Golfers with disabilities centre of new study
Golfers with disabilities are being invited to take part in new research in order to find out more about the game’s impact on their health and wellbeing.
EDGA and Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland have partnered to produce an international survey, which will be shared among golf and disability support organisations around the world.
The project will analyze people who take part in golf for the disabled (G4D), recording data such as activity levels, quality of life and general health, in addition to social and economic information.
It was launched at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, the location of Carnoustie Golf Links Research Hub, which was developed in partnership with Abertay University.
Ashley Williams of Abertay University’s Division of Sport and Exercise Sciences, said: “The G4D movement is growing across the world, but we still need to better understand the impact that taking part in the sport can have on participants.
“We are delighted to be partnering with EDGA on this important work to develop a more in depth understanding of the ways in which golfers with disabilities engage with the sport, and the potential benefits which can be derived from that engagement.
“Abertay’s goal is to produce research that can have impact in the real world, and we hope that the data gained from the survey can be used by disability sport organisations worldwide.”
Dr Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “The evidence we have to date clearly points to golf being good for the health and wellbeing of golfers around the world.
“We also know that individuals with disabilities are generally less active than their non-disabled counterparts but a significant number want more activity and sport in their lives.
“The nature of golf allows people with a wide range of disabilities to participate in the game due to using their own ball, which is stationary.”
