South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA)

SADGA helps children and golfers with disabilities access golf in South Africa. From first exposure to the game through to competitive opportunities, SADGA plays an important role in making golf more inclusive.

Golf is a wonderful sport for children who need a different kind of pathway into movement, confidence and competition. It can be played at different levels, adapted to different needs, and enjoyed in a way that does not always look the same for every child.

For some junior golfers, that pathway may begin through SADGA, the South African Disabled Golf Association.

SADGA supports golfers with disabilities through development programmes, inclusive golf opportunities and competitive pathways. If your child has a disability and you are wondering whether golf could be possible, SADGA can be a helpful starting point

What is SADGA?

SADGA stands for the South African Disabled Golf Association.

It creates opportunities for golfers with physical disabilities, visual impairments and hearing impairments to learn, play and compete.

Children do not need previous golf experience or their own golf equipment to get started.

How does my child get started with SADGA?

The first step is to complete the relevant medical classification process. This confirms whether your child is eligible for SADGA’s programmes and competitions.

The form or assessment you need depends on your child’s disability:

• Physical disability: The SADGA Medical Eligibility Report must be completed by a registered physiotherapist.
• Visual impairment: The relevant form must be completed by an ophthalmologist.
• Hearing impairment: An audiogram from an audiologist must be submitted.

Once your child’s eligibility has been confirmed, SADGA can place them in an appropriate coaching programme.

The First Swing Program

The First Swing Program introduces children with disabilities to golf through coaching sessions at golf facilities and participating schools.

Children do not need any golf experience or equipment to join.

The Western Cape First Swing Program is based at King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town. Sessions are run by SADGA coach Lize Marie Prinsloo.

SADGA’s head office is also based at King David Mowbray Golf Club.

SADGA currently works with several Western Cape schools, including:

• Astra School
• Mary Kihn School
• Filia School
• Dominican School for Deaf Children
• Thembalethu School
• Eros School

SADGA coaches also visit participating schools to run golf sessions.

A child who is completely new to golf does not need a handicap to begin coaching. The handicap only becomes necessary when the golfer is ready to enter AAGT competitions.

The Pathways Program

The Pathways Program gives golfers with disabilities further opportunities to stay involved in golf.

Depending on the player, this may include continued coaching, recreational golf, mentorship, club golf or preparation for competitive events.

Not every child needs to follow the same route. SADGA can help identify the next suitable step based on the golfer’s ability, interest and goals.

How does the SADGA fits in with other golf bodies in the Western Cape?

Does my child need golf experience to start?

No.

Children can join SADGA without previous golf experience and do not need their own golf clubs to start.

The First Swing Program is specifically designed to introduce children to the game and help them develop from there..

Is SADGA only for competitive golfers?

No.

Some children join SADGA simply to try golf, improve their coordination or enjoy learning a new sport. Others continue into regular coaching, club golf and tournaments.

Competition is available, but it is not the starting requiremen

Useful SADGA contact details

Lily Reich is the contact person for parents in the Western Cape who would like to ask about eligibility, medical classification, coaching or getting their child started.

Where should we start?

If you think SADGA could be relevant for your child, start with the appropriate medical classification form.

Once eligibility has been confirmed, Lily and the SADGA team can help you find the correct Western Cape coaching programme and explain what comes next.