SADGA envisions being the leading organisation in golf for people with disabilities, inspiring individuals with physical disabilities to achieve their full potential both on and off the course. By fostering a community that celebrates diversity, perseverance, and the joy of golf, SADGA promotes inclusion, rehabilitation, and personal growth through structured programs and innovative opportunities.

SADGA’s core objectives align with its three flagship programs, creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in golf:

SADGA achieves its goals through three core programs, each designed to address a specific aspect of golf for people with disabilities and fulfil the organisation’s vision and objectives:

FIRST SWING PROGRAM

Purpose: To introduce golf as a rehabilitative and developmental tool for children and young individuals with physical disabilities.

Key Features: Blends golf coaching with rehabilitation in schools and communities. Builds confidence, motor skills, and personal growth in an inclusive environment. Impacts approximately 900 children annually, transforming lives and inspiring families.

Impact: The First Swing Program impacts approximately 900 children annually, fostering their physical, emotional, and social development. The program not only empowers young participants but also creates a ripple effect, inspiring their families and communities to embrace inclusivity and celebrate their achievements.

PATHWAYS PROGRAM

Purpose: The Pathways Program provides opportunities for golfers with disabilities who may not fit into existing programs like the FSP or AAGT, ensuring they can build lifelong connections with golf. It serves as a bridge for individuals transitioning out of school, those unable to compete on the AAGT due to their disabilities, or anyone seeking to explore alternative roles in golf.

Key Features: Inclusion for All: Ensures that every golfer with a disability feels they have a place in the world of golf, whether as a player, coach, mentor, or recreational participant. Bridging Gaps: Supports those who are too old for the FSP but not yet ready or able to compete on the AAGT. It also provides pathways for individuals who don’t fit into either program, ensuring no golfer is left behind. Career Development: Equips players with the tools to pursue meaningful roles within the golf industry, such as coaching, golf course management, or other professional opportunities. Lifelong Growth: Provides structured opportunities to stay actively engaged in golf. Sustainability for SADGA: Focuses on building a sustainable model by developing future coaches, mentors, and leaders. By educating golfers with disabilities to take on key roles within SADGA, the program ensures the continued growth and impact of its initiatives. Custom Solutions: Recognises the unique needs and goals of our players, offering mentorships and flexible programs that adapt to individual abilities and aspirations.

Impact: The Pathways Program bridges gaps and creates a continuum of opportunity for golfers with disabilities, regardless of their age, ability, or goals. By fostering inclusion, building confidence, and empowering our golfers to remain connected to golf, it ensures that everyone can find their place in the sport. Additionally, by cultivating future coaches, mentors, and leaders, it secures a sustainable future for SADGA and its mission to empower individuals with disabilities through golf.

ALL ABILITIES GOLF TOUR

Purpose: To create a professional competitive platform for golfers with disabilities, elevating South Africa’s status in inclusive golf.

Key Features: Hosts approximately 10 tournaments annually at prestigious golf courses in South Africa. Provides opportunities to earn WR4GD points, inspiring players to compete. Showcases golfers through televised coverage, highlighting their stories and achievements.

Impact: The AAGT has positioned South Africa as a leader in competitive golf for people with disabilities. By providing structured competition, the tour motivates players to improve their skills, gain international ranking points, and pursue opportunities. The televised coverage amplifies the visibility of adaptive golf, inspiring more individuals with disabilities to take up the sport and raising public awareness about inclusivity in golf.

SADGA’s vision extends beyond South Africa, aspiring to position the country as a hub for global adaptive golf initiatives. By fostering international collaboration, SADGA bridges the gap between local and global platforms, offering South African golfers with disabilities opportunities to compete and excel on the world stage.

Global Collaborations: SADGA is committed to aligning South Africa with global standards in G4D, creating pathways for South African golfers to compete on the world stage. Through partnerships and recognition in events such as the G4D Tour, Deaflympics and Blind Golf World Championships, SADGA ensures that South African players have opportunities to showcase their talent internationally and compete at the highest levels.

AAGT as a Gateway: The AAGT not only showcases South Africa’s leadership in inclusive golf but also serves as a stepping stone for golfers to earn WR4GD points and compete in global tournaments.

Sharing Expertise: Through partnerships and exchanges, SADGA contributes its expertise to the global adaptive golf community, sharing innovative practices like the First Swing Program and Pathways initiatives to inspire similar programs worldwide.

Global Media Spotlight: SADGA’s groundbreaking initiatives have gained international recognition, including being featured on CNN’s Living Golf in 2024. This coverage highlighted the AAGT tournament run alongside Sunshine Tour Professionals and the transformative impact of the First Swing Program, positioning SADGA as a global leader in inclusive golf.

Advocating for Change: SADGA is committed to playing a key role in the push for golf for the disabled to be recognised in the Paralympics.

By integrating international opportunities and fostering a global presence, SADGA ensures that its programs not only transform lives locally but also inspire inclusivity and innovation across the world.

SADGA’s programs ripple beyond individual participants, touching families, communities, and the sport itself. Approximately 900 children benefit annually from the FSP, while the AAGT showcases South Africa’s leadership in inclusive golf. The Pathways Program ensures that no one is left behind, creating opportunities for lifelong involvement. These efforts inspire a culture of inclusion and encourage broader societal change