Practical guidance for understanding the golfer, supporting movement and balance, shaping effective practice and developing an individual playing solution.
Cerebral palsy can affect movement, posture, balance and coordination in different ways. Begin with the golfer’s own experience, then shape the coaching environment, communication and technical approach around what helps them perform. The presentation of cerebral palsy is individual. A golfer may experience one or several movement characteristics, and these may change with posture, fatigue, stress or temperature.
Muscle tone may be increased or variable. Some movements can require greater effort, preparation or concentration.
Static and dynamic balance may influence setup, weight transfer, finishing position and movement across the course.
Initiating movement, coordinating limbs and repeating a sequence may take additional time and practice.
Some golfers may benefit from concise instructions, demonstration, repetition and regular checks for understanding.
Use a simple observe, ask and explore process. Allow enough time for movement to begin and develop solutions around the golfer’s function rather than a conventional technical model.
How the golfer uses stance width, foot position, posture, a support or mobility aid to feel secure.
Which positions feel stable, repeatable and comfortable?
Small changes to stance, ball position, club length or external support, while the golfer remains in control.
Whether the golfer needs additional preparation before beginning a movement.
What cue, rhythm or routine helps the movement begin?
A consistent trigger, demonstration, rehearsal or count that supports initiation without creating pressure.
When repetition improves coordination and when control begins to reduce.
How many repetitions feel useful before a break or change of task?
Short practice blocks, clear feedback and regular recovery periods.
How the golfer responds to verbal instruction, demonstration, imagery and physical rehearsal.
How does the golfer prefer information to be presented?
One instruction at a time, demonstration from a useful angle and questions that confirm understanding.
Develop a safe, effective and repeatable impact solution. The route to that impact may look different from a conventional model, so judge changes by comfort, control and ball flight.
Identify the positions and movement range that allow the golfer to return the club effectively. Avoid forcing symmetry where asymmetry provides function and stability.
What does the golfer need to organise before, during and after impact to maintain control?
Additional movement, a wider stance, reduced rotation or an alternative finish may be part of the golfer's effective solution. Judge changes by comfort, consistency and outcome.
Grip size, shaft length, club weight, lie angle, footwear and mobility support can influence balance, effort and contact. Trial changes individually and involve a qualified professional where specialist fitting is needed.
Create a session that supports concentration, movement quality and recovery. Adjust volume, pace and task difficulty to the golfer and to how they are moving that day.
Stop and discuss unexpected pain, dizziness, unusual fatigue or a significant change in movement. Coaches should not diagnose or provide clinical treatment. Where specialist advice is required, encourage the golfer to consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
Use these terms as background knowledge only. They describe aspects of cerebral palsy, but they do not predict how an individual golfer will move, learn or perform.
Cerebral palsy can affect movement in different ways and in different parts of the body. The golfer remains the best source of information about their own experience.
Ataxia can affect balance, trunk control and fine or rapid movement. Some golfers may benefit from a wider base of support.
Athetosis involves involuntary movement that may become more noticeable with emotion, pressure or fatigue.
Hypertonia involves increased muscle tone. Its effect can vary with posture, stress, fatigue and temperature. Spasticity is one form of hypertonia.
These terms describe distribution through the body, not golfing ability.
One limb
Both sides, with the lower limbs generally more affected
The arm and leg on the same side, and sometimes the trunk
Three limbs
The trunk and all four limbs may be affected
Slopes, uneven ground, cold weather, long walking distances and repeated transfers may increase effort. Plan routes, practice locations and rest opportunities with the golfer.
Golfers with cerebral palsy may play recreationally, compete in G4D events or pursue high-performance goals. Keep the golfer’s ambition central and provide an appropriate pathway.
Adem Wahbi and Chris Biggins have developed very different relationships with golf. Their stories show how confidence, competition, coaching and persistence can shape an individual pathway in the game.
Adem describes the effort required for walking and balance, while pursuing his ambition through competition, physical preparation and a strong belief in his own potential.
Read Adem's story →
Chris is a PGA professional, coach and competitor whose experience shows how movement, strength, persistence and the right environment can support long-term development.
Read Chris's story →