An innovative new device that can improve access to golf for those with arthritis and other conditions impacting hand functionality, is soon to be launched thanks to a growing collaboration between EDGA and prosthetics expert Koalaa as seen at The G4D Open.
Two prototypes were trialled on the eve of the third edition of The G4D Open at Woburn (May 15-17); a Championship featuring 80 G4D (golf for the disabled) players from 20 countries and staged
by The R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour, supported by EDGA.
Koalaa is a UK-based prosthetics innovator that has a track record in developing tools that aid independence and participation in sports and other activities. In 2024, EDGA collaborated with Koalaa to develop a prosthetic that was tested by children with limb differences, including at The G4D Open. The positive experience of the children led to developing the tool further to enable more individuals to benefit from this ground breaking work.
This year, in the second phase of the partnership, EDGA and Koalaa have developed a unique hand tool to help players with varying arthritic conditions – something that could aid the retention of
players currently in danger of being lost to the game, while opening up opportunities for both new and returning golfers.
The new tool – which will be available to the public later in the year – is strapped to the hand and attaches to a connecting device placed on the existing grip of the club. For players, it can aid improved connection, feedback, increased hand-strength and subsequent swing speed. The golf tool also protects the hand from pain and further injury.
On Woburn’s practice range, Martin Lindquist, 68, from North Wales, was fitted with the device by PGA professional coach and EDGA’s Head of Instruction and Education Mark Taylor. Martin, who
has played golf since he was 12 and in recent years played golf three times a week, first felt the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis aged 50. After many years of pain and two surgeries on his right hand, he hadn’t played at all for seven months and had all but given up on golf.
“By trying this prototype, I felt I was stepping into the unknown but I have to say I found this a very positive experience,” said Martin. “When I had tried to hit balls in the recent past I had a lot of pain,
but this felt comfortable as a first try, although it was a new feeling and took a little while to get used to. It was great to hit shots again and I’m really excited to see how far I can take this.”
Martin’s wife Bev, who had travelled along to Woburn to encourage her husband, said: “It has been very hard in recent months as I know how much Martin loves golf and is a good player. We used to play in a lot of events together, so this really is all very encouraging. I just want him back as my golfing partner!”
A version of the golf tool that can be used with a Koalaa prosthetic is also available for players with missing fingers and partial hands, and those with below elbow limb differences.
The R&A Foundation is supporting further research and development for the EDGA/Koalaa partnership to continue to open up the game.
Anitha Rahulan travelled from Essex to Woburn and knew of Koalaa, as the company had fitted her with a prosthetic for use in her yoga class. Anitha was born with a left arm limb difference and was fitted with an ALX prosthetic sleeve that allowed her to hit her very first golf shots under the guidance of EDGA PGA coach Leah Roelich.
“I knew Koalaa did amazing work and so I wanted to try this. Hitting my first shots, everything felt new but this gave me the focus to try and make some swings, and I really enjoyed it. I am now 100% sure I want to try golf with my husband and we have a driving range very near where we live.”
Bryan Roberts, Koalaa Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We know there are many people with arthritis and other conditions who give up golf – a sport they really love – because the condition
can make swinging a club difficult, or painful. Similarly, we know that there are many people with upper body limb differences who want to give golf a try, but finding the right equipment can often
be a barrier. We want to change that, and it’s a pleasure to be working with EDGA to help make a difference in this space.”
Bryan continued: “At Koalaa, we are passionate about aiding independence and inclusion for people of all ages and backgrounds across the world, including providing life-enhancing prosthetics
for those impacted by war. Through this collaboration – and others like it – we are giving people access to the tools they need to take part in whatever sport, hobby or activity they wish to do.”