If you’ve ever stepped out on the course to tee off but wondered, “Why are there 18 holes in golf?” you’re certainly not alone.

Golf has many curious features that make it unique, and having 18 holes is one of the most iconic aspects of the game. But have you ever wondered how and why this specific number became the standard?

In this guide, we’ll look at why a round of golf is made up of 18 holes. We’ll take a history lesson looking back at its origins and how it all started. Plus, we’ll explain why 18 holes continues to be the universally recognised choice for golfers across the world today.

The early days of golf

Golf, as we know it today, has advanced significantly since its early days in 15th-century Scotland. The game started out a lot more basic, played over open land, and with no fixed number of holes. In those early days, golf courses had no standard layout. Instead, players just hit a ball from one point to another. The idea of a ‘hole’ in the modern sense of the word didn’t exist then in the way we understand it today.

As golf became more popular, it was clear that a more structured approach to the game was needed. By the 18th century, golf courses had developed further, and a more standard way of playing the game began. However, the number of holes on a course still hadn’t been set at that point. 

St. Andrews: The Home of Golf

The big change that would give us the 18-hole round came at St. Andrews, the famous venue often referred to as the Home of Golf. St. Andrews, in Scotland, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous golf courses, and it played a huge role in shaping the game as we know it today.

In 1764, the course management team decided to combine the two sets of 12 holes into a single 18-hole course by changing the first four short holes into two holes. Players then had 10 holes, eight of which were played twice, making it more manageable, less repetitive, and far more enjoyable for golfers.

So, the number of holes we know and play today can be linked right back to this decision. When the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) arranged the rules of golf in the 19th century, the 18-hole layout was officially defined as the global standard. With this famous course at the heart of these decisions, 18 holes then became the standard, and the rest of the golfing world would soon follow.

Recognising the 18-hole course across the world

By the time golf reached the US in the late 1800s, the 18-hole round was already widely recognised, particularly in the UK.

In 1892, Chicago Golf Club became the first club in the US to build an 18-hole course, and by the turn of the 20th century, 18 holes had become the universal standard both casually and professionally.

Why does golf have 18 holes?

Now that we know the historical background, let’s look at the technical reasons why a round of golf has 18 holes.

As golf courses were designed around the world, the 18-hole round became the ideal format for several reasons.

• Firstly, 18 holes is enough to test a golfer’s skill, endurance, and strategy.
• The layout also allows for a steady flow of play, with the first nine holes being a warm-up and the second nine becoming more challenging to finish.
• Timing also plays a key role. A full round of golf generally takes around four hours to complete, making it a good length for both casual players and professional tournaments. 

The combination of difficulty and enjoyment is another reason why the 18-hole round is so popular and rarely disputed.

Golf today

Golf has changed in many ways over the years, but the 18-hole round has remained the same ever since it was introduced. It’s one of the main qualities that defines golf, from professional competitions to casual rounds with friends at the weekend.

While there are still courses with fewer holes (9-hole courses, for example) and special formats for certain events (like the Ryder Cup), the 18-hole round remains the standard.

The reason is simple: it works. 

The article below was written by Steve Carroll of National Club Golfer.

Eavesdrop a post-round clubhouse conversation and it’s likely you’ll hear golfers talking about the greens. For good or otherwise, the way we perceive how the putting surfaces perform during a round often defines our experience.

Helping golf clubs to prepare and maintain greens is a crucial part of Adam Newton’s role as championship agronomy manager at The R&A. “It’s where championships are won and lost,” he says.

It’s a job that sees him work with host venue greenkeeping teams at R&A Championship Venues, including The Open, AIG Women’s Open and Amateur Championships, as well as clubs like yours.

This year, The R&A are staging championships at courses from Conwy and Gog Magog to Leopard Creek in South Africa and Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore.

But wherever an event is being staged, regardless of size or infrastructure, the principles of excellence remain. We asked him for some key pointers to help us understand how greens are prepared at the highest level.

How does The R&A help prepare greens at their championships?

We work with clubs for years before an event

We start preparing for the next Open as soon as the last putt drops at the current venue. We’ve got a constantly evolving agronomic plan.

With other venues, which might have been announced as hosts two to three years out from the championship, we’ll start working with them from that point. That might be a historic venue, so we’ll have a good head start, or it might be a new one.

We’ll do an initial visit, identify key objectives and collaborate closely with the greenkeeping team on formulating an agronomic plan to take forward. It is a truly collaborative effort, and the plans put in place extend focus beyond the championship and to a sustainable future at the venue.

As we get closer to the championship, we will focus on adding the final polish to the golf course and really dialling in playing performance. This will involve ensuring the feeding strategy is right, refining the texture of the surfaces and achieving optimal consistency from green to green.

We make the greens the priority

A great deal of consideration will go into how the greens are set up by our course set up team, and their objectives will differ greatly depending on the genre of golf being played (whether that’s men’s or women’s, juniors or seniors) and the style and design of the course. The weather conditions at the time of the championship will also play a huge role.

In terms of green speed targets, this will depend on many factors, such as the slope, size and difficulty of the greens and also exposure to the elements (especially wind). We generally keep green speeds sensible at 10-11ft and really focus on the consistency between greens. If the wind blows, we will bring speeds down.

One factor to consider is that excessive green speeds will mean that we lose all the interesting hole locations on greens and there will also be a considerable impact on the pace of play.

The firmness of greens presents perhaps the greatest challenge to players and our targets will differ between different genres of golfer due to differences in hitting distances, spin rates, trajectories and also the design of green complexes.

We study speed and firmness closely

Firmness is a measure of the interaction between the ball and turf upon impact with the surface. A firm green will place a real emphasis on accurate ball striking. A softer surface will be more receptive and less challenging, with the ball stopping quickly upon impact.

Green speed is how the ball travels across the surface when putting and chipping. The speed of the surface and the firmness, though they’re interlinked, are quite different.

Sometimes the hardest challenge is correlating the two. Getting firmness into the surface is about the core agronomy of the greens. It’s how the soils underneath are performing and how much moisture is being held.

If organic matter is well managed, you have good drainage properties beneath the green and fine, deep rooted grass species dominating the surface, then you are in a position to dry the greens down heading into a championship. As you dry the greens down, they get firmer.

If the correct agronomy isn’t in place, there will be a limit on how far you can dry the greens down. With green speeds, it’s all about managing the grass plant at the surface.

Getting the texture of the turf right will be a key element and we can influence this by different mowing strategies. Rolling can also be a useful way of adding polish to the surfaces, although we mostly focus on mowing at the championships as that will give us the most consistent performance.

We are watchful for diseases

The challenges we have at championships are the same that everybody is having. Climate change coupled with the impact of pesticide legislation is presenting increasing challenges.

An example of the impact of climate change in the UK is the disease Dollar Spot. This was rarely seen a few years ago and was mostly confined to warmer climates but we are now seeing it frequently on our shores. It’s very aggressive and targets some of the best grass species and can be difficult to control.

Fairy rings are also a challenge. As we dry the greens down to achieve firm playing conditions at the championships, we can often trigger fairy ring activity. Fairy rings are a natural sight on most links courses but it is important that we ensure that symptoms are only cosmetic and not impacting playing surfaces.

Turfgrass pests are also incredibly challenging and warmer winters are seeing greater survival rates of grubs like leatherjackets and chafers. Changes to pesticide legislation also mean that it is much more challenging to control these pests.

We have all these challenges at championships and we handle them the same way you would at any venue.

Whether it is turfgrass diseases or pests, we need a holistic and sustainable approach to their management, incorporating a blend of cultural, biological and chemical control strategies. Research and education are also really important parts of us getting better and better at managing these challenges – both of which we are committed to at The R&A.

All sports have their own customs and accepted behaviours, but proper etiquette is especially important in golf. Good manners and thoughtful play will make sure your games run smoothly, but will also help ensure you don’t negatively impact anyone else’s round and make a bad name for yourself in the process.

Whilst the rules of golf are officially stated, golf etiquette often isn’t. Some clubs may have written rules of etiquette, but often, the behaviour and good manners expected of players are more ‘unwritten rules’. But if you’re unsure about proper etiquette in golf, we can help. To make sure you don’t commit any faux pas and that your golfing etiquette is up to the tee, in this blog, we explain the 10 most important examples of proper golf etiquette in the UK.

1. Respect the pace of play

Golf is generally a gently-paced game, but playing too slowly can frustrate groups behind you and disrupt the rhythm of others. Keeping up with the group ahead (not just staying ahead of the group behind) is key.

Do:

• Be ready to play when it’s your turn
• Try to take no more than 60 seconds for your shot once you’re set
• Keep an eye on your ball as it lands to avoid time-consuming searches

Don’t:

• Take excessive practice swings
• Engage in long conversations on the tee box when it’s your turn to hit
• Spend too long looking for lost balls (the rules of golf allow just three minutes to search)

Tip: If you’re holding up the ground behind you, invite them to play through.

2. Dress appropriately for the club

Golf clubs typically have a dress code that reflects the tradition of the game and that club. While some are relaxing standards, many still expect a neat and tidy appearance, and certain items of clothing may be prohibited. Golf attire etiquette is often just as important as golf course etiquette.

Do:

• Check the club’s website or call ahead if unsure about dress expectations
• If in doubt, wear  collared golf shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, and proper golf shoes
• Wear golf-appropriate outerware (jumpers, vest, waterproofs) in poor weather

Don’t:

• Turn up in other sporting clothes like football shirts or gym wear. Don’t wear denim jeans, T-shirts, or cargo shorts unless you’re absolutely sure items like these are allowed. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution
• Wear hats indoors, especially in the clubhouse
• Assume that what you wear at your home course applies elsewhere

Tip: If in doubt, overdress. A smart appearance always leaves a good impression, and it’s better to overdress than underdress.

3. Be quiet and still while others are playing

Concentration is critical in golf. Sudden noises, movement, or conversations during a swing can disrupt focus and cause poor shots or even accidents.

Do:

• Stand still and remain quiet when someone is addressing the ball
• Switch your phone to silent mode
• Be mindful of how close you’re standing to other players

Don’t:

• Rustle in your bag, chat, or fidget during another player’s turn
• Walk across someone’s putting line
• Take phone calls on the course

4. Take care of the course

Every golfer has a responsibility to leave the course as they found it. Repairing damage helps preserve playing conditions for others and shows respect for the hard work of the greenkeepers.

Do:

• Repair pitch marks on the green
• Replace divots on the fairway
• Rake bunkers thoroughly after playing out of them

Don’t:

• Walk in bunkers unnecessarily or leave them un-raked
• Drag your trolley or buggy across tees, greens, or fringes
• Leave litter, broken tees, or any other items on the course

Tip: Keep a pitch mark repair tool in your pocket at all times. It’s a small tool and a quick act to repair imperfections in the green, but it’s a polite gesture that can make a big difference.

5. Use golf buggies responsibly

Good golf buggy etiquette is essential, as buggies can cause considerable damage to fairways and greens if used incorrectly. Many courses have strict rules about buggy use, especially in wet conditions, and it pays to be aware of them.

Do:

• Stick to paths where provided
• Obey all signage and course-specific buggy rules
• Drive slowly and cautiously, especially near tees and greens

Don’t:

• Drive on greens, tees, or between bunkers and greens
• Take shortcuts across fairways or sensitive ground
• Allow children or unlicensed players to operate buggies

Tip: If walking whilst carrying your golf bag isn’t an option, consider a pull trolley as a gentler alternative to a buggy.

6. Know when it’s your turn and be ready

Being ready to play when it’s your turn cuts down on lost time, helps maintain the pace of your round, and shows consideration for your fellow golfers.

Do:

• Begin lining up your shot or reading putts while others are playing (without distracting them)
• Be ready on the tee or green as soon as it’s your turn
• Watch where other players’ balls land to speed up play

Don’t:

• Wait until it’s your turn to start thinking about club selection or distance
• Wander away from your ball and hold up the group
• Argue or debate shots at length. Sometimes, it’s better to be gracious and concede a point in order to stop play from slowing down too much

Tip: Modern golf encourages “Ready Golf”, a pace-friendly approach where players hit when safe and ready rather than strictly waiting for honours.

7. Show good sportsmanship

Golf is rooted in integrity and self-regulation. Courtesy, honesty, and fair play are hallmarks of good golfers, and showing sportsmanship will help you build a good reputation for yourself.

Do:

• Congratulate opponents on goof shots
• Accept rulings gracefully, and don’t dwell on poor shots or other mishaps. Try to remain optimistic and cheerful no matter how badly your round is going
• Shake hands at the end of the round

Don’t:

• Celebrate opponents’ mistakes
• Cheat in any way, such as by improving your lie or miscounting strokes
• Lose your temper. Clubs should never be thrown or slammed, and allowing yourself to slip into a bad mood can affect the people you’re playing with

Tip: Remember, how you conduct yourself when things aren’t going well says more about you than when they are.

8. Be considerate in the clubhouse

The clubhouse is part of golf’s social fabric. Observing polite and thoughtful behaviour off the course is just as important as good golf etiquette during the round.

Do:

• Clean your shoes and clubs before entering the clubhouse
• Remove hats and waterproofs before entering the bar or dining area
• Use quiet and respectful language around others

Don’t:

• Bring muddy trolleys or wet gear into indoor areas
• Argue loudly about your round or other players
• Bring up unwelcome topics of conversation, such as politics or airing other potentially unwelcome views

Tip: Remember, being a polite and well-liked golfer depends on your behaviour in the clubhouse just as much as it does on the course.

9. Understand local rules and formats

As well as basic golf etiquette, courses often have their own rules to protect the landscape, manage safety, and streamline play. Being familiar with them ensures you don’t unintentionally break etiquette. If you’re playing a specific format of golf, making sure you understand how it works will ensure you don’t slow down play and frustrate others.

Do:

• Read the local rules board before starting your round
• Ask about preferred lies, drop zones, or winter rules if unclear
• Understand the format you’re playing by researching it online

Don’t:

• Assume every course plays the same
• Challenge the starter or marshal on rules
• Play a golf format you haven’t played before without familiarising yourself with the rules beforehand

Tip: If playing in a society or club competition, make sure you know the rules of that day’s format.

10. Avoid common golfing faux pas

Even experienced golfers occasionally commit etiquette blunders. These are some of the most common UK golf etiquette mishaps to be aware of and avoid:

Don’t:

• Stand directly behind someone on the tee or green
• Walk across the line of another player’s putt
• Forget to shout “Fore!” if your ball may be at risk of hitting someone
• Leave your bag or trolley in front of the green, delaying the next group
• Hit into the group ahead before they’re out of range (even if they’re slow)

Tip: When in doubt, be cautious and courteous.

Embracing golf etiquette and tradition

Whilst golf is a game that’s always evolving, it’s still a sport steeped in tradition and history. Adhering to golfing etiquette won’t just make you a well-liked player, but it will allow you to experience some of that history, too.

The article below was written by Rachael Tibbs of National Club Golfer.

Sports massage therapy can offer many benefits to golfers during the season. With the increased amount of play and competition, this can take its toll on your body and muscles. 

Muscle aches and pains can develop through the season, which can lead to inhibited movement and disrupt the flow of your golf swing. 

Playing golf in pain or fear of injury can reduce performance and negatively impact your enjoyment of the game. In the event of severe pain during and after a round, this can stop you from playing.

Here I highlight some of the key benefits of sports massage to you and your golf.

1. Improve range of motion and flexibility

Repetitive strain, poor posture and body mechanics are common problems for all athletes; including and most commonly in amateur golfers. Trigger points (taut bands of tissue in muscles) can develop due to these problems and can further reduce movement and flexibility; as well as cause tenderness and pain. Massage can help to deactivate these trigger points and allow for more movement and flexibility about the muscle. Resulting in increased range of motion and flexibility; in the back, shoulder and hips which is important for a powerful and efficient golf swing.

2. Reduce potential injury prevention and pain

An increase in muscle tenseness can come from repetitive strain through physical activity and limitations in movement. Amateur golfers are less efficient in their movement patterns which contributes to a more efficient, repetitive and consistent golf swing. It is therefore more obvious that amateur golfers are prone to specific injuries pertaining to golf; such as lower back and shoulder.

With movement limitations comes the increase of strain on specific body areas that pick up the work not being carried out by immobile joints. This creates more tension that builds up and can result in further reduction in movement, increased tension and pain; and potential injury. 

Sports massage helps to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which plays a significant role in regulating pain responses and potentially reducing pain levels. Massage also creates relaxation of the body and can help to reduce tension in the muscle which helps to alleviate pain and other symptoms, which can lead to increased performance and enjoyment of the game.

3. Improve recovery time

Golf can be hard on the body, especially when you’re playing a lot with little time between rounds to recover. Recovery massages are a great way to help the body repair and recover from a succession of strenuous rounds or multi-round competition.

A recovery massage aims to improve circulation and promote muscular and general relaxation. This can help to get your body feeling back to its best so you are fresh and swinging free before your next round or competition.

4. Stress reduction and increased mental alertness

As well as physiological changes, sports massage can produce many psychological benefits to athletes and golfers. Massage interplays with the body and mind and relaxation of the body reduces stress levels as per the parasympathetic nervous system. This can allow for reduction of stress which then promotes better focus and concentration. Massage can help with better mental clarity and decision making on the golf course. Helping you to have a more positive reaction to poor shots and performance, remaining calm in pressurised situations and better shot decision making. All these factors can contribute to better on course performance and lower scores.

How often should I have a sports massage?

Initially if you are experiencing tension or pain in a specific area, depending on the tension in the muscles and connective tissues it may take a course of sessions over a period of weeks / months to alleviate the symptoms. 

However once specific areas have been addressed it is encouraged to enter into a maintenance programme. This can be performed every 4-8 weeks depending on other factors to ensure that tension doesn’t build up and previous symptoms do not increase to a state of debilitation. A regular sports massage can help to ensure that you continue to feel and perform at your best.

If you believe your body and golf can benefit from sports massage then seek your local sports massage therapist. 

Golf can be a game of fine details, and one of the details that can seriously impact your performance is the length of your golf clubs. It might sound trivial at first, but knowing how to measure golf club length correctly can make a significant difference to your game.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, measuring your club length properly can help improve your swing, consistency, and overall game.

In this guide, we’ll explain the tools and methods you’ll need, common mistakes people make, and why measuring your clubs is so important.

Why measuring your golf club length matters

Before looking at how to measure golf club length, let’s take a minute to talk about why it matters. Having the right club length is essential because it affects your posture, swing technique, and ball striking. A club that’s too short or too long can force you into awkward positions, leading to bad shots or even injury. If the club length is off, it’s like trying to play a piano with your fingers taped together—everything becomes more difficult.

The wrong golf club length can disrupt your swing plane, causing inconsistency in ball contact and missed shots. However, by getting the measurements right, you can ensure that your body stays in the correct position to hit the ball cleanly and consistently.

Now that we understand its importance, let’s look at how to measure the length of a golf club correctly.

Tools you need for measuring golf club length

To measure your golf clubs accurately, you’ll need the right tools. Luckily, these are easy to find and usually don’t cost a lot. You’ll need:

• Flat surface: Accurate measurements require a level surface, such as a table or floor.
• Measuring tape or ruler: You’ll need a tape measure or a ruler.
• Golf club length gauge: For ultimate accuracy, you can buy a golf club length gauge. This tool is specifically designed to measure golf club length, making measuring easier and more reliable.
• Helper (optional): While not essential, having someone assist you in holding the club steady while you measure is helpful.

What is the right way to measure golf club length?

Now, let’s get into the ins and outs of how to measure a golf club step by step.

Step 1: Put the club on a flat surface

Place your golf club on a flat, level surface. The club should be placed with the shaft pointing straight up and the head resting on the ground. The club must be straight, not bent, and should lie as naturally as possible.

Step 2: Measure from the ground to the top of the grip

For this step, you need to measure from the ground up to the top of the grip, not the bottom of the grip. Start at the ground where the clubhead touches, then measure to the top of the grip. Be sure to follow the shaft closely and avoid any bends.

Here’s an extra tip: The shaft should be placed straight, and the club should be in its natural playing position. You want to measure the effective length of the club, so don’t overcompensate for slight angles.

Step 3: Check the standard measurements

Once you have your measurement, compare it to the standard club length for your type of club. Standard club lengths differ based on the type of club:

• Driver: 43-45 inches
• Irons: 36-39 inches (depending on the iron)
• Putters: 33-35 inches
• Wedges: 35-36 inches

These are general guidelines, but they can vary depending on the manufacturer or your personal preference.

Step 4: Adjust as needed

If you’re finding that your clubs are too long or too short, it may be time for some adjustments. Sometimes, the right length will depend on factors such as your height, arm length, and swing style. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get a professional fitting at a local pro shop or golf retailer.

Different golf club types

Not all clubs are measured the same way, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements for different club types. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Driver and woods: When measuring the length of your driver or any other wood club, you want to measure from the heel of the clubhead, where the shaft enters the clubhead, to the top of the grip. A driver’s length is often one of the most important factors in achieving maximum distance, so it’s important to get it right.
• Irons and wedges: Irons are measured similarly, but since the shaft angle is different, the lengths tend to be a bit shorter. Wedges are generally more consistent in length, with only slight variations depending on the loft of the club.
• Putters: The length of your putter is usually one of the more personal preferences. Some golfers prefer a longer putter for better stability, while others may prefer something shorter for control. It’s important to make sure you have a comfortable putting stance.

Common mistakes make when measuring golf club length

It’s easy to make mistakes when measuring your clubs, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Here are a few common errors to try and avoid:

• Not measuring from the ground up: Make sure you start your measurement from where the clubhead touches the ground. This is where the club length begins, and any variation can throw off your results.
• Measuring the wrong part of the grip: You want to measure up to the top of the grip, not the bottom.
• Measuring at an angle: Ensure the shaft is as straight as possible. Even slightly angled shafts can throw off the length, which can make a big difference in your game.
• Custom fitting: Many players overlook the fact that they may need a customised club length. Height, swing technique, and posture all play a significant role in determining the right club length.

How club length affects your golf swing and game

When you get the right measurement, it’s not just about comfort; it’s about performance. A golf club that’s too long is harder to control, which can lead to inconsistent shots. A club that’s too short can force you to hunch over or reach too far, leading to poor shots and possible back strain.

Here’s how it can affect different aspects of your game:

• Swing path: The wrong length can alter the path of your swing, making it harder to follow through.
• Ball contact: If the club is too long or too short, it can throw you off balance and make it difficult to hit the ball squarely.
• Posture: If you bend too much or stretch too far, your posture will suffer, making it harder to keep a stable, balanced stance throughout your swing.

How to measure golf club length correctly

The key takeaway from this guide is to use the right tools, measure accurately, and understand how the correct length affects your game. It might seem like a small detail, but it could make a world of difference in your swing and overall performance.

If you’re not confident in your measurements or feel like your clubs aren’t performing as well as they could be, it’s always worth getting a professional fitting done. Many golf retailers and pro shops offer custom fitting services that can help you choose the perfect club length based on your body type and swing style.

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.