Coaching golfers with amputation and limb difference

Practical guidance for understanding the golfer, exploring movement and equipment, and creating safe, player-led coaching sessions.

Section 1

Ask before you adapt

Start with the golfer, not the impairment. A conversation provides more useful information than assumptions about what a golfer may or may not be able to do.

Begin with your usual coaching approach

Speak with the golfer about what they can do, what they would like to achieve and whether anything is affecting their comfort, confidence or movement. Begin with your usual coaching approach and adapt only where the golfer’s needs or feedback indicate that this would be useful.

AskWhat would you like to achieve from today’s session?
UnderstandWhat has worked well for you previously?
AgreeHow should we respond if you experience discomfort or fatigue?
  • recognise how limb loss or limb difference may influence movement without using it to predict ability
  • identify coaching considerations relating to balance, comfort, fatigue and equipment
  • use observation, questions and practical exploration to support the golfer
  • recognise when medical, prosthetic or specialist equipment matters sit outside the coach’s role
Section 2

Understand the golfer

Build an individual picture of the golfer before deciding what, if anything, should change. Limb difference is only one part of how a person moves, learns and plays.

Begin with the whole person

Ability cannot be predicted from appearance or diagnosis

Two golfers with a similar level of limb loss may use completely different movement solutions. Their strength, mobility, balance, experience, confidence, prosthetic use, goals and response to fatigue may all differ.

The coach’s role is to understand the golfer’s current solution, the outcome they want and the factors that may help or restrict them on that day.

Consider the joints available to contribute, residual-limb length, strength, range of movement, coordination and the golfer’s preferred balance strategy. Focus on function rather than trying to recreate a conventional model. Ask if the participant has any associated other injuries, restrictions or limitations as a result of their limb difference

Use shorter practice blocks, varied tasks, hydration, accessible seating, rest and natural opportunities for equipment adjustment. Supply seating areas for the player to rest – avoid sessions in extreme temperatures as limb difference can effect body temperature regulation

Ask

Which movements feel most stable, comfortable and natural?

A new golfer may be exploring movement for the first time, while an experienced golfer may already have an effective personal technique. Previous sport, rehabilitation and coaching experiences may also influence how they understand instructions.

Ask

What has worked well before, and how do you prefer to receive information?

Some golfers play with a prosthesis, some without one, and some use a golf-specific or differently configured device. The chosen solution may affect setup, pressure, club connection, mobility and comfort.

Ask

How does your usual equipment affect the way you set up and swing?

Fatigue, heat, perspiration, socket fit, skin comfort, pain history and the physical demands of moving around the facility may influence performance. A movement that works early in the session may become less comfortable later.

Ask

Are there signs that tell you it is time to rest, adjust equipment or change the task?

The golfer may want to make first contact, play socially, reduce dispersion, increase distance or prepare for competition. The coaching solution should reflect that goal, the playing environment and the time available.

Ask

What would make this session useful and enjoyable for you?

Coaching principle

Do not use the impairment to prescribe the technique. Observe the golfer’s movement, listen to their feedback and judge the solution by comfort, control, consistency and the intended ball flight.

Section 3

Principal coaching considerations

Use the same three-step method throughout the session: observe what is happening, ask for the golfer’s experience, then explore one manageable option together.

Observe

Look for signs that the golfer is protecting a movement, hesitating or changing their normal routine.

Ask

What would help you feel comfortable and confident with this task?

Explore

Agree a manageable task, the pace of practice and how the golfer will signal a need to pause or adjust.

Observe

Notice where and when balance changes during setup, backswing, impact and finish.

Ask

Where do you feel most stable, and is there any point where you feel less secure?

Explore

Test stance width, foot position, alignment, swing length, tempo and a finish position the golfer can control.

Observe

Identify which joints and body segments contribute freely and where range appears limited or guarded.

Ask

Which movement feels natural, and which part feels restricted or difficult to repeat?

Explore

Begin with a smaller motion and increase range only when it improves the task without reducing comfort or control.

Observe

Observe how speed is created through the ground, hips, trunk, arms and equipment, and whether balance changes as force increases.

Ask

What strike and ball flight are you trying to produce, and which effort level feels most effective?

Explore

Explore tempo, sequencing and shorter swings before asking for more force or clubhead speed.

Observe

Watch for changes in movement quality, concentration, skin comfort, socket security or the golfer’s ability to recover between shots.

Ask

How does your comfort or energy change as the session continues?

Explore

Use shorter practice blocks, varied tasks, hydration, accessible seating, rest and natural opportunities for equipment adjustment. Avoid extreme temperatures where possible, as limb difference may affect temperature regulation.

Observe

Observe grip security, club control, alignment, prosthetic comfort and the golfer’s interaction with supports or attachments.

Ask

Which equipment solutions have worked well, and is anything affecting control or comfort today?

Explore

Adjust normal coaching equipment where appropriate, but refer prosthetic, clinical and specialist fitting changes to qualified professionals.

Section 4

Lower-limb movement

Compare individual solutions rather than searching for one preferred model. Consider whether the limb difference is on the lead side or trail side and whether a prosthesis is used.

Open on YouTube
Movement example

Manuel de Los Santos: trail leg, without prosthesis

A useful starting point for studying how a golfer may create stability, speed and a balanced finish without using a trail-leg prosthesis.

Before viewing

Notice the orientation of the stance, how the golfer organises the backswing, and where support is created during transition.

After viewing

Which parts of the movement appear to protect balance while still allowing speed and centred contact?

Compare lead-side and trail-side solutions

Use these examples to compare stance, loading, rotation, impact and finish. 


Always refer to the player with via referencing the remaining limb - for example ‘Lead Leg player’ would refer to the remaining limb being appropriated to the ball on the lead side (target side). ‘Trail Arm Player’ - would refer to the remaining functional limb being appropriated to the ball on the trail side (away from the target)

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Juan Postigo: lead leg player, front view

The relationship between stance, balance and rotation for a trail-leg player.

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James McParland: lead leg player, with prosthesis

How a trail-leg prosthesis influences pressure movement and follow-through.

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Chad Pfeifer: Trail leg player, with prosthesis

How a lead-leg prosthesis contributes to speed and balance.

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Juan Postigo: lead leg, down-the-line view

Compare the swing direction and body movement with the front view.

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Lead leg player with a trail-leg prosthesis: driver, front view

Observe setup, pressure movement and finish position.

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Lead leg player with a trail-leg prosthesis: driver, down-the-line

Observe swing direction and rotational movement.

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Lead leg player with a trail leg prosthesis: iron, front view

Compare the iron motion with the driver examples.

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Trail leg player with a lead-leg prosthesis: driver, front view

Observe loading and transition from the front view.

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Trail leg player with a lead-leg prosthesis: driver, down-the-line

Observe how balance is maintained through impact.

Apply the learning: Test one manageable change at a time. Retain it only when it improves comfort, control, contact or the golfer’s intended ball flight.
Section 5

Upper-limb movement

Explore how the golfer connects with the club, controls the clubface and creates speed. The solution may involve grip changes, equipment or a prosthetic component.

Open on YouTube
Movement example

Lead-arm player without prosthesis: driver

A featured example showing how a trail-arm player may organise swing width, clubface control and balance without using a prosthesis.

Before viewing

Look at the player’s connection with the club, the contribution of the lead arm and trunk, and how the finish is controlled.

After viewing

Which movement solution differs from a conventional model, and why might it be effective for this golfer?

Compare different club connections

Study movement with and without a prosthetic connection, and from different viewing angles.

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Trail-arm player without prosthesis: driver, front view

How the lead arm and body contribute when the golfer plays without a trail arm.

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Trail-arm player with an unattached prosthesis: driver, front view

How the lead arm and an unattached prosthesis support club control and speed.

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Trail-arm player with an unattached prosthesis: driver, down-the-line

Compare swing direction and finish with the front view.

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Lead arm player without prosthesis: iron

Compare iron movement with the driver example.

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Player with a trail-arm limb difference, without prosthesis: driver, down-the-line

Observe swing direction and body contribution from down the line.

Apply the learning: Consider grip comfort, attachment security, swing width and safe release of the club. Specialist equipment decisions should involve the golfer and an appropriate expert.
Section 6

Planning and delivering the session

Use a simple before, during and after process. Each stage can be opened when needed.

  • Ask what the golfer would like to achieve and what a successful session would look like.
  • Discuss previous golf, coaching and sporting experience.
  • Ask whether they normally use a prosthesis, crutches, a club attachment or other equipment.
  • Identify movements, surfaces or activities they prefer to avoid.
  • Agree how discomfort, fatigue or the need for an adjustment will be communicated.
  • Observe comfort, balance, movement, contact and ball flight rather than focusing solely on swing shape.
  • Use shorter practice blocks and vary the tasks and physical demands.
  • Allow time for rest, hydration and any necessary equipment adjustments.
  • Ask for feedback before increasing speed, range or complexity.
  • Keep instructions simple, relevant and connected to the player’s goal. Where possible and with the golfer’s consent, invite their occupational therapist to support the session and align coaching with wider rehabilitation opportunities.
  • Ask the golfer which task or movement felt most effective.
  • Record useful movement, equipment or communication preferences.
  • Agree what to revisit in the next session.
  • Identify whether specialist input may be useful.
  • Avoid assuming that one successful solution will remain appropriate in every session.
1 of 3

Pain and professional boundaries

A golfer may experience residual-limb discomfort, skin irritation, socket-related problems or phantom-limb pain. Do not diagnose a condition, recommend treatment or alter a prosthesis. Stop or modify activity when pain, skin damage or unusual discomfort is reported, and encourage the golfer to follow advice from their prosthetist, physiotherapist or medical team.

Section 7

Technical reference

Use this material to understand the physical and equipment context. Keep each topic closed until it is relevant to the golfer or coaching task.

Each answer begins with why the information matters to a coach. Technical descriptions should support better questions, not predictions about ability.

Why this matters: The level of limb loss may influence the joints available to create, transfer or control movement, but it does not predict the golfer’s ability or preferred technique.

Lower limb

  • Partial foot or toes
  • Through the ankle
  • Below the knee
  • Through the knee
  • Above the knee
  • Hip disarticulation or hemipelvectomy
  • Bilateral lower-limb loss

Upper limb

  • Partial hand or fingers
  • Through the wrist
  • Below the elbow
  • Through the elbow
  • Above the elbow
  • Shoulder disarticulation or forequarter
  • Bilateral upper-limb loss

Use these descriptions only as background. Observe the golfer’s actual movement and ask what feels stable, comfortable and repeatable.

Why this matters: A congenital limb difference is present from birth, while acquired limb loss / amputation occurs later through injury or illness. A player’s movement history, rehabilitation experience and familiarity with their body may therefore differ considerably.

Do not assume that a congenital limb difference is easier, or that acquired limb loss / amputation creates the same coaching needs for every player. Ask about the player’s own experience, current function and preferred terminology.

Why this matters: A prosthesis may support mobility, connection with the club or another function, but not every golfer uses one and a golfer may use different devices for golf and daily activity.

The most appropriate device depends on the level of limb loss, residual-limb condition, strength, general health, intended tasks and the golfer’s priorities. A device that is effective for walking may not provide the golfer’s preferred movement during a golf swing.

  • Ask how the device affects setup, movement, comfort and confidence.
  • Allow comparison with and without the device only where this is safe and requested.
  • Do not alter a prosthesis or component.
  • If you feel that an adjustment to a prosthesis or component may help performance, suggest contact with the golfer’s prosthetist or clinical team.

Why this matters: The socket is the interface between the residual limb and the prosthesis. Its fit may influence comfort, control and force transfer during practice.

A liner may cushion the residual limb, support suspension and manage contact between the skin and socket. Heat, perspiration and changes in residual-limb volume can alter fit during activity. Repeated movement may also increase local loading, rubbing or skin irritation.

  • Build natural adjustment and rest opportunities into the session.
  • Provide time and privacy when the golfer needs to remove or adjust equipment.
  • Stop or modify activity when discomfort, skin irritation or an unusual change is reported.
  • Never diagnose the cause of discomfort or attempt a socket adjustment.

Why this matters: Strength, coordination, balance, range of movement, confidence and fatigue vary greatly, including between golfers with similar physical characteristics.

Factors that may influence the session include previous sport and golf experience, pain history, prosthetic use, skin comfort, temperature, medication, recovery, confidence and the physical demands of moving around the practice area or course.

Use observation and golfer feedback rather than diagnosis or assumptions.

Why this matters: Consistent, person-centred language supports clear and respectful communication.

  • Use golfer with amputation or golfer with limb difference unless the individual prefers another description.
  • Prosthesis is singular and prostheses is plural.
  • Residual limb is generally preferable to older terminology.
  • Ask rather than assume which terms the golfer uses.
Section 8

Player stories

Contrasting experiences illustrate different movement solutions, equipment choices and routes into golf.

Ken Green

Watch Ken share his experience of returning to golf, adapting his movement and continuing to compete.

Benedicte Finnema playing or pictured at a golf facility
Trail-arm player · Uses a prosthesis

Benedicte Finnema

Learn how personal experience, competition and enjoyment can guide practical coaching priorities.

Read Benedicte’s story
Declan Burns playing or pictured at a golf facility
Lower-limb difference · Uses prostheses

Declan Burns

Consider how competitive experience and a personal movement solution influence coaching conversations.

Read Declan’s story
Issa Nlareb playing or pictured at a golf facility
Lower-limb difference · Plays without a prosthesis

Issa Nlareb

Reflect on the interaction between mobility, equipment, confidence and continued development as a golfer.

Read Issa’s story
Tineke Loogman playing or pictured at a golf facility
Trail-arm player · Uses a prosthesis

Tineke Loogman

Explore how equipment, experience and individual problem-solving can shape connection with the club.

Read Tineke’s story
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Editing is off.