Golfing for Handicapped People
January 1, 2011Golf is a sport that needs focus of the mind and the
control of every part of the body, especially the arms and legs. But what if one of the limbs is missing? Can golfing for handicapped people be possible? Nowadays, people see through a lot of limitations and prove to the world that limitations are just a state of mind. We can do almost everything that we put our mind to. Even in the midst of disability.
In the world of golf, there is a national organization that caters for golf enthusiasts with disability. The National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) which supports the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and the Unites States Golf Association (USGA). NAGA sponsors local and regional tournaments all around the United States and has members from 17 other countries with it’s over 2000 members. NAGA makes golfing for handicapped people possible specifically for amputees.
Now if you think that being physically disabled (arms or legs) can be very challenging in the world of golf, how about being visually handicapped? Can the blind play golf or even train for it? Yes, the blind can be trained to play golf. The English Blind Golf Association accepts blind members to train and play for their organization. Players establish a playing relationship with their caddies who will guide then to align and position them for the drive or swing.
Golfing for handicapped people involving blindness would be much challenging since the player would be reliant to their partner who sees the playing field. It is a partnership during the games and would really mean good teamwork to win. They have to really train and trust one another on every aspect of the game to be able to achieve a good score in the game.
Golfing for handicapped people shows somehow a grouping as to the type of handicap or disability they have. This gives the group or association to attend to the specific requirement of the member to achieve their full potential in the game of golf.
Aside from the grouping, handicapped people still have handicap scores based on severity of their disability. Equipments also are customized for the handicapped to fit their style of playing and to provide them with extra comfort during the game. Some rules are also made exclusively for the handicapped. All these will be fully discussed in the next article about golfing for handicapped people.
Enjoy this post. Here at the course I work out we host a tournament every year for wheelchaired golfers.
You should check out my PGA friends new blog: http://www.lowerscores.blogspot.com/
Really good post. The ability and skills of golfers with disabilities is incredible. I caddied in a Senior Tour event last year and we were paired with some blind golfers which was a truly humbling experience. I was so impressed.
Add A Comment