Mission
The mission of NAOAGA is to promote golf for individuals with upper-extremity disabilities resulting from physical challenges, focusing on competition, recreation, and both physical and emotional rehabilitation. NAOAGA organizes local, regional, national, and international competitions for its members, seeks to educate the public about the existence and benefits of "one-armed golf," and aims to provide a forum for discussing important issues related to living with upper-extremity disabilities.
In accordance with eligibility standards to be considered a disabled athlete recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), NAOAGA will classify golfers with disabilities based upon the following definitions:
Unassisted – Getchell Division G4
The golfers in this division have impairments affecting at least one arm. For each stroke played during a round of golf, there can only be one intentional point of contact on the club, from the beginning of the movement to the moment the ball is struck, and there should be no intentional contact with the arm holding the club. Using an artificial appliance, prosthetic device, or anchoring the club with any part of the impaired arm is not permitted as a second point of contact. This category encompasses those with limb deficiencies, limited range of motion, and reduced muscle power in the arm. It also includes individuals who play using a mobility cart, walker, or cane for stability while swinging with one arm.
Assisted – Fullgraf Division G5
The golfers in this division have impairments affecting at least one arm. During any stroke played in a round of golf, this classification is permitted to have two points of intentional contact with the club or with the arm holding the club, from the initiation of the stroke until the ball is struck. This allows for any intentional aid from an artificial appliance, prosthetic device, or anchoring the club with part of the impaired arm as the second point of contact. This category includes individuals with limb deficiencies, limited passive range of motion, and reduced muscle power in the arm.
In accordance with eligibility standards to be considered a disabled athlete recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), NAOAGA will classify golfers with disabilities based upon the following definitions:
Unassisted – Getchell Division G4
The golfers in this division have impairments affecting at least one arm. For each stroke played during a round of golf, there can only be one intentional point of contact on the club, from the beginning of the movement to the moment the ball is struck, and there should be no intentional contact with the arm holding the club. Using an artificial appliance, prosthetic device, or anchoring the club with any part of the impaired arm is not permitted as a second point of contact. This category encompasses those with limb deficiencies, limited range of motion, and reduced muscle power in the arm. It also includes individuals who play using a mobility cart, walker, or cane for stability while swinging with one arm.
Assisted – Fullgraf Division G5
The golfers in this division have impairments affecting at least one arm. During any stroke played in a round of golf, this classification is permitted to have two points of intentional contact with the club or with the arm holding the club, from the initiation of the stroke until the ball is struck. This allows for any intentional aid from an artificial appliance, prosthetic device, or anchoring the club with part of the impaired arm as the second point of contact. This category includes individuals with limb deficiencies, limited passive range of motion, and reduced muscle power in the arm.