PGA Of Canada Adjusts PAT Target Scores, Accommodations For Players With Different Abilities
Courtesy PGA of Canada
In a first-of-its kind move, the PGA of Canada announced on Tuesday morning that it has received approval from the Board of Directors to adjust the Playing Ability Test (PAT) target scores to allow for more equitable access for people with different abilities...
The amendments were initially discussed by the PGA of Canada’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task force in 2021, and are part of the amendments the association has promised to deliver upon in the coming years. The full report can be viewed here.
These changes will go into effect immediately, impacting all PATs moving forward.
The PGA of Canada National Staff consulted industry experts, including the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), to determine target score adjustments and on-course accommodations for each prospective member’s different ability.
“This is a landmark decision made by the PGA of Canada to allow for more equitable access to the association for individuals with different abilities working in the golf industry,” said PGA of Canada President Gord Percy. “We were deliberate and thoughtful in our approach to these amendments, and it was through the guidance of Tony Bennett and Mark Taylor from EDGA that we were able to determine which adjustments were needed in order to progress as an association.”
“I’m hopeful that this will open the door to the industry for passionate individuals looking to grow the game, as well as serve as guidance for other PGAs across the world looking to take a similar approach,” continued Percy.
The PGA of Canada worked with EDGA to determine 11 defined groups based on EDGA definitions for impairment in relation to golf. Those groups can be found here. The target scores for each group were determined by comparing the top five amateur golfer’s handicaps from the Golf Canada system to the top five amateur golfers with different abilities handicaps in the 11 defined groups from EDGA.
For example, based on players with an amputation above the knee: The top five EDGA pass holders average golf handicap is 0 compared to +5 for the top five Canadians golfers.
PAT target scores would look like this for those individuals:
- For Men, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 9 + 5 = 14 over
- For Men, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 11 + 5 = 16 over
- For Women, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 13 + 5 = 18 over
- For Women, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 15 + 5 = 20 over
Click here to view adjustments for each of the 11 groups.
"The PGA of Canada is once again at the forefront of change in the world of professional golf,” said EDGA President Tony Bennett. “The far-reaching decision of the PGA of Canada National Board of Directors recognizes that golfers with disabilities should have the opportunity to enter training with the PGA of Canada. It was our pleasure at EDGA to guide and support the thought process and provide a simple but justifiable method to ensure that golfers with disabilities demonstrate high-level proficiency by setting realistic target scores commensurate with the applicant's level of impairment.”
“I congratulate all at the PGA of Canada on their decision,” continued Bennett.
Aristotle Domingo also played a large role in helping the PGA of Canada through this process. Domingo, a double amputee who was on the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, helped the PGA of Canada understand accessibility issues and accommodations needed based on the disability of the person prior to and during conversations held with EDGA.
There will also be accommodations made at PATs sites based on impairment, including the removal of inaccessible tee boxes and penalty areas, as well as the removal of long forced carries and inaccessible sand bunkers for seated golfers. All accommodations can be found here.
For a player to be eligible for a different target score and accommodations, they must apply for a "player pass" with EDGA by submitting doctors’ letters and other required information. The process is free through EDGA and will determine whether an individual qualifies or not. The entire process is outlined here.
In addition, PAT exemptions have been adjusted for both able-bodied and different ability players. Events conducted by the R&A, the USGA, EDGA and Golf Canada qualify for exemptions, including events meant solely for players with different abilities.
The PGA of Canada Championships team is also currently consulting EDGA about accommodations at National Championships.
For more information, contact:
Darcy Kral
Managing Director of Membership and Support Services
PGA of Canada
519-853-5450 ext. 224
darcy@PGAofCanada.com