Image of Specialized golf carts for an inclusive golf game.

Golf is an inclusive sport by its nature. Specialized golf carts, clubs, and Velcro grips provide adaptive equipment for a person with a physical disability to play the game. For those who wish to become competitive golfers, the USGA Handicap System™ allows for golfers on all levels of ability, regardless of disability, to play and compete with one another on an even playing field. In order to get to that point, however, there must be a system in place to teach the game to youth with and without disability. Many BlazeSports America Clubs offer the following three-tiered system towards reaching that goal:

Clinics

Clinics are offered as single-day or multi-day events. These clinics feature PGA and USGA instructors who are familiar with adaptive golf and are open to youth with disabilities, their family, and friends. The clinics will strive to provide a fundamental knowledge of the game: its rules, etiquette, and the mechanics of the swing and putt.

Weekly Programs

Weekly programs offer instruction to youth with physical disabilities as well as their family and friends. This creates an environment of inclusion as well as learning that will transcend the mechanics of a golf swing. The weekly programs build on the fundamentals learned in the clinics and focus on the progression of the skill level of the athlete.

Tournaments

Tournaments are the culmination of the weekly program. A perfect opportunity for inclusion, the tournaments can feature mixed foursomes; two players with a disability and two players without a disability. When appropriate, the USGA Handicap System™ will be used to match players of similar skill levels as well as provide for an equitable playing field that will allow for everyone to compete for the tournament championship, regardless of their current skill level.

Who Can Participate

Adapted golf is available to athletes with any disability.

NCHPAD Resources:

• Golf Video-enabled Factsheet - http://www.ncpad.org/212/1396/Golf