The article below was written by Max Mcvittie of National Club Golfer.
Golf is a game that should be enjoyed by everyone. So many cherish the game for its sense of community and competitive spirit. But, like in any sport it does have its physical challenges to overcome which are a struggle for some.
Those who suffer from Arthritis have historically found it incredibly difficult to play golf. But, thanks to groundbreaking innovations, unveiled at The G4D Open, this no longer has to be the case.
A game-changer for golfers with Arthritis
The G4D Open, held at Woburn and hosted by The R&A in collaboration with the DP World Tour and EDGA, brought together 80 players from 20 different countries. The event sees some of the most talented golfers with disabilities compete.
On the eve of the third edition of the tournament two prototypes were trialled. These trials consisted of the unveiling of a new prosthetic device. The prototype had been developed through a partnership between EDGA and UK-based prosthetics innovator, Koalaa.
It is designed to aid golfers with hand functionality challenges, including those with arthritis. This is in an attempt to make the game more inclusive than ever. This collaboration, which began in 2024, initially focused on children with limb differences. However, it soon expanded to adults and particularly those struggling with arthritis after initial positive experiences.
The devices being trialled are only prototypes and will need further testing, working with the relevant authorities. These devices can only be used in competitions where the person has a medical reason to use the equipment and the Committee decides that its use does not give the player any unfair advantage over other players.
So what are the benefits? If successful the new device, which is set to launch later this year, will help players quicken their swing speed. It works to improve golfers connection, feedback, increased hand-strength when striking the ball. It is also developed to help protect against pain and further injury.
Strapped to the hand and connected to the club grip, it improves these key fundamentals of a good golf swing. It is sure to bring the enjoyment back to the game.
One of the success stories from Woburn was Martin Lindquist, a 68-year-old golfer from North Wales. After years of playing golf, Martin’s rheumatoid arthritis had forced him off the course. Surgeries and chronic pain had made the sport nearly unplayable. However, with the assistance of EDGA’s Head of Instruction, Mark Taylor, Martin was fitted with the new Koalaa device.
“By trying this prototype, I felt I was stepping into the unknown but I have to say I found this a very positive experience,” said Martin.
“When I had tried to hit balls in the recent past, I had a lot of pain, but this felt comfortable as a first try, although it was a new feeling and took a little while to get used to. It was great to hit shots again, and I’m really excited to see how far I can take this.”
Martin’s story is just one example of how this tool can help those with arthritis regain their love for golf. And his wife Bev, is also pleased that she has her playing partner back out on the course again.
“We used to play in a lot of events together, so this really is all very encouraging. I just want him back as my golfing partner!” she said.
For those with more severe limb differences, Koalaa has also developed versions of the device that can be used with a Koalaa prosthetic. It is especially useful for players with missing fingers and partial hands, and those with below elbow limb differences. This resembles a new opportunity to get back into golf, or like Anitha experience it for the first time.
“I knew Koalaa did amazing work and so I wanted to try this. Hitting my first shots, everything felt new but this gave me the focus to try and make some swings, and I really enjoyed it.
“I am now 100% sure I want to try golf with my husband and we have a driving range very near where we live,” she said after her session.
“We know there are many people with arthritis and other conditions who give up golf… we cant to change that”
These innovations also go beyond golf. According to Koalaa’s Chief Operating Officer, Bryan Roberts, they respected a chance for people to take up their hobbies once again.
“We know there are many people with arthritis and other conditions who give up golf – a sport they really love – because the condition can make swinging a club difficult, or painful. Similarly, we know that there are many people with upper body limb differences who want to give golf a try, but finding the right equipment can often be a barrier. We want to change that and it’s a pleasure to be working with EDGA to help make a difference in this space.”
With support from The R&A Foundation, EDGA and Koalaa plan to continue expanding access to golf for those with arthritis and limb differences. These are positive steps in making sure that the that the game, regardless of physical challenges, remains open to everyone.
Hopefully these innovations can mark a new era in golf. And, for golfers like Martin and Anitha, the game might just be within reach again.
