Golf isn’t just about perfect swings or course layouts—it’s about creativity, accessibility, and community. Adaptive golf brings the sport within reach for athletes with physical, visual, or other impairments through modified equipment, specialized gear, and inclusive rules.

Adaptive Equipment for Golf

CAF’s adaptive golf equipment resource provides a variety of tools that help make the game playable for more people with diverse abilities.

• Adaptive Golf Clubs — Aside from standard clubs, there are swingless golf clubs (they launch the ball by pulling a trigger and include power mechanisms) and custom clubs fitted virtually or in person to match an athlete’s build or swing preferences.

• Teeing Devices — Tools like the Toss Tee (which always lands upright) or Tee Golf Ball Placers which help place and retrieve tee and ball without bending down.

• Gloves / Grip Devices — Including designs like the Eagle Claw and Quantum Grip, which improve grip, help stabilize swing, or compensate for limited hand strength or dexterity.

• Adaptive Golf Carts — Carts with hand controls, swivel/raised seats for ease of transfer, seat lift or multi-positioning to allow seated or standing swings.

These innovations make the equipment more inclusive without reducing the challenge or skill involved.

Rules, Classification & Modifications

Adaptive golf is governed by more than just gear—there are rules to ensure fairness.

• USGA Rule 25 — Since 2023, Rule 25 of the Rules of Golf automatically applies modifications for players with certain disabilities (blind/visual impairments; amputees; those using mobility devices; and intellectual disabilities). That means eligible players no longer rely on Local Rules for modifications—they’re part of the standard rulebook.

• Modifications include: allowing assistive devices, aids for lining up the shot, help placing or lifting a ball, adapting stance or club anchoring in certain cases.

• US Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) — Offers clinics, tournaments, and rankings for adaptive golfers; helps integrate competition pathways.

Training & Clinics

Adaptive golf training and clinics are growing. Some key examples:

• CAF has partnered with USAGA to host adaptive golf clinics in Northern California at venues like Metropolitan Golf Links and The Olympic Club. These bring together new and experienced players, coaches, and support staff.

• USAGA offers resources, membership, and adaptive golf rankings (USAGR) to help golfers track their improvement and compete.

Skills to Try: Tee Up & Improve

Here are drills and practices you or your coach can try to build adaptive golf skills:

• Grip & Release Drill — Use adaptive grip tools (glove or grip device) to practice the swing without worrying about losing hold of the club.

• Tee Device Practice — Try using a teeing device to place and retrieve the ball to reduce bending or mobility barriers.

• Seated Swing Practice — If using a cart or seated swing, practice for consistency in angle, club path, and follow-through.

• Alignment Aid Drill — Use visual markers or alignment aids (for those with low vision) to help aim the club path and stance.

• Adapted Range Session — Combine shorter clubs, lighter balls, or swingless clubs to warm up, practice distance control, and get familiar with swing feel.

How to Get Involved

• Athletes: Look up adaptive golf clinics through USAGA, CAF, or your local golf clubs. Try a demo day or clinic to test adaptive clubs or carts.

• Course Operators / Clubs: Implement Rule 25 modifications in your tournaments or events. Offer or rent adaptive gear (grip devices, adaptive clubs, carts). Train staff on welcome/inclusion.

• Supporters / Donors: Adaptive golf equipment (swingless power systems, custom clubs, adaptive carts) can be expensive. Funding grants or sponsorships help reduce barriers.

Community & Competition

• The US Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) supports competitive events and ranking systems (USAGR).

• Posting of U.S. Adaptive Opens and championships via USGA have also incorporated Rule 25 and adaptive modifications.

• Local adaptive golf clinics, like those co-hosted by CAF and USAGA in Northern California, are good entry points.

Adaptive golf exemplifies how sport can evolve to include more people without losing integrity or challenge. With the right gear, rule modifications, clinics, and community support, golf becomes accessible for people with many different kinds of impairments.

Whether your first swing is standing, seated, or with a swingless club, what counts is getting out there and playing.

This resource is intended to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained does not reflect an endorsement of these products or companies by CAF.