The World Deaf Golf Federation (WDGF) has announced the launch of the World Deaf Golf Ranking (WDGR), creating, for the first time, an official worldwide ranking system for Deaf golfers.
The new ranking system is designed to recognise performances across national, regional, world championship and Deaflympic competitions, providing a clearer picture of where Deaf golfers stand on the international stage.
For many years, Deaf golf has lacked a consistent global ranking structure. The introduction of the WDGR is therefore a significant step forward in the development of the sport, helping players, national associations and supporters track performance and progress over time.
How the Ranking System Works
The World Deaf Golf Ranking operates on a rolling four-year cycle, aligned with the Deaflympic cycle.
Players earn ranking points through performances in:
- National Deaf Golf Championships
- Regional Deaf Golf Championships
- World Deaf Golf Championships
- Summer Deaflympics
Points are awarded based on both the level of competition and the number of competitors in each event category.
The highest-ranking events carry the greatest rewards:
Summer Deaflympics
- Winner: 140 points
- Runner-up: 100 points
- Third place: 80 points
World Deaf Golf Championships
Depending on field size:
- Winner: 100–120 points
- Runner-up: 80–90 points
- Third place: 60–70 points
Regional Championships
Depending on field size:
- Winner: 15–45 points
National Championships
Depending on field size:
- Winner: 10–20 points
This structure ensures that athletes are rewarded not only for winning but also for competing successfully in larger and stronger fields.
National Championships Now More Important Than Ever
The WDGF has asked all member countries to submit the results of their National Deaf Golf Championships to ensure players receive the ranking points they have earned.
National associations can submit results from both 2025 and 2026 championships.
From 2027 onwards, results must be submitted within one month of the event taking place.
To be accepted, submissions must:
- Be signed by the President or Honorary Secretary of the national Deaf golf or Deaf sports federation.
- Include each player’s International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) number.
- Be submitted within the required timescale.
The WDGF has stated that players whose ICSD number is not supplied will still appear on the ranking list, but their results cannot be fully processed within the ranking system.
What This Means for Players
The introduction of a global ranking system provides several benefits:
- Recognition of achievement at national and international level.
- Greater visibility for Deaf golfers around the world.
- A clearer pathway from national competition to international events.
- Increased credibility for Deaf golf within the wider sporting landscape.
- Additional motivation for players to compete regularly and improve their ranking position.
For emerging golfers, strong performances in national championships can now contribute directly to their international standing.
What This Means for National Golf Organisations
For NGO’s Golf, the ranking system creates an opportunity to showcase the strength of Deaf golf within the sport.
It also highlights the importance of maintaining accurate player records, including ICSD registration numbers, and ensuring that national championship results are submitted promptly.
With future qualification pathways likely to place increasing importance on competitive results and rankings, the WDGR could become an important reference point for player development and international selection discussions.
A Positive Step Forward
The launch of the World Deaf Golf Ranking represents another important milestone in the growth of Deaf golf worldwide.
By recognising performances consistently across national, regional and international competitions, the WDGF is creating a system that rewards achievement, encourages participation and strengthens the competitive structure of the sport.
For Deaf golfers everywhere, the message is simple: every championship now counts.
Two Big Ears 