
SADGA
Who We Are
Golf, like life, is filled with highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. At SADGA (the South African Disabled Golf Association), we believe the game’s greatest lesson isn’t about perfecting your swing or winning—it’s about resilience, joy, and the journey itself.
Since our incorporation as a Section 21 Company in July 2004, we have built a unique community where golfers with physical, visual, and hearing impairments can thrive. Through our three core programs—the First Swing Program, which introduces children to golf in a fun and therapeutic way; the All Abilities Golf Tour, which provides competitive opportunities at the highest level; and the Pathways Program, which supports players transitioning beyond school—we create opportunities for golfers of all abilities to grow in confidence, embrace challenges, and develop the strength to navigate life’s fairways, both on and off the course.
VISION
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.
CORE OBJECTIVES
SADGA’s core objectives align with its three flagship programs, creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in golf:
Rehabilitation and Development: Through the First Swing Program, SADGA introduces golf as a rehabilitative tool, helping children and young individuals with physical disabilities build confidence, motor skills, and a sense of achievement.
Pathways to Lifelong Inclusion: The Pathways Program ensures that every golfer with a disability, regardless of their aspirations or abilities, has a place in golf. It offers tailored opportunities for personal growth, professional development, or recreational involvement, providing a bridge for individuals transitioning out of school or seeking alternative roles in golf.
Competitive Excellence: The All Abilities Golf Tour (AAGT) provides a professional platform for competitive golfers with disabilities to showcase their talent, inspire others, and contribute to South Africa’s status as a leader in inclusive golf.
Inspiring Awareness: SADGA raises public awareness about the achievements and challenges of golfers with disabilities, using media coverage and community engagement to inspire societal change and promote inclusivity.
Building Community: SADGA fosters a vibrant golfing community where individuals of all abilities come together, creating a spirit of camaraderie, inclusivity, and shared passion for the game.
HOW SADGA ACHIEVES ITS MISSION
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.
INTERNATIONAL REACH
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.
COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL IMPACT
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



DON'T MISS OUT
Upcoming Events
AAGT -MIDRAND MASTERS | 5-6 May 2025
- May 4, 2025
AAGT – ETHEKWINI CHAMPIONSHIP | 29-30 June 2025
- June 29, 2025
AAGT – KZN CLASSIC | 2-3 July 2025
- July 2, 2025