UNION FOCUS

BEYOND

the disability

The South African Disabled Golf Association continues to break down barriers, build dreams and prove that golf has the power to change lives, but its greatest success stories aren't measured on a scoreboard 

BY LALI STANDER​​​​​​​

They call themselves 'lucky,' or 'fortunate,' and even 'blessed.'


That's not hard to believe considering they get to travel the world playing a sport they love – then you see the wheelchairs, the prosthetic limbs, the bent human bodies, and you wonder how they stay so positive.


Then you hear their stories, and it becomes clear again. They mean it when they say life couldn't be better.


These are the members of the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) and some have lived with disabilities since birth. Others have had their lives turned upside down by accidents or illness.


Their circumstances are vastly different, but they share something that transcends physical limitations: a love of golf and an extraordinary appreciation for the opportunities it has brought into their lives. And behind those opportunities is an organisation that has spent more than two decades proving that a disability should never determine someone's ability to participate, compete or belong.


Founded in 2004, SADGA's mission was simple: to encourage South Africans with permanent disabilities to play golf, whether for rehabilitation, recreation or competition.


Today, that mission reaches far beyond the fairways.


'We believe there's a place in golf for everyone,' says SADGA Operations Manager Lily Reich, whose passion for the organisation and its members has been a driving force behind its remarkable growth.


From children experiencing their first swing to elite athletes competing internationally, SADGA has built a golfing community where opportunity is not defined by physical ability, but by individual ambition.

Where dreams begin

For more than 900 children across 35 schools throughout South Africa, that journey begins with the First Swing Programme.


Many of these youngsters have never held a golf club. Some have severe physical impairments, others have sensory disabilities, and many come from communities where access to golf would otherwise be little more than a distant dream.


SADGA takes the game to them.


Using modified equipment and specially adapted coaching methods, children are introduced to golf in environments suited to their individual abilities. For some, that means swinging a club in a school hall. For others, it is the first step towards eventually playing on a golf course.


But the real rewards are not necessarily measured in metres or strokes.


Golf develops balance, coordination and motor skills. It teaches patience, concentration, honesty and perseverance. More importantly, it builds confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.


Imagine a child who has spent much of their life being told what they cannot do, suddenly discovering something they can – and then discovering they are actually good at it.


There is another powerful dimension to the programme. Some of SADGA's coaches are themselves golfers with disabilities. For the children, these are not simply instructors teaching them how to grip a club. They are living examples of what might be possible.

More than a game

Of course, not every child will become a tournament golfer, and SADGA understands that better than most.


In 2025, the association formally introduced its Pathways Programme, building on work it had been doing for years to ensure that participants who move beyond First Swing still have a place in golf.


Some want to play socially. Others dream of competing. Some may find their future in coaching, administration or employment within the golfing industry. The important thing is that the journey doesn't have to end when a child leaves school or discovers that elite competition isn't for them.


'Pathways supports our players in finding their place in the game,' explains Reich. 'It's about long-term inclusion shaped around the individual.'


One example is a double amputee receiving coaching and support through SADGA and its sponsors while working towards competing on the All Abilities Golf Tour.


In early 2025, SADGA also staged its first player development camp for promising golfers with disabilities, focusing on developing their skills both on and off the course.


It is an approach that recognises something fundamental: the value of sport lies not only in producing champions, but in creating opportunities that can last a lifetime.

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A stage to shine

For those with competitive ambitions, the launch of the All Abilities Golf Tour (AAGT) in 2024 was a game-changer.

The national circuit features up to 10 tournaments annually at some of South Africa's finest golf courses, with competitors earning valuable world ranking points across various divisions.


It has provided a platform for golfers with disabilities to showcase their talent, develop their competitive skills and pursue opportunities internationally.


And those opportunities are producing some remarkable results.


Through SADGA's partnership with GolfRSA, South African golfers with disabilities are increasingly making their mark on the international stage, competing against the world's best and proving that they belong among them.


Charlene Pienaar flew the South African flag high when she won the Blind Division at the 2025 G4D Open at Woburn in England, while David Watts underlined his international credentials with a top-15 finish at the European Individual Championship for Golfers with Disability.


Another rising star, Yolandi Magatye, recently celebrated victory in the Stableford Division of the English Disability Open at The Shire, adding another international success to SADGA's growing list of achievements.


The opportunities extend beyond physical disabilities. Michael Lourens and Sechaba Motsielwa earned selection for South Africa's Deaflympics team following impressive performances at the South African Deaf Open and National Trials.


These achievements are a powerful endorsement of the partnership between SADGA and GolfRSA, which continues to strengthen the pathway from grassroots development to international representation.


And there have been other memorable moments.


Daniël Slabbert, a left-leg amputee, announced himself on the G4D Tour with a dramatic play-off victory at the Betfred British Masters, while SADGA golfers enjoyed the opportunity to compete alongside Sunshine Tour professionals at the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions.


Playing the same course, under the same conditions and enjoying the same television exposure, they demonstrated that golfers with disabilities deserve recognition for their talent, skill and competitive achievements.


For the next generation coming through SADGA's programmes, these successes are about far more than trophies and world ranking points.


They are proof that a first swing at school can become the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

Opening more doors

Another important priority is ensuring that women and girls with disabilities have the same opportunities to discover, enjoy and excel at golf.


As a signatory to The R&A's Women in Golf Charter, SADGA is committed to expanding female participation at every level, from First Swing to the All Abilities Golf Tour and ultimately international competition.


More women and girls are finding their way into the game, and the association is determined to build on that momentum.


The challenge is not simply to introduce them to golf, but to ensure they have the coaching, encouragement, competitive opportunities and support to remain involved.


It is part of SADGA's broader commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity, where every individual deserves the chance to pursue their own golfing ambitions.

The family behind the fairways

Ask anyone involved with SADGA what makes the organisation special, and the conversation inevitably moves away from rankings, trophies and tournament results.


It comes back to the people.


Players travel together, share meals, celebrate each other's achievements and support one another through challenges that extend far beyond the golf course.


There is a genuine family atmosphere.


For some, the opportunity to travel to another province, stay away from home or tee it up at a championship venue is an experience they once thought impossible.


For others, the friendships and sense of community are every bit as valuable as the competition itself.

None of this happens without considerable effort.


Behind every school visit, coaching session and tournament are people working to secure funding, organise transport, arrange equipment, negotiate access to courses and create opportunities that many able-bodied golfers take for granted.


GolfRSA's support as SADGA's governing body has helped strengthen the association's operations and national reach, while sponsors, golf clubs and other partners play an essential role in keeping its programmes running.

The ambitions are considerable. SADGA wants to reach more schools, introduce more children to the game, expand its Pathways Programme and attract bigger fields to the All Abilities Golf Tour, but the ultimate goal remains unchanged.


To ensure that every South African with a disability knows that golf is a game they can play, enjoy and make their own.


And perhaps that is the most compelling thing about the members of SADGA.


They are not asking to be admired for overcoming adversity. They are simply golfers who love the game, appreciate the opportunities it brings and want others to experience the same joy.


Lucky? Fortunate? Blessed?


Listen to their stories and you understand. And they wouldn't have it any other way.

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