Lower limb impairments
Sport Class G1: Impairment affecting one leg, for example, an amputation above the knee. (Amputation above the knee, a prosthesis may be used)
Sport Class G2: Impairment in the lower parts of one leg, but with less impact on golfing. (Amputation above the ankle, loss of muscle control in one leg, or leg length difference)
Sport Class G3: Impairment in both legs. Each limb must qualify independently under IPC standards of disability in the classification. (Double Amputation, muscle weakness in both legs)
Arm Impairments
Sport Class G4: Impairment affecting one arm and either 1) does not use any golf aide or adaptive device to connect to the club, or 2) does not intentionally use the impaired arm when making a stroke at the ball. All players must only use one arm without aid from an artificial appliance, prosthetic, or part of the impaired arm – one point of contact on the club. (Limb deficiency, impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power related to the arm)
Sport Class G5: Impairment affecting one arm and either 1) use a golf aide or adaptive device to connect to the club, or 2) use the impaired arm at any time when making a stroke at the ball. Players can have two points of contact on the club when making a stroke. (Limb deficiency, impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power related to the arm)
Sport Class G6: Impairments affecting both arms that prohibit them from full use of the golf club. The use of an adaptive golf tool may be required. Each limb must qualify independently under IPC standards of disability in the classification. (Missing hand, or cannot grip the club properly)
Combined Arm and Leg Impairments
Sport Class G7: Impairments affecting one arm and one leg; some may have coordination challenges in all extremities. Each limb must qualify independently under IPC standards of disability in the classification.
Sport Class G8: Players with Neurological Conditions and Coordination Impairments. Abnormal increase in muscle tension and reduced ability of a muscle to stretch, lack of coordination of muscle movements, unbalanced, involuntary movements, and difficulty maintaining symmetrical posture due to a neurological condition. (Cerebral palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis)
Seated Golfer – All seated players who have an impairment affecting their body requiring them to play every stroke of all rounds strapped and intentionally attached to a mobility device. This category is for individuals who cannot stand; players who choose to play seated, but are physically capable of standing, will be assigned to a different Sport Class.
Sport Class G9: Players with impaired trunk control, no consistent static sitting balance, and no independent standing balance. These players cannot sit without falling and require external support to maintain a seated position.
Sport Class G10: Players with active trunk control and dynamic sitting balance, but no independent standing balance. These players can sit without external support but are unable to stand.
Visual Impairments – To ensure safety, all players in G11 & G12 must use an aide or caddie; players in G13 may use an aide or caddie, but are not required to.
Sport Class G11: These players have very low visual acuity and/or no light perception.
Sport Class G12: These players have higher visual acuity than the Sport Class G11 and a visual acuity higher than 20/600 with some light perception.
Sport Class G13: These players have the least severe visual impairment eligible for Paralympic sport. They have the highest visual acuity and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees radius.
Short in Stature
Sport Class G14: Players are short in stature.
Intellectual Disabilities
Sport Class G15: Players with an intellectual disability have certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social, and self-care skills. Level 5 Special Olympics North America Athletes. (Down syndrome or Autism)