Drive Performance for Able-Bodied and Disabled Golfers

Abstract

Golf is a popular leisure and competitive activity for individuals with disabilities. The current golf handicap system does not take into account the possible challenges of playing golf with any form of physical disability. The aim of this study was to examine golf driving performance measures, comparing golfers with various types of physical disabilities to able-bodied golfers. Through drive shot ball launch analysis, this study compared amputees (single leg, below and above knee), deaf, visually impaired, polio, Les Autres and arthrogryposis golfers to able-bodied golfers with similar golf handicaps. Twenty-seven able-bodied (handicap category 3, 12.4 ± 7.0) and 15 disabled (handicap category 3, 18.2 ± 9.2) hit 10 drives each. Able-bodied golfers presented longer but less accurate drives (208.1 m carry, 4.6 m lateral deviation), and concomitant higher club head and ball velocity than disabled golfers (157.6 m carry, 6.0 m lateral deviation) [p<0.001]. The apparent difference in outcome performance cannot be fully accounted for by the small difference in golf handicap score, thus disabled golfers appear to be penalised/ disadvantaged by the current golf handicap classification rules.

‘Getting Back Into the Swing of Things’: A Qualitative Study Into Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation for Stroke Survivors

“…The current handicap system, for example, does not take into account the possible challenges of playing golf with any form of physical disability. As such, Kenny et al (2015) argue that disabled golfers are currently penalised / disadvantaged by the handicap classification rules as it does not take into consideration either the possible unique challenges of playing golf with any form of disability, or the potential effects of a disability on performance. It is argued that opportunities to promote golf as a lifelong physical activity among people with disabilities may be missed in clubs where personnel are unsure of the barriers and facilitators to participation outlined here.…”

“…Furthermore, studies around exercise and stroke tend to focus on the physical benefits and there are few studies on emotional well-being in stroke patients (Schachten, & Petra, 2015). Despite the potential of golf, participation by disability groups remains low, and out of those who do play there is little transition into regular participation (Kenny, 2015;Piggott, Leslie, & Poller, 2011;Sandt, Flynn, & Turner, 2014).…”

Perceived Facilitators and Barriers to Participation in Golf for People With Vision Impairment

“…Golf is not yet as popular among disabled people as it is among their nondisabled counterparts 7 and has high dropout rates and a small transition rate into regular participation. [13][14][15] Identifying factors that are barriers to participation is important.…”

“…Many of the personal, environmental, and social barriers are similar to those reported regarding general participation in disability sports. 15,[23][24][25] Ives et al, 24 for instance, also reported various internal barriers, such as anxiety about sporting ability and external barriers, including transport and other logistical barriers. Organizational barriers worth considering include the cost of playing, being able to afford the equipment, club membership, and costs associated with entering and traveling to tournaments (especially as the golfers often paid costs for their guide).…”

“…Playing golf has been shown to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the general population 9–12 and is a sport very suited to people with different types of impairment. Golf is not yet as popular among disabled people as it is among their nondisabled counterparts 7 and has high dropout rates and a small transition rate into regular participation 13–15 . Identifying factors that are barriers to participation is important.…”