Environment

The car park is often the first part of the venue a golfer encounters. As a practical guide, consider at least one accessible parking space for every 50 parking spaces, located within 50 metres of the accessible entrance.

• Minimum width of an accessible parking bay: 3.60 metres.
• Recommended width: 3.90 metres.
• Signage and surface markings should be clear and easy to identify.
• The route from parking to the building should be step-free and free from obstruction.

An accessible range begins with an accessible route and a ball machine that can be reached easily. If the range has multiple levels, at least some accessible bays should be available on the lower level.

• Ideally, 5% of hitting bays should be accessible.
• An accessible bay should be at least 2 metres wider than a conventional bay.
• There should be enough room for a mobility device to enter, turn and play safely.

Accessible routes should connect the car park, clubhouse, driving range, practice areas, toilets and the golf course. The route needs to be clear, understandable and usable in practice.

• Where assisted mobility devices may be used, routes should be at least 122 cm wide.
• If barriers run alongside a route, provide an opening of at least 150 cm every 70 metres.
• Openings should be placed where slopes are no steeper than 1:12.
• Potential trip hazards should be highlighted with contrast.

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Teeing areas should be on the accessible route and free from steps, steep slopes and blocked paths. The space must allow seated golfers using mobility devices to play from within the teeing area.

Any halfway houses or on-course toilets should also be reachable from the accessible route.

A bunker should have at least one point where golfers with reduced mobility can enter and exit safely and with relative ease.

The most accessible entry point will usually be where the bunker edge has the shallowest slope and the smallest change in elevation. This may not be the point closest to the ball, particularly for golfers who use mobility equipment or have a lower-limb impairment.

The golfer should still be able to move from the entry point to the ball and play the bunker shot without changing the intended challenge of the hole. The design should not remove the bunker face or make the shot easier. It should simply provide a practical route into and out of the bunker.

When reviewing bunker accessibility, consider the steepness of the edge, the firmness and stability of the surface, the space available for movement, and whether there is at least one clearly usable entry and exit point.

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Best practice

For the G4D Open at Woburn Golf Club, the greenkeeping staff specially adapt the course bunkers. They compact and raise the sand at entry points and add supportive mats, allowing players with disabilities easier access into and out of the bunkers.

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Forced carries over water, bunkers or other hazards can create a significant barrier for golfers with slower swing speeds, including some seated golfers and golfers playing with one arm.

A golfer may be able to hit the ball reliably but may not generate enough carry distance to clear the hazard. The teeing area should therefore be positioned so that the required carry is appropriate for the golfer.

Where possible, forced carries should be limited to approximately 100 metres for men and 80 metres for women. At least one teeing area for men and one for women should meet this guidance so that an accessible course can be played.

These distances are general guidance. Course set-up should also consider the individual golfer’s playing ability, preferred teeing position and typical carry distance.

• Clear signage for accessible entrances and exits.
• Level or ramped access at the main entrance.
• Doors at least 90 cm wide to accommodate wheelchair users.
• Automatic or power-assisted doors where possible.
• A reception point that can be approached and used comfortably.

Internal spaces should help people move through the building without confusion or unnecessary barriers.

• Provide unobstructed routes through the building.
• Allow enough manoeuvring space in common areas, seating areas and toilets.
• Use good lighting and clear contrast.
• Provide tactile materials or signage where helpful.
• Consider sound-absorbing materials and induction loop systems to support people with hearing impairments.

If your building has more than one level, accessible circulation is essential. Lifts should be easy to find and use, and stairs should include handrails, good contrast and consistent surfaces.

Emergency planning should also consider people with different access needs. Review evacuation procedures, refuge areas, alarms and staff responsibilities so that support is clear and reliable.