Since more than 50 million individuals are living with disabilities in the United States, it only makes sense that several companies are making Adaptive Golf products to provide those individuals an opportunity to learn and play golf despite any cognitive, physical, sensory or age-related challenges.
With the PGA of America expanding its programs for military Veterans and other members of the population with physical disabilities, the 2025 PGA Show is providing a dedicated area on the PGA Show Floor – the new Adaptive Golf Center – to feature products and services for this rising segment of the golf community.
The all-new Adaptive Golf Center, located within the Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction area on the PGA Show floor, will offer new opportunities for this rising segment along with a variety of manufacturers and associations devoted to providing cognitive and physical therapy through Adaptive Golf.
The Adaptive Golf Center is featuring companies that produce specialty clubs and shafts for golfers with various disabilities; adaptive gloves and grip aids, adaptive teeing devices, prosthetic golf grip devices, single-rider golf carts, and many other adaptive devices while also featuring Adaptive Golf associations and disabled golf programs.
“The first issues people with disabilities face is ‘where can I find golf equipment that allows me to learn and play the game, and what programs are available for me to learn how to play golf with my disability?” said Judy Alvarez, a PGA/LPGA Master Professional at Palm Cove Golf & Yacht Club in Palm City, Florida, who is a certified PGA HOPE trainer and hosts a variety of Adaptive Golf programs at her facility while training other PGA and LPGA Professionals to learn how to teach players with disabilities. “I like to spread the word to our golfers to invite friends, neighbors or family members with injuries or disabilities to come to our facility to enjoy golf, whether they are beginners or experienced players,
“There are people in our community, and every community, who are visually impaired or paralyzed, for example, including veterans and civilians. Invite them to clinics for disabled golfers or into an already-existing fee-based program. Be creative; inspire and motivate people; make them feel welcome.”
At the PGA Show, the Adaptive Golf Center is a great place for PGA of America Professionals and teachers/coaches to see and connect with companies who make adaptive devices to help those with disabilities learn to play golf and enjoy the game of a lifetime just like the rest of us.
“Adaptive devices will open up a whole new world of golf and recreation for those with disabilities, and learning how to teach people with disabilities takes only a few hours. It’s a win-win all the way around,” explained Alvarez.