‘Getting Back Into the Swing of Things’: A Qualitative Study Into Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation for Stroke Survivors

Abstract

This paper draws on interviews with four stroke survivors (age range = 52–68 years), who participated in a six week ‘Get-into-Golf’ program and four coaches with experiences of delivering disability golf sessions, to examine the barriers and facilitators to golf participation. Findings indicate a positive response from participants, who referred to the social and physical benefits of the program that was perceived to promote independence. The results also highlight that considerations in regards to format, equipment, cost, access and overall awareness should be borne in mind for golf programs among people with disabilities. Golf clubs could employ this framework to help facilitate the participation of people with physical limitations. It is argued that opportunities to promote golf as a lifelong physical activity among people with disabilities may be missed in clubs where personnel are unsure of the barriers and facilitators to participation outlined here.