Innovative Aid to Transform Golf into Wheelchair Accessible Sport

Golfers who gave up the sport because of disability can now play again thanks to a new and innovative sporting aid. The Paragolfer machine allows players to be elevated to a standing position so that they can play the sport with no limitations.

Paragolfer is similar to a ride on buggy which can drive them towards their ball and lifts them into position to swing and hit. The sporting aid was designed and created by Anthony Netto, an international wheelchair golfer.

Campaigning

Currently there are only two of the revolutionary machines in use at a golf course in Scotland but charity, Social Care Ideas Factory, are launching a campaign to encourage more clubs to get involved.

Charlie B-Gavigan, founder and curator of Social Care Ideas Factory, said: “We had a project a couple of years back that was about introducing sport back into people’s lives where they had some kind of injury or condition that meant they were now disabled.

“We were contacted by a couple of disabled golfers from America who were coming to Scotland and wanted to know where they could play, but when we did some research we discovered there were no Paragolfers publically available.”

The charity helped fund the first machine and now hope to encourage the development of golf for wheelchair-bound players.

It is hoped other clubs will be inspired to offer the machines in a bid to help golf clubs become more wheelchair accessible.

Transform Golf

The Paragolfer has transformed golfer Ryan MacDonald’s life, who was forced to give up the sport when his mobility deteriorated.

He said: “Whenever I saw a manicured piece of grass or a set of clubs, I just felt devastated because I missed it.

“Finding Paragolfer was out of this world. I’ll never forget the minute it stood me up and I was ready to take a shot and my dad was standing next to me. I would have given 10 years of my life for that minute.”

For more information visit Social Care Ideas Factory’s website.