Golf offers more than a game – it offers community, opportunity and purpose. Creating a golf culture that embraces individuals with disabilities unlocks access to every facet of the game: participation, employment and economic opportunity.
With a growing number of individuals identifying as disabled in the U.S. – more than 73 million across all types of visible and invisible disabilities – accessibility in golf is a matter of both inclusion and relevance.
Golf facilities across the country are embracing inclusive course designs to better accommodate players with disabilities. At places like Pinehurst No. 6 in North Carolina, Waterville Country Club in Maine and Bobby Jones Golf Course in Georgia, course architects have incorporated best practices such as wide entry points, firm walking paths, accessible tees and open green approaches to improve navigability for adaptive golfers. These features meet ADA guidelines, but also make the courses more playable for seniors, beginners and anyone with mobility challenges. These examples of thoughtful design foster inclusivity and broaden access to the game for everyone.
PGA of America in Action
• PGA’s Strategic Partnerships: The PGA of America partners with the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and the U.S. Disabled Golf Association to increase access to the game through advocacy, awareness and the development of accessible golf programs. These partnerships promote inclusion and help identify best practices for welcoming individuals with disabilities.
• PGA VendorMatch: Shares procurement pathways for small, Veteran-disabled and disabled-owned businesses to work with PGA of America Championship events and headquarters operations – supporting local economies and community engagement.
• Disability Advocacy in Local Markets: Through regional allies like the North Texas Disability Chamber, the PGA of America shares job openings, supplier outreach and adaptive golf opportunities with the disability community.
PGA of America Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of accessibility and inclusion can access the Education Hub offered by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. This free online platform features self-paced training modules designed to help coaches, club staff and facility leaders better serve individuals with disabilities through inclusive practices and adaptive programming. The PGA of America recognizes this re source as a valuable professional development op portunity – PGA of America Members who complete the training can earn PDR Education credits, supporting career growth and demonstrating a commitment to making golf more welcoming for everyone.
Additional Action Steps Recommended for Golf Facilities
Golf facilities of all sizes can take the lead to help operationalize accessibility:
1. Audit for Accessibility. Evaluate clubhouses, pathways, communications and programming through an ADA lens.
2. Invest in Adaptive Equipment. Offer accessible golf cars, single-rider devices and grips to support play for all abilities.
3. Inclusive Course Design. Add ramps, wide pathways and accessible restrooms across the facility.
4. Train the Team. Educate staff on disability awareness, respectful communication and service etiquette.
5. Hire Inclusively. Expand recruitment channels to include candidates with disabilities – especially in operational, guest services and instructional roles.
6. Make Communication Accessible. Ensure the website meets accessibility standards (e.g., alt text, readable fonts) and use inclusive language in all signage and social media.
7. Celebrate Disability Inclusion. Amplify messaging during National Disability Employment Awareness Month each October. Highlight efforts, employees and inclusive golf events.
8. List Your Facility. Show your accessibility by listing your facility in the free, searchable database of “Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities” provided by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. Facility leaders and PGA of America Professionals who lead golf instruction programs are encouraged to list their facility in this complimentary database.
A Game for All
Inclusion is about living up to the spirit of golf. Through intentional design, hiring and outreach, golf facilities can create welcoming spaces where everyone can participate. The PGA of America’s commitment to access helps shape a sport where every swing counts, no matter the starting point.