Driving Change: Cumberwell Park takes a major step for inclusive sport

The introduction of adaptive technologies like the Paragolfer supports multiple industry objectives including expanding market reach and participation.

from left: Adam Baker (The Golf Trust), Ali James (Owner, Cumberwell Park), Charlotte Menai-Davis (The Golf Trust), Sarah Gee Assistant PGA Professional (Cumberwell Park)
from left: Adam Baker (The Golf Trust), Ali James (Owner, Cumberwell Park), Charlotte Menai-Davis (The Golf Trust), Sarah Gee Assistant PGA Professional (Cumberwell Park)

Cumberwell Park is the latest golf club to take delivery of an all‑terrain Paragolfer, strengthening its position as a forward‑thinking, inclusive golf destination.

The introduction of the Paragolfer, which has been spearheaded by Golf Trust beneficiary Jason Matthews, reflects growing demand for adaptive equipment and aligns with wider sector priorities around participation, community engagement, and inclusive facility development.

Jason Matthews who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle‑wasting condition, played social golf for many years, but as his condition worsened and he began to fall. Eventually Jason had to give up the game more than a decade ago. “Stopping golf meant losing time with friends,” Jason reflects. “It felt like a part of my life had closed.”

Discovering The Golf Trust initiative changed that.  Jason says the team immediately eased his concerns about using the Paragolfer and helped remove the anxiety he felt about getting back onto the course. “The culture at the Golf Trust is like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” he explains. “They just get it — the support, the encouragement, the patience. It’s amazing.”

Before now, Jason was travelling to The Shire London—home of The Golf Trust—to access a Paragolfer for coaching and competitive training.  Cae and Jason reached out to Cumberwell Park who were more than happy to work with The Golf Trust to bring the Paragolfer to the South-West.  The availability of this equipment at Cumberwell Park is expected to significantly reduce travel barriers and increase local engagement from disabled golfers across the region.

“The addition of the Paragolfer is both a strategic and community‑driven,” says Cae Menai‑Davis, Founder of The Golf Trust. “It becomes the 14th unit in the national network, reflecting the growth in demand as clubs recognise the impact of adaptive equipment on participation, performance, and wellbeing. Facilities that invest in accessibility are seeing clear operational and reputational benefits.”

For golf clubs, the introduction of adaptive technologies like the Paragolfer supports multiple industry objectives including expanding market reach by opening new participation pathways.  Cumberwell Park’s commitment to creating a modern, inclusive facility is also reflected in their participation as the launch host for The Golf Trust’s Her Power Her Play campaign which takes place on March 25th

The event is open to women with disability and addresses some of the barriers women with disability face when trying to access recreational sport  https://herpowerherplaysouthwest.eventbrite.co.uk/

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