An Oxfordshire schoolgirl is among the first to test out a "world-first" prosthetic arm to help her hold and swing a golf club.
A group of primary-aged children with congenital limb differences were invited to test out a “world-first” prosthetic arm during a special coaching session at Woburn Golf Club in Milton Keynes in May.
The tool has been engineered by upper limb prosthetics company Koalaa in collaboration with EDGA, formerly the European Disabled Golf Association, with the aim of enhancing the ability of players with upper limb differences to effectively use a golf club.
While the process is still in its early stages, the session at Woburn was the first time that younger players had been invited to test out the prototype device.
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Joanie Melady, aged 10 and from South Oxfordshire, has the Koalaa tennis tool named after her.
She tested out the golf prosthetic at Woburn Golf Club alongside 10-year-old golf fan, Freddie Tarr, who lives in Bournemouth.
Koalaa prosthetics are available for those with below-elbow and partial hand limb differences, helping with sports and other hobbies such as yoga, tennis, surfing and guitar playing.
“It was interesting, it was fun. I got a hole in two, which was a lucky go,” Joanie said.
She added that being around other children with limb differences “makes me feel like I belong”.
Ten-year-old Joanie Melady also tested out the new golfing arm, saying she ‘got a hole in two’ (Image: Alan Melady/PA)
Joanie’s father, Alan Melady, 43, said: “After we finished at Woburn, Joanie said to me ‘Can we go and play golf this weekend?’
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“She loves sport and she always makes you proud when you’re seeing her doing something that she hasn’t been able to do before.
“You could see there was a lot more control in her swing and you could see from the get-go that she has a really nice swing.
“Who knows what we might do in the future, and if she wants to play golf when she’s a bit older, she’s got that option.”
Golf coach Mark Taylor said it was “brilliant” to welcome the children to the golf club.
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“Tools, like the one we’re developing with Koalaa, are so important for aiding inclusivity and making golf accessible for all,” he said.
“We want everyone, no matter what age, ability or experience level, to know that golf is for them.”
Nate Macabuag, founder of Koalaa, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with the team at EDGA on this development project.
“Together, we hope to inspire people with limb differences of all ages to pick up a club and hit the golf course.”
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