Golf for the Disabled

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IGF Membership

As the Recognised International Federation for Golf for Athletes with a Disability by the International Paralympic Committee, the International Golf Federation (IGF) is committed to the development of Golf for Athletes with a Disability through the guidance of the IGF Golfers with Disabilities Committee. The IGF encourages golf stakeholders to be inclusive and to promote golf for the disabled at every level, with our key areas of responsibility focusing on:

  • Promote and encourage participation and accessibility of golf for Golfers with Disabilities (GwD).
  • Encourage the international development of golfers with disability.
  • Create a pathway for all GwD to sample, take part and compete from club level through to global events.
  • Support and encourage National Federations to actively affiliate existing disabled golf organisations and promote the inclusion of golfers with disability into their membership.
  • Establish and manage an international eligibility/classification system for golfers with disability.
  • Work with the IPC on golf's inclusion in the Paralympic Games programme.

Golf is a sport for everyone and can be played irrespective of age, gender, physical condition, or disability. Players use their own ball, free from the control of others, where the ball is stationary to allow less mobile and impaired players the opportunity to prepare for each shot. The World Golf Handicap System, variable tee markers and different scoring formats facilitate the opportunity for all golfers, regardless of ability, to play together. Golfers assessed as disabled by their respective governments can participate in golf for the disabled. These players can enjoy golf fully; however, to compete in some international golf for the disabled (G4D) tournaments and score ranking points, players must meet the minimum impairment criteria and have an eligible impairment as listed below.

Golf for Athletes with a Disability Classification

The IGF is working to enhance opportunities for Golf Athletes with a Disability, aiming for their potential inclusion in the Paralympic Games, starting with consideration for Brisbane 2032. Among the standout initiatives is to elevate Golf for Athletes with a Disability, ensuring it fully aligns with International Paralympic Committee (IPC) standards and positions the sport for inclusion in the Paralympic Games.

Key objectives under this initiative include:

  1. Refining the classification process to align with international standards set by the International Paralympic Committee, enhancing consistency and fairness.
  2. Evaluating and adjusting the Golf Athletes with a Disability Sport Classes to ensure they are inclusive and effectively structured.

At present, the most significant discrepancy between the IGF and the IPC requirements lies in the IGF Classification Rules. To address this, the IGF is finalising an updated edition of its Classification Rules, which will be implemented across IGF Covered Competitions.

For reference, the IPC Classification Code (effective 1 January 2025) and International Standards can be consulted on the IPC’s official website.

IGF Classification Rules

The updated classification rules will align with the IPC Classification Code, with the following 10 eligible impairments:

  • Impaired Muscle Power
  • Impaired Passive Range of Movement
  • Limb Deficiency
  • Leg Length Difference
  • Short stature
  • Hypertonia
  • Ataxia
  • Athetosis
  • Vision Impairment
  • Intellectual Impairment

Impairments that fall outside these defined categories are not currently recognised for classification and will not be considered for eligibility in IGF Covered Competitions.

Update on IGF Classification Rules

The International Golf Federation (IGF) is currently reviewing and refining its Golf for Athletes with a Disability classification procedures to align with the IPC International Standards. This ongoing work aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for determining athlete eligibility and sport class. Full details on the updated classification process will be made available soon, including the required medical forms and submission guidelines. Once released, athletes will be able to complete and submit the necessary documentation for review by a panel of certified classifiers, who will assess the information and assign an official sport class accordingly. Please check back regularly for the latest updates and resources.

The Competitive Player Pathway

WR4GD Player Pass

Golfers with disabilities can apply for a pass, which can be used to entry into official G4D tournaments, cart usage, use the ‘Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities’ and earning ranking points on WR4GD. The Central Eligibility Team grants these passes, and acknowledges the golfer has a government-recognised disability. Apply now to learn more.

Rules of Golf

To facilitate the inclusion of all players with disabilities, The R&A and USGA created the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities (MRGPD). The purpose was to create a way for players with different impairments and non-disabled players to play equitably. As with the general rules, the MRGPD is constantly monitored, reviewed and updated on a quadrennial basis. The MRGPD is subdivided into five groups, which respect the needs of players with various impairments.

Equipment Permitted for Medical Reasons

In cases where modified equipment or an artificial device, such as a brace or gripping aid, will allow individuals with an impairment to play equitably in a particular competition, the player may approach the Committee in charge of the competition for permission to use the device under the Exception to Rule 4.3b.