From junior clinics to professional training, these efforts have not only expanded access to the game but also transformed lives through sports, social connection, and personal growth.
Between 2020 and 2023 (still compiling 2024), more than 100,000 participants with physical and intellectual disabilities were welcomed into golf programming by six national organizations that have chosen to share this information: PGA Jr. League, Special Olympics LPGA Girls Golf, LPGA Professionals, First Tee, and the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA).
Their collective mission to grow the game inclusively is reflected in both the reach and diversity of their engagement.
First Tee leads the field with more than 26,700 participants, emphasizing both physical and intellectual inclusion. In the past year alone, First Tee chapters at 4,500 program locations reported a total of 10,344 participants between the ages of 5 to 18 years old including 8,792 participants with intellectual, cognitive or sensory impairments and 1,552 with mobility impairments.
Their adaptive programs and local chapters have worked tirelessly to remove barriers to participation for youth with disabilities.
Similarly, Special Olympics has doubled its outreach year over year, culminating in nearly 17,000 participants in the United States over four years, a clear sign of their commitment to competitive and community-driven golf experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD).
LPGA Professionals and LPGA Girls Golf programs have been particularly successful in empowering girls and women with disabilities to find belonging in a traditionally male-dominated sport. With more than 9,400 participants, these programs have shown how adaptive golf instruction, mentorship, and community support can foster confidence and athletic growth in young female players.
PGA Jr. League, although smaller in scale, has steadily increased participation to nearly 1,800 individuals over the period, demonstrating sustainable growth in youth-focused adaptive programs. Their emphasis on early-stage development ensures that children with disabilities have access to foundational skills and inclusive team experiences from an early age.
Meanwhile, the USAGA continues to serve as a resource for instructional programming and has advised more than 50 associated member organizations reaching new golfers with disabilities across the country. They also facilitate advanced coaching and paths to competitions and play a vital role in elevating adaptive golf across the country.
These numbers reflect more than just growth; they signify a cultural shift within the sport. Golf, once seen as a sport with limited accessibility, is now actively reaching out to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, has a place on the course.
The expansion of these programs is a result of increased collaboration among national governing bodies, nonprofits, sponsors, and local communities. With tailored instruction, accessible equipment, and inclusive policies, these programs are not just changing perceptions; they’re building a new generation of athletes who see the game of golf as theirs to play.
As these organizations continue to innovate and expand their reach, one thing is certain: the future of golf is inclusive, and the movement is well underway. While these numbers represent the work being delivered by national programs, across the country, hundreds of grassroots organizations are contributing to the game’s growth by supporting individuals with disabilities.
One such organization is the Scottish Rite for Children in Texas, which has delivered specialized golf instruction to more than 225 children with physical disabilities over the last three years.
According to Alliance Executive Director, Dave Barton, PGA, “We are extremely appreciative of the organizations that willingly share participation information with the Alliance. What this snapshot shows is a large number of golfers with disabilities of all age groups learning to play golf and certainly contributing an economic benefit to golf facilities around the country that has yet to be quantified. The Alliance is hopeful that with interested industry partners we can move towards research that will show this impact.”
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf will continue its research efforts to track the participation and progress of these national programs and inspire other organizations to share their information through this grassroots data collection initiative.