Awareness programs and outings provide a good "start" to introducing golf to any potential new golfer, including those with disabilities. These programs can be found across the country and often times are a product of a golf organization, recreation/park agency or rehabilitation/hospital program to introduce people to golf. Examples of these programs include those promoted by the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) of America through its Play Golf America initiative (http://www.playgolfamerica.com/), Hook a Kid on Golf (http://www.hookakidongolf.org/), Junior Links (http://www.juniorlinks.com/index.cfm) and other programs sponsored by the United States Golf Association (USGA), PGA of America, Ladies PGA and The PGA Tour. There are also awareness clinics and outings that are sponsored by various not-for-profit organizations and agencies specifically focused on individuals with disabilities. Examples include, The First Swing (http://www.nagagolf.org) and Special Olympics (http://www.specialolympics.org). While these programs can lead to getting people with disabilities interested in the game, they also can lead to participant frustration if there are not programs in place in their immediate community to provide continuity and growth of individuals in golf. Specifically for people with disabilities, this also requires instructors and programs that encourage participation, as well as adaptive equipment, in some cases.
A group of youth are standing in a miniature golf course holding golf clubs.
