Opening the accessibility door to golf – PART 2
Opening Golf’s Doors: How Virtually Golf is Transforming Accessibility and Changing Lives Through the Game
When Virtually Golf first opened its doors in 2022, our mission was never just about golf. It was about people, about creating a space where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, could experience the joy, challenge, and connection that the sport brings. Virtually Golf new creating accessibility wasn’t a project we could just bolt on later. It had to be woven into the fabric of who we are. It’s in our DNA.
Our aim was simple: reimagine the game in a new enviroment where a golf clubhouse feel wasnt’ the priority, it was to be fun, welcoming, and open to everyone. And over the past three years, we’ve proven that belief works.
Building a More Inclusive Future
In 2023, we shared our first piece on accessibility “Aspire and Accessibility at VG” which explored our early partnerships with organisations supporting adults with disabilities. That article was the start of something bigger: a commitment to develop meaningful pathways into golf for people who may not know the sport was “for them.”
Since then, Virtually Golf has worked hand-in-hand with some incredible organisations. We’ve built lasting relationships with Aspire Day Service, Lifeways, rehabilitation centres, supported living groups, and community outreach programs across Lincolnshire. Together, we’ve welcomed hundreds of individuals into a new kind of sporting environment, one that’s safe, inclusive, fun, and filled with possibility.
Our simulators have become more than just a place to play. They’re tools for physical therapy, spaces for social connection, and platforms for rebuilding confidence. For many who step through our doors, golf is something they can enjoy… on their terms, in their way.
Framework, an organisation dedicated to helping people off the streets and into safe accommodation, has been able to use Virtually Golf not only as a source of entertainment but also as a way to introduce a new skill and provide opportunities to learn, play, and develop in the sport. Sam Rigby, who coordinates the groups, acknowledges that golf is often inaccessible to them due to cost, behavioural barriers, and location. However, Virtually Golf has created a welcoming and safe environment where participants can enjoy the game, many of them rediscovering a hobby they once loved or experiencing golf for the first time.
Framework Housing Association is dedicated to supporting people who are homeless or vulnerable by providing care services that help them build better futures. Virtually Golf has become a regular visit for us because we know they offer a safe, welcoming space for our groups — a place where confidence can grow, new skills can be developed, and incredible technology can be experienced in a way many may not usually have the opportunity to. Thank you, Virtually Golf — we can’t recommend your services enough.
Sam Rigby (Framwork Housing Ass)
Lee’s Story: Rediscovering Confidence Through Golf – Lifeways
Perhaps the best way to understand the impact of our mission is through real stories.
Lee had always loved golf. But after experiencing significant health challenges, the sport he once enjoyed became something that felt out of reach. Traditional courses were too demanding, the physical barriers too great, and his confidence had faded. Golf and the joy it once brought felt lost.
That was until Lee visited Virtually Golf. With the support of his care team and our staff from Lifeways, he began exploring the game again in a completely different environment. There was no pressure, no judgment, and no barriers. Just support, encouragement, and a community that believed in his potential.
Week by week, Lee’s confidence grew. His coordination improved, his love for the sport reignited, and his sessions quickly became the highlight of his week. But more than that, golf became a vehicle for recovery, a reason to get out, to stay active, and to connect with others.
Lee’s journey is just one example of many. We’ve seen people rediscover passions they thought were gone forever. We’ve watched individuals who once felt isolated build friendships and confidence. And we’ve witnessed how something as simple as swinging a golf club can spark joy, motivation, and transformation.
Beyond the Simulator: A Community Mission
Our work doesn’t stop at the simulator screen. Accessibility is about more than offering a service, it’s about creating opportunities and building partnerships that make a real difference.
And as we look ahead, we’re determined to do even more. Our vision is to expand these initiatives into new cities and communities, creating accessible golf hubs across the UK. We believe that the power of sport to transform lives shouldn’t be limited by geography, and our ambition is to make Virtually Golf a national leader in inclusive, community-driven sport.
We want to regulary work with carers, rehabilitation specialists, and support workers to design sessions tailored to individual needs, from gentle introductory games that build coordination, to team-based activities that encourage communication and social skills.
We also plan to run dedicated sessions for groups and services, creating safe, supported environments where participants can explore golf (and other interactive sports) at their own pace. These sessions often become more than just recreation, they’re part of rehabilitation plans, confidence-building programs, or simply a highlight of someone’s week.
Why Accessibility Matters to Us
For us, accessibility isn’t about ticking a box or meeting a target — it’s about changing perceptions of what golf can be.
Virtually Golf was founded on something deeply personal. Our Managing Director lost his father to prostate cancer before he could see the venue his son had created. Golf had always been a key part of their bond, but when illness struck, it was something they could no longer share together. Virtually Golf was born from that experience — imagined as a way for people to discover, continue, or reconnect with the game even when health or other circumstances make traditional golf difficult to access.
We’ve seen first-hand how inclusive sport can rebuild lives, how it can bring families together, and how it can unlock potential that people didn’t even know they had. And that’s why accessibility will always remain at the heart of what we do, not just here in Lincoln, but in every future Virtually Golf location we open.
Join Us on the Journey
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s so much more we can do. Our dream is to bring this inclusive, community-focused approach to new cities, creating more spaces where people like Lee can rediscover the game they love.
If you’re part of a support organisation, a care service, or simply someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you, we invite you to join us as we continue to grow and shape the future of accessible sport.
