Walmley Golf Club and Walmley Golf Foundation have launched the UK’s first disability-designed artificial putting green.
The launch, which is set to take place later this month, allows people with extra mobility needs, such as wheelchairs or walking aids, the ability to access the sport for the first time.
With 25% of households including at least one person with a disability according to the 2023 census, the move revolutionises the opportunities available for everyone to feel the physical, social and mental health benefits that golf provides.
As part of the initiative to promote those with disabilities to get into golf, The Walmley Golf Foundation is offering players across the Midlands extended funded sessions, meaning anyone with extra mobility needs from any background has the opportunity to give the sport a try.
To celebrate the opening, Walmley will host two open days in 2024, starting on Thursday May 23 (noon-2.30pm) with an additional open day on Tuesday August 27. The opening day will also feature the Big Chip-In Challenge recreating the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, with role models raising up to £250 per successful shot. Both events are ticketed.
The opening of the UK’s first disability-designed putting green encompasses England Golf’s Respect in Golf movement, which aims to inspire, promote and create greater understanding and embracement of equality, diversity and inclusion within the sport. The movement is designed to bring people into golf from all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds, allowing everyone to reap the benefits of golf.
Lesley Robbins, chairman of the Walmley Golf Foundation CIC, said: “We have worked together over the past four years to fund nearly £100,000 of new infrastructure. This includes a covered practice range with heating and lights, an indoor practice studio and now the crowning glory, an artificial short-game area. All of this has been achieved through fundraising and grants. We want to change the lives of people who may feel isolated in our community and show how inclusive golf can be.”
Walmley Golf Club member Pauline Reid added: “As a person who is disabled, I am made aware of barriers to a lot of activities. So, when I was invited to attend a women’s taster class in golf, I accepted, but only with the expectation that I’d be observing and networking. Instructor Sam Stuart, however, helped me see beyond the barriers – showing me that golf can indeed accommodate people with disabilities. Upon joining, the club had my comfort as their main priority, ordering adjustment items such as an automatic tee-up dispenser. Building upon their advocacy of accessible golf, Walmley has adapted part of their natural grass green to artificial, for a chipping/putting green – with the understanding that navigating natural grasses can be difficult for mobility-related disability – improving their accessibility inclusivity. This is a great stride forward for the club.”
Matt Draper – club, county & membership director at England Golf – said: “England Golf are thrilled to see the opening of the UK’s first disability-designed artificial putting green. Walmley’s commitment as advocates of ensuring golf is accessible to everyone is a key asset to the local community and I am sure this launch will help bring new people to the sport who previously may have felt they couldn’t participate. This aligns with our Respect in Golf and It’s All Golf initiatives, ensuring that anyone of any age, gender or background can enjoy the sport along with the physical and mental health benefits it brings.”
Dr Roger Hawkes of the EDGA/G4D, European Golfers Association / Golf 4 Disabled Tour added: “Walmley and the foundation are an amazing example of how we as a golfing society can change the pathway into golf for people with physical disabilities. Having worked closely with them on their journey, we have seen the team overcome challenges and obstacles to create a ground-breaking installation. This should greatly help other clubs and golf centres to do the same and create a new network of opportunity around the UK, for people in our community who may have felt excluded.”
To find out more about funded sessions visit www.walmleygolfacademy.com. For information on the open days, contact roberterobbins1962@gmail.com
