A disability golf programme at the Home of Golf is set to return – with a special offering for junior golfers.
St Andrews Links Trust is expanding the initiative, launched earlier this year, with a new five-week block of sessions beginning in early November. Specially tailored coaching for those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities will be provided by professionals at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.
For the first time, a junior-only programme will run as part of the initiative for those aged 15 and under as the Links Trust looks to expand its offering for golfers living with disabilities.
The sessions will create a safe and welcoming space for participants to learn the fundamentals of the game or develop their existing skills, with golfers of all levels welcome to sign up.
Jim Gales is a blind golfer who took part in the programme over the summer. He said: “I had a truly fantastic time participating in the disability coaching sessions. It was incredibly enriching to explore different coaching styles from seasoned professionals, connect with new faces, and gain a deeper understanding of various disabilities. I especially appreciated that the coaches kept things simple. For disabled amateur golfers too many instructions can be overwhelming. One of the standout highlights was definitely strengthening my golf skills and swing.”
The disability golf programme is part of the Links Trust work to increase access to golf and the world leading facilities and courses in St Andrews. Earlier this year, The Trust launched The Drive, offering Scottish golfers the chance to play on the courses for significantly reduced prices, including the historic Old Course.
The five-week programme will cater for all experience levels, with separate sessions for beginners/those with limited experience and regular players/those with more experience. Sessions are priced at £10 per session, payable as a £50 block, with class sizes capped at six participants to maximise individual coaching time. Across the five weeks, lessons will focus on all aspects of the game, with the final session taking place on the Balgove Course, followed by refreshments at the Eden Clubhouse.
David Watt, Head of Golf Academy at St Andrews Links, said: “We are committed to widening access to golf and our incredible facilities in St Andrews, and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who participated in our Disability Golf Programme in the summer we are thrilled to be expanding the initiative. We believe that golf is a game for everyone, and we’re proud to be creating further opportunities for people to enjoy the game here at the Home of Golf ensuring that every individual feels supported, regardless of background or ability.”
The November programme follows the success of the inaugural summer block, delivered in July and August , which welcomed 16 participants with a wide range of disabilities. This included amputees, those with visual and hearing impairments, those with autism, cerebral palsy, and more. Across eight weeks, participants developed new skills, built confidence, and embraced the opportunity to be part of a supportive group.