Understanding Eligibility

Eligibility provides a consistent way to establish whether a golfer meets the impairment criteria for a particular player pass. It supports fair competition and helps players, National Federations and organisers understand the opportunities available in golf for the disabled (G4D).

Individual player impairments are assessed against the EDGA minimum impairment criteria, which were determined by studying their particular impacts on the ability to swing a golf club and to play golf.

The wider ambition is participation: helping people with a disability feel able to approach their local golf club and take part. A decision about a particular pass is not a judgement on whether a person can enjoy golf.

Eligibility establishes whether a player meets the relevant impairment criteria. EDGA classification provides a structure for competition, grouping eligible players into sport classes according to the effect of their impairment and how they play the game.

A WR4GD Pass is for a player whose eligible impairment meets the minimum criteria for World Ranking for Golfers with Disability status. It enables participation in EDGA badged tournaments, and many other tournaments, subject to the event’s entry requirements.

A confirmed WR4GD Pass provides the eligibility basis for ranking results. The competition and its results must also meet the applicable ranking requirements.

An Access Plus Pass is an interim route for a player who presents with an impairment in an eligible category but needs an assessment to determine whether the WR4GD minimum criteria are met.

It allows participation in relevant events where assessment may be arranged. It does not itself confirm WR4GD status or provide entitlement to ranking points.

An Access Pass provides a participation route for a player with an impairment in a qualifying category whose impairment does not meet the threshold for a WR4GD Pass. It enables participation in EDGA Access and relevant Challenge events.

Tournament results achieved when playing with an Access Pass are not included in the WR4GD rankings. Check the pass requirements published for the particular event.

A Conditional Pass is for a player whose condition is recognised as a disability in the country in which they live and play, but falls outside the qualifying impairment categories. It may also be referred to as an Access Conditional Pass.

Participation depends on the relevant national recognition and event requirements. This pass does not establish WR4GD ranking eligibility.

• Apply for a player pass through the EDGA application process.
• Provide proof of identity and relevant medical evidence of the disability and impairment.
• The eligibility team reviews whether an eligible impairment is present and whether further assessment is required.
• Where appropriate, an Access Plus Pass allows the player to attend a relevant event and be assessed.
• The authorised assessment process determines the appropriate pass and any review requirement.

• Impaired muscle power.
• Impaired passive range of movement.
• Limb deficiency.
• Leg or arm length difference.
• Short stature.
• Hypertonia.
• Ataxia.
• Athetosis.
• Visual impairment.
• Intellectual impairment.

Impaired muscle power is reduced force generated by a muscle or muscle group. It is assessed using the Daniels and Worthingham Muscle Testing Strength Scale. The assessor considers whether the reduced muscle power meets the EDGA minimum impairment criteria.

Impaired passive range of movement means that movement in one or more joints is permanently reduced. Joints that move beyond the average range, joint instability and acute conditions such as arthritis are not considered eligible impairments under this category.

The assessment considers relevant upper extremity, lower extremity and spinal movement against the EDGA minimum impairment criteria.

Limb deficiency is the total or partial absence of bones or joints from birth, trauma or illness. The assessor records the level and side of the deficiency, the player’s golfing handedness and, where relevant, the prosthesis used while playing golf.

Short stature is reduced standing height caused by abnormal dimensions of the bones of the upper limbs, lower limbs or trunk. The player must be at least 18 years old. Assessment is made against the EDGA minimum impairment criteria.

Hypertonia is an abnormal increase in muscle tension that reduces the ability of a muscle to stretch. Assessment considers the behaviour of the muscle during passive movement and the resulting effect on movement and the ability to play golf.

Ataxia is a lack of coordination of muscle movements resulting from a neurological condition such as cerebral palsy, brain injury or multiple sclerosis. The assessor should consider several tests to understand the effect of balance and coordination on the golf swing.

Tests include dysmetria, heel-to-shin, heel-to-toe, Romberg and standing with a narrow base of support. Findings from more than one test should be considered rather than relying on a single observation.

Athetosis is characterised by unbalanced, uncontrolled movements and difficulty maintaining a symmetrical posture as a result of a neurological condition. It must be demonstrable and clearly evident during classification.

Qualifying signs include unwanted movement or characteristically athetoid posturing, such as involuntary movement of the fingers, toes or upper or lower extremities while the player tries to remain still, or visible swaying of the body. In cases of doubt, the assessor will observe the player during training or competition.

Players can submit a WR4GD or Access application with supporting evidence of visual acuity, or a copy of their International Blind Golf Association membership that includes the relevant visual acuity test.

• B1, B2 and B3, supported by the relevant acuity test, qualify for WR4GD status.
• B4, supported by the relevant acuity test, qualifies for Access status.

An EDGA-appointed optometrist reviews applications. EDGA is also considering how to incorporate visual fields, including possible use of the LogMAR system. The criteria will be updated after guidance from the relevant governing bodies is confirmed.

Classification for intellectual impairment is undertaken by Virtus on behalf of EDGA. The disability must be evident during the developmental period, from conception to 18 years of age.

The categories are: significant impairment in intellectual functioning, defined as two standard deviations below the mean and a Full-Scale score of 75 or lower; Down syndrome or other complex disorders; and autism spectrum disorder. The process is still being finalised and the range of accepted disabilities may continue to develop.

Each eligible player is allocated a Sport Class that reflects how their individual impairment affects the way they play golf. The nine classes allow players to compete for an overall title and against golfers whose impairments have a broadly comparable effect on play.

Intellectual 1

Players with intellectual impairment and/or Down syndrome.

Intellectual 2

Players with autism spectrum disorder.

Standing 1

Players with impaired static standing balance and multiple limb impairments or a severe single lower limb impairment. This class also includes significant bilateral arm impairments requiring long-shafted clubs.

Standing 2

Players with impaired dynamic standing balance who can stand on two legs, using prosthetic limbs where required, and maintain balance during and after the shot.

Standing 3

Players with good dynamic standing balance and mobility who can grip the club with two hands and swing without losing balance or grip.

Sitting 1

Players with impaired trunk control, no consistent static sitting balance and no independent standing balance.

Sitting 2

Players with active trunk control and dynamic sitting balance, with minimal unsupported standing balance, who cannot play standing without support.

Visual 1

Players who are totally blind.

Visual 2

Players with a significant visual impairment.

The central team supports harmonisation and consistent interpretation of the WR4GD standard. National Federations organise eligibility matters within their country through their appointed assessors.

National assessors submit decisions through the online system and provide a route for information, questions and ideas between their federation and the central team.

A protest challenges a player’s eligibility or classification decision and must be submitted by a National Governing Body. A player cannot submit a protest directly.

An appeal concerns whether the required procedures were followed in reaching a decision. A golfer may seek to have a decision set aside if it was made contrary to the governing procedure.

Research helps EDGA understand the relationship between impairment and performance and develop a consistent assessment standard. Eligibility and classification research must follow internationally recognised ethical standards and is overseen by the EDGA Research Group.

The aim is a competition structure that rewards the development of skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus. The evidence supporting Sport Classes and banding will continue to evolve.

• The purpose of eligibility and its relationship to classification.
• The different player passes.
• Why an impairment’s effect on the golf swing matters.
• What players and assessors should prepare for an assessment.
• How findings, reviews and responsibilities fit together.
• When a question needs to be referred to the authorised EDGA eligibility team.

This is a learning reference, not a certification course or an automated pass assessment.

The effect of an impairment can depend on whether it involves the lead or trail side. For example, a player with a trail leg amputation may transfer weight towards the lead leg differently from a player with a lead leg impairment.

Record whether the player plays right-handed or left-handed, which side is affected and how that relates to the swing. Several upper limb criteria depend on golfing handedness.

• Address: posture, stance, grip and preparation.
• Takeaway: the initial movement of the club away from the ball.
• Peak backswing: rotation, wrist hinge and the transition at the top.
• Downswing: movement back towards the ball and transfer of force.
• Impact: the position of the body and club as the ball is struck.
• Release and follow-through: the continuation and control of movement after impact.

Observation helps relate the impairment to the task of playing golf. It should complement the eligibility assessment, without treating one conventional swing as the only acceptable technique.

The sagittal, frontal and transverse planes provide a shared way to describe movement. Assessors can use them to identify where movement appears restricted or altered and relate that observation to the clinical findings.

Look at the player from more than one angle where appropriate. Body size, flexibility, equipment and individual technique all influence how a swing looks.

• Weight transfer, balance and the ability to accept weight on each leg.
• Joint mobility, strength, grip and the length of the swing.
• Coordination, involuntary movement and postural control.
• Club length, prostheses and equipment used in competition.
• The effects of cognition on learning, attention, judgement and decision-making.

The assessor will observe the player at the range and, where needed, on the course. This includes mobility and stamina throughout a round and, where relevant, subsequent rounds, so that the cumulative effects of the impairment or impairments on the ability to play throughout a competition can be understood.

Tournament arrangements therefore need to allow the assessor to follow the player during on-course observation, including access to a buggy where required. Effective technique can also show how a player has learnt to work with an impairment.

• Valid identification.
• Relevant medical history and supporting medical documents.
• Details of medications used.
• Any sports equipment or assistive equipment that will be used in competition.

The player may bring one accompanying person in addition to an interpreter. Players must accept and sign the EDGA evaluation consent form. Explain the arrangements before the appointment so the player can prepare.

The organiser will provide a safe, private or suitably screened assessment space, internet access and a list of players requiring assessment. Arrangements will also allow observation of the player’s golf swing and play where needed.

The assessor will bring a goniometer, reflex hammer and tape measure, and will have access to the required forms and relevant supporting information.

The Assessor will:

• Review the evidence: bring together the information relevant to the golfer’s impairment.
• Assess the impairment: compare the presenting impairment with the relevant eligibility criteria using the prescribed methods.
• Observe the player: use an in-person or video observation, where required, to understand how the player performs a golf swing and plays golf.

This is an eligibility evaluation, not a general diagnostic clinical examination.

The assessor will explain the purpose of the physical or technical assessment and whether an observation assessment is needed. The player will be told what information is required, how the assessment will proceed and how the outcome will be communicated.

The team may record video when necessary to complete the evaluation. The assessor will explain this as part of the consent process and will provide the relevant protest and appeal information.

The Assessor will:

Enter the findings into the EDGA online assessment form. The system records impairment codes from the information entered and supports the subsequent pass and classification process.

An international assessor within the central eligibility team monitors approvals to support consistent interpretation. National assessors communicate decisions through the online system and act as a link between the National Federation and central team.

A pass remains valid for the period stated on it, subject to relevant changes in the player’s impairment or the eligibility criteria. Players must report a changing impairment promptly to the authority issuing the pass.

Fluctuating conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis require annual review, with the player responsible for arranging the review before it is due. Confirm the review requirement and date recorded for the individual player.

Only Medical Doctors or physiotherapists with proof of qualifications can become EDGA Eligibility Assessors. While other disciplines have competencies to perform aspects of the assessments, only these disciplines can perform all of the physical, musculoskeletal and neurological tests required.

Applicants can access the online training modules only after initial approval. The current application pathway for assessors is through the player pass application link.

Assessors must support consistent, fair decisions and act as ambassadors for golfers with a disability. The assessment approach follows the IPC framework, and classification personnel must comply with the relevant ethics and conduct standards.

Assessors also have an extended duty of care at tournaments. They should remain aware of a player’s wellbeing in relation to their impairment and recognise concerns the player wishes to raise.

Buggy use is determined by the player’s impairment, walking ability and safety. Relevant considerations include lower limb impairments, neurological or balance problems, and medical conditions that could be worsened by walking.

An upper limb impairment alone does not normally establish a need for a buggy. A buggy may still be approved for a particular medical or safety reason. Where there is doubt, the designated assessor makes the final decision. Some venues may require all players to use buggies.

Check the player’s approved buggy indication and the arrangements for the specific event.

A wheelchair or specialist standing support device may enable a player to make a golf swing, while a buggy is used for transport around the course. The two have different purposes.

A player competing from a wheelchair must use it throughout the event. They cannot stand to play shots and use the wheelchair only for transport. Confirm the player’s competition arrangements with the eligibility and tournament teams.

Players need to be able to reach and use the course safely. Tees and greens should be accessible, carries achievable, tee markers and hole locations safely positioned, bunkers accessible, and barriers removed where they prevent mobility devices from reaching playing areas.

These points connect the assessor’s understanding of a player’s needs with the organiser’s practical responsibilities. Use the EDGA accessibility guidance alongside the approved course set-up arrangements.