A programme will aim to improve access to golf courses for people with disabilities as part of Golf Saudi's membership of the European Disabled Golf Association ©Getty Images

Golf Saudi has attained full member status of the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) in a move which aims to promote the sport for all players with disabilities in the country.

An access programme to boost the attendance of disabled people at golf courses across Saudi Arabia is set to be launched as part of Golf Saudi's membership.

Golf Saudi has vowed to work with the EDGA and golf clubs across the country during the next 12 to 18 months to help make the initiative available to all.

An initial two-day training programme was held for Golf Saudi's mass participation coaches and volunteers in the capital Riyadh in the build-up to the announcement, followed by a further two days of training for Professional Golfers' Association qualified coaches.

The news was revealed during the Saudi International tournament in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and the chief executive and deputy chairman of the National Federation Majed Al Sorour said its membership of the EDGA would enhance the accessibility of golf in Saudi Arabia.

"It is my pleasure to confirm that Golf Saudi has become a member of EDGA, furthering our commitment to make golf accessible to all," said Al Sorour.

The chief executive and deputy chairman of Golf Saudi Majed Al Sorour, right, said membership of the EDGA showed
The chief executive and deputy chairman of Golf Saudi Majed Al Sorour, right, said membership of the EDGA showed "our commitment to make golf accessible to all" ©Getty Images

"As an organisation, EDGA is considered globally to be the foremost expert on golf for people with disabilities and we will therefore look to work with them to promote golf for all in Saudi.

"I am delighted that we’ve been able to welcome here in KAEC, Mark Taylor, EDGA’s head of development, who has over the past week been training our Golf Saudi coaches to deliver tailored training sessions."

Taylor added: "My thanks first of all must go to Golf Saudi for not only undertaking this training and hosting these clinics but for also signing up here today as an official member of EDGA.

"This bold move demonstrates their courage to follow through on their vision, in terms of making golf an inclusive sport throughout the Kingdom."

The EDGA has 34 National Federations listed under its membership, although more than one-third of these are classed as outside Europe, including in Argentina, Australia, India and Israel.

Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly influential player in golf, with its Public Investment Fund backing a 10-event International Series on the Asian Tour which is viewed as a challenge to the Professional Golf Association Tour and the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour.