Walmley Golf Club and Walmley Golf Foundation have announced the launch of the UK’s first artificial putting green designed specifically for people with disabilities, furthering the inclusivity of golf.
This innovative development allows those with mobility needs, such as wheelchair users or those who use walking aids, to enjoy the sport with greater ease and accessibility.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to make golf more inclusive, especially since the 2023 census indicates that 25% of households include at least one person with a disability.
By offering an artificial putting green accessible to everyone, Walmley Golf Club and the Walmley Golf Foundation are opening new opportunities for a broader range of people to experience the physical, social, and mental health benefits that golf provides.
As part of this movement to encourage people with disabilities to take up golf, the Walmley Golf Foundation offers extended funded sessions for those with extra mobility needs, inviting anyone from any background to try the sport.
To celebrate the launch, Walmley Golf Club will host two open days in 2024, with the first scheduled for Thursday, May 23, from 12:00 to 14:30, and the second on Tuesday, August 27.
Local role models promoting diversity and inclusivity will be in attendance during these events.
A highlight of the day will be the “Big Chip-In Challenge,” where participants will attempt to replicate the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, USA, with role models raising up to £250 for each successful shot.
The event is a ticketed occasion to ensure safety, but it promises to be an excellent opportunity to promote inclusivity in golf and welcome new people into the sport.
Lesley Robbins, Chairman of the Walmley Golf Foundation CIC, highlighted the club’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We have worked together over the past four years to fund nearly £100,000 of new infrastructure.
This includes a covered practice range with heating and lights, an indoor practice studio, and now the crowning glory, an artificial short-game area. All of this has been achieved through fundraising and grants.
We want to change the lives of people who may feel isolated in our community and show how inclusive golf can be.”
Pauline Reid, a local golfer and Walmley Golf Club member, shared her experience as a person with a disability.
“As a person who is disabled, I am made aware of barriers to a lot of activities. So, when I was invited to attend a women’s taster class in golf, I accepted, but only with the expectation that I’d be observing and networking.
Instructor Sam Stuart, however, helped me see beyond the barriers; showing me that golf can indeed accommodate people with disabilities,” she said.
“Upon joining, the club had my comfort as their main priority; ordering adjustment items such as an automatic tee-up dispenser.
Building upon their advocacy of accessible golf, Walmley Golf Club has adapted part of their natural grass green to artificial, for a chipping/putting green – with the understanding that navigating natural grasses can be difficult for mobility-related disability – improving their accessibility inclusivity. This is a great stride forward for the club.”
England Golf’s Club, County & Membership Director, Matt Draper, also emphasized the importance of this launch, “England Golf are thrilled to see the opening of the UK’s first disability-designed artificial putting green.
Walmley’s commitment as an advocate of ensuring golf is accessible to everyone is a key asset to the local community and I am sure this launch will help bring new people to the sport who previously may have felt they couldn’t participate.”
The UK’s first disability-designed artificial putting green is a major step toward inclusivity in golf, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in and enjoy the sport.
This revolutionary initiative is part of England Golf’s “Respect in Golf” movement, designed to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the sport.
From 15-17 May, the G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Open takes place at Woburn Golf Club.
Held in partnership between The R&A and the DP World Tour and supported by EDGA, the competition features nine sport classes across multiple impairment groups, with players representing 19 countries.
A field of 80 male and female amateur and professional golfers will compete over 54 holes at the Duchess Course across sport classes which cover various categories in Standing, Intellectual, Visual and Sitting.
Spectators are encouraged to attend at Woburn for The G4D Open, with attendance and car parking free of charge.
Through these efforts, Walmley Golf Club and the Walmley Golf Foundation are setting a positive example for other clubs and organizations throughout the UK, demonstrating that golf can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability or background.
For more information on the open days or funded sessions, interested parties can visit www.walmleygolfacademy.com or contact roberterobbins1962@gmail.com.
Additionally, to learn about the new revolutionary artificial surface and design, reach out to will.alsop@huxleygolf.co.uk.
The English Open for Golfers with a Disability takes place between 25-26 June at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club in Essex. Find out more by clicking here.
