Golf holds a special place in the hearts of many Amplitude readers, and for some amputees, the journey back to the golf course is a notable achievement. While adaptive tournaments and groups such as the National Amputee Golf Association have contributed to the inclusivity of golf, persistent challenges exist in navigating the course with standard golf vehicles.
Addressing this, VertaCat has emerged as a mobility solution, reshaping the golfing experience for those with physical challenges.
VertaCat is an all-terrain mobility vehicle that’s designed for upper- and lower-limb amputees, reinventing how those with limb difference can play golf once again. Its breakthrough adaptive technology supports golfers of all abilities to stand up and comfortably compete on any golf course.
“No matter what type of limb loss you’ve encountered, VertaCat’s technology enables every player to perfect his or her personal, unique style in the game,” notes Tim Nicholson, president of VertaCat. “Golf can be an uplifting and motivational outdoor adventure. Now, amputees who love golf have access to technology that offers a deeply rewarding experience.”
Made in the USA, VertaCat’s electric stand-up assist system provides padded chest, waist, and knee straps that securely lift you into an upright stance where you can grasp a golf club with one or two hands. These straps eliminate slipping and prevent the friction and skin irritation that can occur during raising and lowering.
After consultation with golfers who have continued to enjoy the game after a variety of mobility-limiting circumstances, VertaCat incorporates features tailored to adaptive golfers, including:
- A ‘Get Grounded’ design to position the standing golfer onto the ground for the best possible golfing experience.
- Pivot-in-Place Positioning Technology to enable golfers to maneuver in place to the right position for their swing.
- Anti-jerk acceleration and deceleration that tempers the vehicle’s movement for a jerk-free ride on the course.
- A steepness-warning accelerometer that warns when the VertaCat exceeds a grade of 17 percent or more .
- A 58v lithium phosphate battery that will last for an 18-hole round of golf, even on a hilly course.
VertaCat is equipped with turf-friendly, lightly treaded tires that provide the traction vital to negotiating hills, but they are extra wide and soft so they won’t damage the greens of the golf course.
Golfers with limb loss may also appreciate details such as the fold-out arm rests that move out of the way, steering that accommodates the availability of a single hand, and controls that are easy to shift if you want the joystick at your fingertips on the left versus the right side.
“To be honest, this level of adaptive technology couldn’t be imagined just a few years ago,” admits Nicholson. “We’ll keep striving for a world where mobility limitations will not hamper anyone’s freedom to engage in golf, hunting, fishing, archery, skeet shooting, or other favorite outdoor activities.”
For more information on the VertaCat, Amplitude readers can visit vertacat.com
