International experience in implementing adaptive golf projects among war veterans

Abstract

Modern Ukraine faces an unprecedented social and medical challenge caused by the full-scale Russian aggression. As of July 2025, the number of veterans exceeds 1.5 million people, of whom more than 109,000 have disabilities as a result of the war, and after the end of hostilities, this figure may rise to 4–5 million. Over half of veterans (52.4%) require health promotion services, while key issues remain psycho-emotional instability, impaired physical functioning, social isolation, and a deficit of inclusive and motivating environments for long-term recovery. Existing rehabilitation approaches do not always provide sufficient levels of engagement and intrinsic motivation, which limits their sustainability over time.
Adaptive golf is considered an innovative tool for comprehensive rehabilitation that combines measured physical activity, motor control development, cognitive concentration, emotional regulation, and social interaction, creating a space for dignity, autonomy, and return to active life. International experience confirms the effectiveness of adaptive golf in working with veterans; however, as of the end of 2024, only 21 adaptive sports clubs operate in Ukraine, and none of them specialize in golf.
Research objective: to identify current directions for implementing adaptive golf practices for war veterans globally and prospects for their implementation in Ukraine.
Material and methods. The research material consisted of publications, analytical reports of international organizations (USGA, EDGA, The R&A), regulatory documents, program materials, and official resources of adaptive golf projects for people with disabilities and war veterans. Methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific literature, historical-logical method, and comparative analysis were used.
Results. It was established that adaptive golf development progressed from individual initiatives of the 1960s to systematic international programs. The 1980s became a turning point with the creation of first specialized organizations: NAGA (1986), Adaptive Golf Foundation (1995), EDGA (1997). A key regulatory breakthrough was the introduction of Rule 25 in 2023, which automatically legalized adaptations for four disability categories. The educational EDUGOLF project (2020-2023) demonstrated 20-30% growth in participation of people with disabilities. Nine leading veteran programs were identified (PGA HOPE, SMGA, Range Fore Hope, Next 18 Golf Camps, GIVE, Veterans Golf Program, Help for Heroes, Mates4Mates, True Patriot Love) that combine golf activities with psychological support and physical rehabilitation and serve as an effective tool for war veteran rehabilitation. Main challenges: high equipment costs, limited access to courses, and need for coach education.
Conclusions. Adaptive golf has formed as an independent direction combining rehabilitation, recreational, and social integration functions. For Ukraine, implementation of international experience is a strategic opportunity through adaptation of existing programs, use of educational resources, attraction of grant support, and integration into European networks. It is recommended to start with pilot programs based on existing golf clubs in partnership with rehabilitation centers and create a national coordination structure.