Golf is open to all
Golf for the Disabled
EDGA celebrates 25 years of transforming golf and opening the sport to all
24 Nov 25
6 mins
EDGA (the European Disabled Golf Association) is celebrating 25 years of advancing inclusion in golf with trusted partners and supporters, marking a quarter-century of progress that has changed opportunities for individuals with disability and helped reshape the landscape of the sport.
From its grassroots beginnings in 1997, when a small group of pioneers from Sweden, France, the UK and the Netherlands united behind a shared vision, EDGA has grown into the respected international authority on inclusive golf. What began as a simple idea, that everyone should have the chance to enjoy the game, has evolved into an international movement that sees EDGA supporting leading bodies like The R&A, the DP World Tour and the European Golf Association in the collective bid to make golf truly open to all.Celebrating the people behind the progress
As EDGA reflects on 25 years of milestones, the not-for-profit organisation recognises the hundreds of volunteers, professionals and partners whose dedication has driven its progress. From tournament organisation and governance to coaching, medical leadership, classification, communications and player support, their collective effort has helped countless individuals with disability experience the health, social and personal benefits of golf.
EDGA has grown from a grassroots organisation to an international authority on inclusive golf.
“Our story has always been about people,” said Tony Bennett, President of EDGA (2014–present). “We have never chased the spotlight but we have worked and served with purpose, often behind the scenes, to build systems, share expertise and then gift those assets to the wider game. That’s what makes EDGA unique.
“We have helped create an environment where people with disabilities now have genuine opportunities to enjoy golf in their own way. At this time, our team will reflect on the work done before redoubling our efforts. The future will be equally as important.”
From vision to global influence
Over the past 25 years, EDGA has helped turn inclusive golf from a local initiative into a worldwide movement:- 1997–2000: The foundation years saw the creation of the first definitions of impairment, the official formation of EDGA, and the launch of the inaugural European Championship.
- 2000-2013: The definitions of impairment continued to develop, and EDGA’s coaching and education framework commenced with the support of the Ryder Cup Trust Fund that brought together coaches, players and scientists.
- 2014-2018: EDGA created and introduced the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), welcomed federations from beyond Europe, and supported the growth of inclusive international championships.
- 2019–2023: Working closely with the DP World Tour and The R&A, EDGA helped establish the G4D Tour and supported the first G4D Open at Woburn, while contributing to Rule 25 in the Rules of Golf and the EDUGOLF initiative to improve accessibility across the sport.
- 2024–2025: Working with over 50 national federations and 12 Professional Golf Associations, EDGA now supports more than 120 tournaments annually, trains ever greater numbers of PGA professionals and helps golf facilities to welcome with confidence individuals with disability to their clubs. Every day, more people with disability are discovering the joy, the sense of achievement and sense of belonging that golf can bring.
Along with the DP World Tour and The R&A, EDGA helped establish the G4D Tour and have supported The G4D Open since it started in 2023.
Pioneering change and a global welcome
EDGA’s medical and classification leadership has created fair, evidence-based standards that underpin competition across the world. Through education, outreach, and partnerships with organisations such as The R&A and the Confederation of Professional Golf, EDGA has equipped coaches, clubs and federations with the understanding and tools to welcome every player. Initiatives such as the book “MULLIGAN: Tough Love and Second Chances”, its sister 44-minute documentary, called simply “MULLIGAN”, and films “Living Our Best Lives” and the recent “You Can” campaign have shared the stories of golfers whose lives have been changed by the sport, reaching new audiences and showing what’s possible when golf opens its doors to everyone.The team at EDGA champions, and cares about, people. As a body, it seeks to welcome every person with a disability, in every country, and continues to work with national federations and organisations to make golf open to all.
“At the end of the day, this is about individuals,” added Bennett. “Whether someone is competing internationally, playing with friends, or rolling a ball in hospital as part of recovery, we want golf to be one of their options. It’s about choice, connection, and joy. Every day, more people are finding what golf can bring to their lives.”
To mark this 25-year milestone, EDGA has created a commemorative book celebrating the people, moments and achievements that have defined its journey, a tribute to those who made inclusion possible and an inspiration for the years ahead.
EDGA thanks The R&A, the DP World Tour, PING, RSM and Srixon for their excellent and thoughtful support as its valued partners. Twenty-five years ago, few could have imagined where the sport would be today. Looking forward, EDGA hopes that everyone, from players and coaches to governing bodies, continues to push so that golf truly becomes a game for all.
View more information at: www.edgagolf.com.