G.A.M.E (Golf, Adaptive, Mobility, Engineered) Support

Inspiration

Watching golfers with disability play on the EDGA circuit has been hugely inspirational and has motivated this project. The fact that only PWDs who can afford a paragolfer (circa €35,000) can fully engage in golf, highlights the double discrimination at play in accessing golf. The fact that young people in wheelchairs in lower socio-economic catchments will possibly never get to feel the impact of a drive down the fairway, a ball hitting the cup, and the satisfaction of a shot well taken, is a harsh reality, that needed to be challenged. Consulting with wheelchair users and building something bespoke for them, has been an eye opening, humbling and rewarding experience. Golf is for ALL.

What it does

G.A.M.E. support will enable people with lower limb disability to practise golf in a specialised supported seated innovation. Wheelchair users will be able to move in the G.A.M.E. support, to an elevated golfing position, whereby they can carry out full swing. It will enable golf to become more accessible to PWDs and also will support older golfers as they age and may become more infirm. Any disabled people with or without golf experience can benefit from this innovation,

How did you build it

We have developed 3 progressive concept simulations at the moment, following user/field research & will shortly progress to full prototype development

Challenges we ran into

No real challenges todate, thankfully, all fully inspired doing the work;

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Proud of our data gathering at EDGA golf event; very proud of our brainstorming, teamwork & stamina over the last 72 hours; proud to be representing para golfers and would be golfers and enabling new pathways to inclusive golf.

What we learned

As a multi-disciplinary team, we have learned lots from each other; we have been completely overwhelmed by the positivity of the para golfers we watched playing and whom we interviewed at the EDGA golf event in Portugal; the importance of sport, competition and social sporting bonds are an essential part of a 'good life', and nobody must be excluded from these experiences.