Golf for Rehabilitation
Golf is recognized worldwide as a tool that supports physical, mental and social rehabilitation. The combination of moderate physical activity, time spent outdoors, growing self-confidence and a sense of belonging to a community has made the sport part of rehabilitation programs in many countries.
The Israel Golf Association has signed a cooperation agreement with the On Course Foundation (OCF), an international organization that has worked since 2009 in the United Kingdom and the United States to support the rehabilitation of wounded service personnel through golf. The Foundation supports a community of thousands of wounded veterans who have entered the sport as amateurs, professionals and golf industry staff, and brings with it professional expertise, accumulated experience and a broad international network.
The partnership is intended to lay the groundwork for developing golf-based rehabilitation in Israel, and in future to allow wounded IDF soldiers and members of the security forces to benefit from rehabilitation, training and community integration pathways, based on successful models operating around the world.
As part of this initiative, the Sheba Rehabilitation Center has been selected as the first site for a national pilot project in this field. The project, developed together with OCF, is expected to include a rehabilitation facility based on advanced golf simulator technology. It is currently in the preparation, planning and professional development stages, with implementation planned to begin during 2026.
The Association's vision is to establish golf as a meaningful rehabilitation tool in Israel, and in time to create a network of programs and centers that will allow wounded individuals and people with disabilities to enjoy the health, social and employment benefits of the sport.
Rehabilitation Simulator
Simulators and Advanced Golf Technology
In recent years golf simulators have become one of the main growth engines of the sport worldwide. The advanced technology allows players at every level to practice, learn and compete in an accessible environment, without depending on a full golf course or on the weather.
The Israel Golf Association sees simulators as an important tool for widening exposure to the sport and is working to encourage the establishment of simulator centers across the country. Alongside their sporting and recreational use, simulators are also a platform with significant potential in education, training and rehabilitation.
As part of the partnership with the On Course Foundation (OCF), the Association is advancing a pilot project at the Sheba Rehabilitation Center, which is expected to include a rehabilitation facility based on advanced golf simulator technology. The project is currently in the planning and preparation stages, with implementation planned to begin during 2026. Rehabilitation is one of the most important applications of simulator technology, and has demonstrated benefits worldwide for physical, mental and social recovery.
In parallel, initiatives are advancing to establish commercial simulator centers in a number of cities, including Herzliya and Rishon LeZion. These centers are expected to combine advanced golf simulators with entertainment, hospitality and leisure spaces, offering an innovative golf experience to the general public without the need for access to a golf course.
The Association is working to encourage the establishment of further centers across the country and maintains partnerships and professional dialogue with leading global companies in golf and simulator technology, among them Golf Pod and Smash, with the aim of bringing innovative solutions to Israel that will help develop the sport and open it to new audiences.
The Association's vision is to create a nationwide network of simulator centers serving athletes, students, families, golf enthusiasts and people in rehabilitation, forming a significant part of Israel's future golf infrastructure.
Sheba — Rehabilitation Hospital
Sheba Medical Center has established a unique rehabilitation unit incorporating advanced golf simulator technology. The program is designed for patients in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.
- Physical and functional rehabilitation
- Computerized progress tracking
- Skilled professional team