OUR WORK: Paragolfer

What is the Paragolfer?

The Paragolfer is an all-terrain mobility vehicle which raises users up to a standing position which means that they can swing a golf club freely, allowing them a unique opportunity to stand up and enjoy significant health benefits offered by golf.

The Paragolfer has the unique off-road capabilities that it can access all areas of the golf course (including bunkers). It puts no greater demands on greens and fairways than a lawnmower.

Ayuna discovered The Golf Trust through a referral from England Golf. Ayuna uses a wheelchair for her daily life. Playing golf has brought Ayuna lots of joy. Hear in Ayuna’s own words why more people should start playing golf.

Who can use the Paragolfer?

Generally speaking, the Paragolfer is suitable for people with mobility, stability or neurological conditions that affects the use of their legs, ability to balance or hold their own weight. Specifically this includes wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments such as Parkinson’s, Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury or muscular dystrophy as examples. Lower limb disorders may benefit from using the Paragolfer’s stabilising base too. Paralysis, traumatic brain injury and stroke survivors can also benefit form using the Paragolfer.

2018 – The only way to use a Paragolfer was to privately own one, no publicly available Paragolfers. We delivered our first Paragolfer after borrowing a vehicle.

2019 – The Golf Trust purchased their first vehicle. Housed at the home of The Golf Trust, The Shire London.

2022 – Two more Paragolfers purchased and in operation in Nottingham and Durham.

2023 – The Paragolfer goes on tour, being used to provide tasters. With a further three vehicles in operation.

2024 – We launched Project 24 – a fundraising challenge that involved a team of 8 golfers playing golf for 24 hours in the Arctic Circle which raised £50,000 to purchase two more Paragolfers. They were in operation before the end of the year in South London and Birmingham. We also received funding from the R&A, who sponsored a vehicle to be housed at Woburn Golf Club in Milton Keynes, to deliver an outreach programme in the Bedfordshire area to engage new golfers using the vehicle.

2025 – The Golf Trust have campaigned, supported and fundraised to purchase 10 Paragolfers that are publicly available and FREE to use across the UK. We have trained coaches in each local area and ensured there is a pathway to participation.

TWO MEN IN PARAGOLFER VEHICLES with their arms joined

Impact of the Paragolfer

Our mission is changing lives using golf and the Paragolfer is achieving that.

Enables independence.
Encourages physical activity and helps improve core strength.
Stimulates metabolism.
Stretches muscles, reduces spasticities, and enhances the mobility of their joints.
Gives the opportunity to stand up facing others at eye level – that first hug is worth it.
Standing position enhances blood circulation, digestion and improved bladder and bowel function.
Boosts self-confidence and inclusion, allowing individuals to enjoy the game alongside others.
Enhances mental wellbeing and stress-relief (although depends how you’re playing!)
Enables players to participate in tournaments (if they want) or casual rounds with family and friends.
Fosters a sense of belonging in the golfing community.

Find out more

How can we get involved

Come and play

Do you want to get into the Paragolfer? Fancy playing golf for the first time? Used to play before your accident, injurt or illness and didn’t think you’d be able to play again? Come and have a go! Email info@thegolftrust.com to find your nearest vehicle.

Host a Taster session

Could your community group, golf club or community venue host a Paragolfer golf session for more people in your local community to try the golf for the first time? (Or get restarted playing golf!)

Sponsor a Paragolfer (or fundraise for us)

Our ambition is to have a vehicle available within 1 hour’s drive of every spinal injury centre in the UK. We currently have no provision in Wales, North West and South West of England. Demand is growing. With some people driving up to 4 hours to use a Paragolfer. The only set back is the cost. Could you help more people try golf for the first time? (Or get back playing after accident, injury or illness!)

Referrals

We work with Partner Organisations to refer people who would benefit from the Paragolfer. Our current partners include Wheelpower, Matt Hampson Foundation, RFU Injured Rugby Players Foundation, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Stroke Association, Spinal Injury Centres, Physiotherapists, Family and Friends.