St Andrews Links Trust opens its doors to golfers of all levels with a disability
Golfers of all levels with a disability are having the opportunity to take part in a series of taster sessions today at St Andrews Links Trust ahead of the 2026 PING Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability.
St Andrews Links Trust and Scottish Golf are hosting the dedicated day of activities to encourage wider participation in golf today, which coincides with the championship’s practice day.
The schedule of free ‘Give it a Go’ sessions include community coaching at the Golf Academy for golfers with a disability looking to refine their skills with the guidance of PGA professionals. Players will also have the chance to try the revolutionary Paragolfer – an all-terrain solution for golfers with restricted mobility – during eight pre-booked driving range sessions.
The afternoon also features opportunities for mainstream junior golfers through the ‘Unleash Your Drive’ School Festival Programme on the Balgove Course. This offers 80 junior golfers and school groups from St Andrews, Dundee and the wider Fife area the opportunity to take part in a range of skills activities.
Providing dedicated pathways into golf for people with a disability at every level directly supports the Trust’s wider commitment to broadening participation and welcoming players of all abilities and experience.
Christine Randall-Klee, Community Engagement Lead at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “St Andrews Links Trust is committed to ensuring that the Home of Golf is an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone.
“We know that there are many golfers, and people who would like to try golf, who face challenges because of a disability. The ‘Give it a Go’ events provide a brilliant opportunity for golfers with a disability to develop their skills and confidence in a relaxed, adapted environment.
“On top of this, we are investing in expanding participation in golf more broadly. Initiatives such as the schools programme, the dementia-friendly Linked Together pilot, and the national Road to the Home of Golf junior grassroots competition underline that St Andrews is a place for everyone.”
Earlier in the day, Scottish Golf will run a Disability Inclusion Club Seminar for golf professionals to increase their understanding of disability golf and assess their clubs’ readiness to grow participation within the space.
Alan Oliver, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Scottish Golf, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with St Andrews Links Trust to deliver the ‘Give it a Go’ community sessions to show that golf is a game for everyone.
“Through our continued work with the Trust, golf clubs and key organisations, we are actively creating avenues for specific and inclusive provision that drive participation and ensure people with disabilities can experience the physical and social benefits of the sport.”
Held across 30 April and 1 May, the PING Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability attracted an unprecedented level of interest this year, which resulted in the expansion of the field from 60 to 72 players to allow more golfers to participate.
Jim Gales MBE has led 13 international squads, played in more than 100 championships – winning 17 titles, including the British Open on three occasions as a blind golfer. He said: “St Andrews Links Trust has been outstanding in creating accessible pathways for golfers with a disability to enjoy the game at a range of levels.
“The sessions ahead of the Disability Open offer golfers with a disability the chance to improve their game but also to meet others in a similar position to them and foster lasting connections off the course.
“Having taken part in previous coaching sessions, I’ve seen first-hand how PGA professionals adapt their approach to meet individual needs, giving players both confidence and support.”
