees. They both are loving it!

Both girls were very apprehensive of taking part in the course so my husband and I said to them just have a go and see if you like it - no pressure.

From the outset our girls have found Kim and Gary very welcoming and friendly which put them at ease. Gary is an excellent coach. He is very calm when teaching and makes the lessons fun. As parents we have been pleasantly surprised how well the girls have concentrated and listened to instructions when Gary is explaining things to them. With their autism they sometimes find concentrating and completing tasks difficult.

Amelia and Poppy are enjoying learning a new sport. Apart from horse riding they don't take part in any other sports. The golf lessons have increased their confidence, ability to concentrate, skill level and also they have made new friends.

Amelia and Poppy look forward to their lessons at Stonelees. They have now caught the golf bug and want to continue after the course has finished.

I would just like to say thank you for offering this coaching course to children with disabilities."

3) " Thank you to everyone at Kent Golf for giving our students the opportunity to experience a sport that would normally not be available to them.

It was fantastic to see their confidence grow and celebrate some real talent on the driving range." ~ Alison from Fenner Frost Foundation

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Click here to read the Fenner Frost Foundation student feedback.

COACH FEEDBACK

Click here to read the coach feedback.

AMBASSADOR

Benji Heaton (Walmer & Kingsdown) is our County Disability Golf Ambassador.
Click here to find out more.

VARIETY GOLF SUPPORTS OUR DISABILITY ACADEMIES

We are pleased to announce our new working partnership with Variety Golf! Thank you for supporting our Junior Disability Academies, it is very much appreciated. Find out more about Variety Golf.