Golf Business News – 'World's first' pediatric prosthetic arm at Woburn G4D event

The flexible prosthetic arm, the first of its kind in the world, was put to the test by young children during a special training session at the G4D Open in Woburn on May 16.

Koalaa UK is partnering with EDGA, a non-profit organization committed to making golf accessible to all, to develop a unique tool that improves the ability of golfers with disabilities to use the golf club effectively.

While the development process is still in its early stages, the session in Woburn followed months of research and testing and was the first time that junior players were invited to test a prototype device.

Each of the children who use prosthetic limbs has a congenital anomaly below the elbow, which means their arm was not fully developed at birth. They were given their free transplant Koalaa by a charity called Project Limitless, which supports children aged 18 and under living in the UK. Away from golf, about 600 children have received implants through the program.

Under the guidance of golf coach, Mark Taylor, EDGA Head of Instruction and Education, the children used their newly designed layout for the first time to play three holes on a specially designed short course for the day at Woburn.

In conjunction with The G4D Open at the nearby duchess Course, the event also gave youngsters the chance to meet some of the world's best G4D players. The youth group introduced at the event is the LimbBo Foundation, a national charity that supports amputees and their families.

Mark Taylor said: “It was great to welcome the children to Woburn and they all took to it very quickly! Tools, like the one we're developing with Koalaa, are critical to helping inclusivity and making golf accessible to all. We want everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience, to know that golf is for them.”

Mark added: “From a player's point of view, one important and unique advantage of the Koalaa design is that it makes it possible to connect the limb to the golf club in the working environment, which corresponds to a high connection between the players and the club and improves movement and power. generation within the loop – something that is impossible without a new device.”

Unlike conventional prosthetics, Koalaas are made of breathable fabric that fits snugly around the arm, making them lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for young children, and they can be shipped worldwide, in volume, at a fraction of the cost. Koalaa prosthetics are currently available for those with below-the-elbow and partial-wrist disabilities and feature adjustable tools designed for user feedback, allowing for a wide range of activities.

Nate Macabuag, the founder of Koalaa, commented: “Three of the children with hearing loss received prosthetic hands for the first time. Seeing them and then playing golf a few minutes later, fully embracing this and hitting shots was so much fun. Kids playing together and having fun shows why golf is such a great sport.

“It is a pleasure to work with the team at EDGA on this development project. Together, we hope to encourage people with disabilities of all ages to pick up a club and play golf! Whether you're a complete student, or a top performer in your field, at Koalaa our mission is to create prosthetic limbs and tools that support people to do the jobs they want to do – and this is another exciting example of us. commitment to that goal.”

The EDGA (officially the European Disabled Golf Association) supports people with disabilities at all stages of the golfer's journey, from 'sampler', 'participant' to 'competitor', and works with 50 National Golf Federations as they try to welcome new golfers. -500,000. in the game.

For more information, please visit www.yourkoalaa.com and www.edgagolf.com