posted on 2023-07-26, 15:57authored byNiall Hynes, Eldré W. Beukes, Roger Hawkes, Howard Bennett, Christian Hamilton, Prakash Jabalayan, Peter M. Allen
Vision-impaired (VI) golf is a global para-sport currently played under several different classification systems under different bodies. This study aimed to gather expert opinion to determine whether the current classification systems are fit for the
purpose intended and to identify any particular issues where VI impacts the game
of golf for the disabled (G4D). A panel of 20 participants with expertise in G4D took
part in a three-round Delphi study. The panel agreed that the current classification
system(s) for VI golf did not or only partially fulfilled the aim to minimise the impact
of VI on the outcome of competition and that there should be one, internationally
recognised, classification system. It was agreed that other metrics of VI, in addition
to the measurement of visual acuity (VA), need to be considered. Intentional misrepresentation of VI was identified as a cause for concern. The panel agreed that
the current classification system does not fully achieve its purpose. Any changes
that are made to these classification systems need to be evidence based specific to
VI golf. Further research is required to determine how measures of VI affect golfing
performance and whether other metrics other than VA are required