IINCLUS NCLUS
GOLF PATHWAY MIX.
“Kafka’s support of our mission makes it possible for us to deliver education to the golf industry We are proud to be associated with them and the commitment they have to delivering products that improve accessibility to golf facilities around the country!”
Dave Barton, PGA, Executive Director, National Alliance
INTHISISSUE FEBRUARY2025
A Message from the Alliance
Executive Director, Dave Barton, PGA
Access + Inclusion
The Alliance is a leader in access and inclusion - increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf
Inclusion Influencers
An interview with Bryan Rourke, Master Fitter and Coordinator of Adaptive Golf for PING
Trade Shows, Associations, and Appreciation
Follow the Alliance at the PGA Show and GCSAA Conference
Education Hub
Are your event volunteers ready?
GAIN Spotlight: Research
Doctoral candidate researching the impact of adaptive sports and activities for adult amputees
Database Relaunch
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf relaunches its searchable database of adaptive golf cars, programs, and facilities
I GOT THIS Foundation
Expands Its Reach and Delivers a Worldclass, International Event
Qualifying Sites Set for 4th U.S. Adaptive Open
Eight sites will be hosting qualifying for the 4th U.S. Adaptive Open Championship
Florida Golf Store Makes Game Accessible to All
PGA TOUR Superstore is an advocate for adaptive golf
AMESSAGEFROM THEALLIANCE
Dave Barton, PGA Executive Director
It’s been an interesting winter in Charleston, SC For starters, it snowed not the norm in the lowcountry I was in Orlando at the 2025 PGA Show when my wife called about the snow shovel and it was where I never thought we would use it again Not the correct response
After returning to Charleston, Phase II of the winter avoidance scheme took me to the 2025 GCSAA Conference in San Diego
In this edition we’ll provide a conference recap which included participation in a panel and speaking with an audience re: the importance of completing a Facility Self-Assessment
We’ll also share information about a research effort we hope many of you will contribute to and we caught up with Bryan Rourke, Master Adaptive Fitter from PING, for our February “Inclusion Influencers” interview
If you ever have something you would like to share, we’d love to tell your story in Golf Inclusion Monthly®.
ACCESS+INCLUSION
Our mission is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf.
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (National Alliance) is the leader in inclusion working to ensure the opportunity for all individuals with disabilities to play and participate in the game of golf Formed in the summer of 2001, the National Alliance is represented by professional associations within the industries of golf, recreation and leisure, and health care providers as well as organizations that advocate for inclusion and provide services to individuals with disabilities
WHATWEDO
Advocacy and Awareness
In addition to advocating for individuals with disabilities in print and online publications as well as social media marketing and interviews, the National Alliance engages in speaking opportunities at conferences and other public events. The Alliance also hosts GAIN, an adaptive golf community networking and engagement forum
Education
The Alliance Education Hub provides guidance to golf course owners and operators seeking ways to make their golf courses and facilities more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive to golfers with disabilities, including programs to bring new golfers into the game.
Resources
The Alliance delivers resources including ADA guidance, policy templates and more to create accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environments.
INCLUSIONINFLUENCERS: ANINTERVIEWWITHBRYANROURKE
Click to listen to the entire interview.
Excerpts from Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton’s interview with Bryan Rourke, Master Fitter for PING and a nationally-recognized leader in adaptive golf fitting.
2025 PGA Show...“So many adaptive golfers come by people that are aware of what I do in the adaptive space, but others that aren't really sure, and they see a 66 inch driver and they are like , oh, what's this all about? So it's really cool to kind of talk about what I do and see a lot of people.”
What drives PING...“The easiest way to say it really is the Solheim family their commitment to helping people obviously started with Karsten and Louise and has migrated through generations…to help people play their best golf.”
Fitting versus adaptive fitting...“It’s just what we do. We fit people We build custom golf clubs and I think that's why it makes it so easy for PING to excel in the space, because we don't view it as really different than what we do every day, and that's what makes it really cool and exciting.”
PING and PGA Tour Superstore...“The more I talked with Tim [Tim Wilkes - PGA Tour Superstore], I could see they really wanted to get invested creating accessibility at the end of the day having the right components there It's exciting to see because, from my perspective, that means adaptive golf is growing, and that makes me really happy and really excited that other companies and organizations are really seeing the growth in the tidal wave of adaptive golf ”
“We [PING] don't view it as really different than what we do every day, and that's what makes it really cool and exciting.”
Bryan Rourke working with Andreas Brandenberger
PGA Tour Superstore Associates...“I learned from the associates as well They’re doing a lot of fittings each day, and you know what components could be useful for them in their stores to provide these fittings It might be something I haven't thought of yet, either, so it's really cool to have a dialogue. And then, usually, the last day or two we'll bring in some adaptive golfers and put them to the test Kind of let them roam free and see what they've learned ”
Unique fitting experience...“I received an email from an airline pilot that flew planes with her feet. I'm like, okay, that's kind of interesting. She flew the plane with her feet, she does taekwondo, and wields a sword with her feet So we ended up making a 3D printed belt buckle that we could secure a golf club to and she ended up putting the golf club between her big toe and index toe, and just kind of did a kicking motion. She hit a driver and a putter made like a 25 foot putt, which was really really cool.”
Custom Fit. Custom Built: PING’s Adaptive Fitting Program
From the day our company was founded more than 60 years ago, PING has been a pioneer in custom club-fitting and a leading innovator in club design. So it’s only natural that PING would enthusiastically embrace an adaptive fitting program that custom-fits golfers with specialized PING technology built exclusively for them We are currently the only major golf club manufacturer with an organized adaptive fitting effort
Bryan Rourke working with 2024 U S Adaptive Open Champion Bailey Bish
TRADESHOWS,ASSOCIATIONS,ANDAPPRECIATION
By Dave Barton, PGA
Where did the National Alliance come from? Who started this organization? Why?
I’ve been fortunate to be with the National Alliance for Accessible Golf for just about three years. Admittedly, before I arrived, I was not very aware of this organization and the Alliance mission to increase participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf That’s on me Even within the adaptive golf space, there are so many organizations doing some amazing things at the local, state, regional and national level, it can be tough sometimes to know who is doing what
Simply put, our organization would not exist if not for the belief and support provided among the leading golf associations in the country who recognize we still have work to do related to connecting the dots between the
Credit: Dan Aldrich
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the game of golf.
When the ADA was enacted almost 35 years ago, it addressed compliance standards for buildings, but not for the golf course itself. For that matter, the same applied to other outdoor recreational activities such as campgrounds, parks and more.
The aforementioned leading golf associations came together in a series of working groups, along with academia from Indiana University and Clemson in the mid-90s to address what golf courses needed to do to ensure they were barrier free and accessible for individuals with disabilities to play the game In 2001, as a byproduct of those working groups, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf was established In 2010, compliance guidance was incorporated into the ADA, becoming enforceable in 2012.
The Alliance was established as an education, advocacy and resource center for the golf industry to help owners, operators, leadership and staff better understand their responsibilities related to ensuring golf courses are accessible to the public (Title III) who may require additional access requirements. This general description of “public” includes municipal and government facilities (Title II)
Alliance Board Member Justin Apel
“From Tees to Trees and Man’s Best Friend” GCSAA Power Hour presenters
The crew from Kafka Granite
Executive Director, Dave Barton, PGA at GCSAA Power Hour
We focus on the delivery of education and resources via the Alliance Education Hub, GAIN – the Golf Access and Inclusion Network®, Golf Inclusion Monthly®, our website and, when provided the opportunity to speak at various industry trade shows or simply be invited to attend, we say “yes” We do not run competitions or programs but work across the industry to ensure there are more and more places to learn and play the game. The Alliance had a modest grant program for many years with support from the USGA providing over $1mm to instructional programs bringing golfers into the game As we move into 2025 and beyond, we remain optimistic that improving access to the information we deliver will help drive additional support to keep the education press going, but also facilitate a reboot of the grant program.
Trade shows or events hosted by the leading golf associations in the country are critical to our ability to share information and advise Members of these associations how to ensure their facilities are accessible and welcoming. These associations and more know that there are golf facilities out there doing great in this area, but there are still plenty with improvement opportunities, and our mission involves delivering information those facilities need
"Thanks in large part to moderator Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer for the PGA of America and the presenting organization, Make Golf Your Thing, the Alliance was able to participate in “The Evolution of Inclusion” panel as the 2025 PGA Show opened up in Orlando Emceed by Lauren Thompson, National Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton, PGA joined Tom Kuhn – VP, Corporate Partnerships, PGA Tour, Dr. Michael Cooper, Senior Advisor, USGA and Suzy Whaley, President, Golf Nation to discuss the past,
present and future of bringing individuals of all abilities and demographics into the game. Suzy filled in for Laura Diaz, Sr. Director of Community and Inclusion, LPGA but I think it is safe to say Laura was there in spirit! We missed you Laura
After a quick turn back home to Charleston, I was off to San Diego to be a part of GCSAA Conference Power Hour presentation, “From Tees to Trees and Man’s Best Friend – three things you didn’t know you needed to know” to discuss the Facility SelfAssessment Process leaders can conduct to evaluate their physical and cultural environments related to access and inclusion for golfers with disabilities
It was our privilege to be sharing the stage with Forest Richardson - ASGCA, Nathan Crace - ASGCA , PLA, and John C Fech, University of Nebraska
Beyond providing a valued speaking opportunity, the GCSAA and GCBAA also ensured the importance of access to the game was reflected as part of their Sustainability Pavilion in front of the San Diego Convention center which included a “real” teeing ground and green complex featuring a VertaCat adaptive golf car
Like a lot of organizations in the adaptive golf community, we are a small non-profit, but aspire to do big things. We are able to punch above our weight because of these golf industry associations and other supporters who understand the National Alliance fills a gap in the sourcing and delivery of relevant information on a national scale
We’re very proud to serve as a resource to the golf industry.
Alliance Board Member Chava McKeel
Alliance Board Member Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA
TRADESHOWSNAPSHOTS
Gianna Rojas in Action
Jeff and Tim Nicholson at GCSAA Conference
The crew from USDGA, Georgia State Golf Association, and USAGA
Alliance Board Members Sheryl Bindelglass and Justin Apel
Dennis Walters, PGA and Gussie
GAINSPOTLIGHT: RESEARCHOPPORTUNITIES
Doctoral candidate researching the impact of adaptive sports and activities for adult amputees
Periodically, the Alliance receives inquiries related to ongoing research related to adaptive golf.
We are grateful to be seen as a source to either contribute to this research and/or help connect these efforts to the adaptive golfers they need for their study Nicole Sweeney, a Doctoral Candidate from Springfield College contacted us and many of you have recently seen the below notification on GAIN - the Golf Access and Inclusion Network®.
If the criteria below describes you, we’d encourage you to take a few moments and contribute to this study. These efforts definitely contribute to a broader understanding of not only the importance of participation, but also the challenges to participation Identifying and then solving those challenges will facilitate increased participation in the game
Please review the below from Nicole Sweeney. Thank you for letting us help you get the word out Nicole!
My name is Nicole Sweeney and I am a doctoral occupational therapy student at Springfield College. For my Doctoral Capstone, I am researching the impact of participation in adaptive sports and/or recreational activities for adult amputees. I am looking to collect data from two groups regarding quality of life – amputees currently participating in adaptive sports and/or recreational activities and amputees who do not participate in adaptive sports and/or recreational activities. I am also looking to gather additional information related to the challenges experienced by amputees pursuing participation in adaptive sports and/or recreation
The inclusion criteria for these surveys are as follows:
Amputees currently participating in adaptive sports and/or recreational activities and amputees who do not participate in adaptive sports and/or recreational activities Ages 18-65 years Primarily English-speaking Residing within the United States
If you are an amputee who is currently involved in adaptive sports and/or recreation, click on this link: https://forms gle/pdkuXAPh6S9gcURy6
If you have any questions/concerns or would like more information, feel free to contact this student researcher at nsweeney@springfieldcollege.edu, or my research advisor, Andrea Coppola, at acoppola2@springfieldcollege edu for more information
The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
EDUCATIONHUBSPOTLIGHT: VOLUNTEERTRAINING
"Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it."
– Maya Angelou
Is your organization hosting a tournament or program for adaptive golfers, or any golfers? What about the spectatorswithdisabilities?
If you’ve been around golf long enough, you know golf tournaments of any scale rarely succeed without significant volunteer participation. Are your volunteers prepared to interact with individuals with disabilities in waysthatensureapositiveexperienceishadbyall?
Volunteer and Staff Training for Adaptive Golf Events was developed to help event organizers prepare themselves, staff and volunteers in all locations to better understand the basics of disability etiquette and communications. When should you touch someone else's wheelchair? What is the best way to communicate with someone who might haveasensoryorintellectualimpairment?
Join the growing number of leading golf associations who arechoosingtoelevatetheexperienceattheirevents We encourage you to take advantage of this training freely availableontheAllianceEducationHub.
239
Enrolled Learners
Course Completions
Training Hours Completed 110
The Alliance Education Hub is a FREE service available to anyone in the golf industry.
DATABASERELAUNCH:ADAPTIVE GOLFCARS,PROGRAMS,AND FACILITIES
The
National Alliance for Accessible Golf relaunches its searchable database.
The national database is designed to improve access to information critical to bringing more people with disabilities into the game, as well as facilitating play for those already playing golf or looking for game improvement opportunities around the country.
The database, freely available HERE and via www.accessgolf.org, has been streamlined to simplify information related to the availability and type of adaptive golf cars a golf facility and/or instructional program does, or does not have, as well as the adaptive golf instruction opportunities that are provided
Adaptive golf is not a new thing However, national exposure is showing a much broader audience what is possible thanks to the USGA U S Adaptive Open along with the USDGA Championship supported by PING and the PGA of America. Those efforts, including a growing number of golf programs for individuals with disabilities, and an industry recognition of the health and wellness benefits of golf should be sending a message “get ready for more golfers ”
It is a fact that the availability of adaptive golf cars around the country can only improve. As interest in adaptive golf continues to grow, which also includes golfers with disabilities who do not play from a seated position, the best way to ensure positive customer experiences for both the golfer and the facility is to start from the same sheet of music related to available opportunities
Dave Barton, PGA, Executive Director relays, “It’s not just about the people that are playing now It is also about those that want to play or even family members and friends seeking information to help someone get started. Perhaps a golfer with additional access requirements is visiting your course from afar? This information needs to be much easier to find on a national scale. Please take just a few moments and get your program and/or facility listed today ”
“Therealworkbeginsnow.Whathappensnextisuptoevery facilityorprogramleaderinthecountry.We’vegottogetmore programsandfacilitiesunderstandingjusthowimportantitis tosharetheiravailabilityofadaptivecarsandwhatkindof instructionyouofferforgolferswithdisabilities.”
-DaveBarton,PGA,ExecutiveDirector
IGOTTHISFOUNDATIONEXPANDSITS REACHANDDELIVERSAWORLDCLASS, INTERNATIONALEVENT
By: Tracy Hupko, Executive Director
The I GOT THIS Foundation is thrilled to embark on its 6th year of empowering individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities through the wonderful game of golf The foundation was inspired and founded by adaptive golfer Amy Bockerstette and her family following her famous par putt on the 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open with PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland Our mission is to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, opening doors to a sport that offers both joy and personal gro th As e continue to expand creating inclusive experience the thril camaraderie of play each new participa strengths they brin community where flourish. Together, w are nurturing a sen that everyone can a the course
Our biggest event o GOT THIS Champion 14 - 16 at the Toka St This event highligh intellectual disabiliti states and Canada only as a compet celebration of incl championship has certification, enabli world ranking points
ABOVE: Amy Bockerstette with her dad Joe
TAIL Activewear, the title sponsor, plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity within the athletic community.
“At TAIL Activewear, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives,” stresses Jerry Edwards, CEO & President at TAIL Activewear TAIL’s partnership with the I GOT THIS Foundation reinforces their commitment to creating an environment conducive to the success of all athletes and is expected to broaden the event's impact, attracting the participation of international competitors.
In addition to the championship, the I GOT THIS Foundation has planned a series of programs for 2025. On March 28, the I GOT THIS Discovery Golf Clinic will take place at the LPGA Ford Championship in Chandler, AZ. This will be followed by the I GOT THIS Golf Camp at Toka Sticks Golf Club May 5 - 9 in Mesa, AZ, and a similar camp in Florida in June that will include participants from Pathways to Opportunity Additional clinics and camps are scheduled throughout the year in various locations, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Canada.
On November 7, 2025, the foundation will host the 4th Annual I GOT THIS Charity Scramble at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, AZ This event, along with an online auction in the fall, is crucial for fundraising efforts that support the foundation's programming.
The I GOT THIS Foundation is committed to fostering opportunities and growth for athletes with intellectual disabilities, showcasing that with proper support all individuals have the potential to excel in their pursuits, creating opportunities to shout I GOT THIS!
To learn more, visit www igotthis foundation
QUALIFYINGSITESSETFOR 4THU.S.ADAPTIVEOPEN
By Jonathan Coe, USGA | Feb 11, 2025 | Liberty Corner, N.J.
Eight sites will be hosting qualifying for the 4th U Adaptive Open Championship, which will contested at Woodmont Country Club, in Rockvi Md., from July 7-9. This is the second year championship will have qualifying, going from six eight sites.
Conducted over 18 holes, qualifiers will be held acro the United States between April 23 and May 28 Th will be managed by Allied Golf Associations (AGA The first two years of the competition, the entire fi was determined largely by Handicap Index®.
2025 U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifying Sites (8)
Wednesday, April 23
Haworth Country Club, Haworth, N J
Portage Country Club, Akron, Ohio
The Chimneys Golf Course, Winder, Ga
Thursday, May 1
Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, Sarasota, Fla.
Monday, May 19
Broadmoor Country Club, Indianapolis, Ind.
Tuesday, May 20
Goose Creek Golf Club, Jurupa Valley, Calif
Tuesday, May 27
Buffalo Creek Golf Club, Rockwall, Texas
Wednesday, May 28
(USGA/Kathryn Riley)
qualifying sites using a Qualifying Score Value, which is an adjusted Score Differential These players will be announced after all qualifying sites have completed play. More information can be found here.
A list of those who have already earned a place in the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open field through an exemption can be found here
The championship will administer a cut following round two, as follows (subject to amendment based on final entries):
Overall top 10 women and ties
Overall top 20 men and ties
American Lake Veterans Golf Course, Lakewood, Wash.
Online entry applications are now open and available by clicking here. Entries will close on Wednesday, Apr 9, at 5 p m ET
The low overall female scorer and low overall male scorer from each qualifying site will earn spots in the championship Any ties will be resolved by a playoff The remaining qualifying spots will be determined by Impairment Category and gender across all eight
Top 2 women and ties from each Impairment Category
Top 3 men and ties from each Impairment Category
Any player within five strokes of their Impairment Category leader
In its short existence, the U.S. Adaptive Open has already become one of the most inspirational championships in golf The championship is open to male and female professional and amateur golfers, with a Handicap Index of 36 4 or less, and an eligible impairment confirmed by a WR4GD Pass. The championship is contested over 54 holes of stroke play. Multiple sets of tees are utilized.
FLORIDAGOLFSTOREMAKES GAMEACCESSIBLETOALL
PGA TOUR Superstore is an advocate for adaptive golf
By: Stephanie Rodriguez
Published: January 30, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla – Florida has countless golf courses and is the backdrop for high-profile competitions, but not everyone can play a traditional round of golf, and one new program is trying to make the game more accessible.
Everyone can golf at Orlando’s PGA TOUR Superstore. Albert Gallof, who thought he’d never pick up another club after having a stroke, said the company’s adaptive golf program allowed him to revisit a game he thought would be impossible to return to.
“It gave hope, it really gave hope to me that I could do something that maybe I didn’t think I could do again,” he said
Nathan Freid, another golfer, is now training for the Special Olympics thanks to the program.
“I like how I can hit the ball and how I can experience golfing again,” he says
Both Gallof and Freid are students of Jimmy Bell, the Head Golf Instructor at the PGA TOUR Superstore at 7603 Turkey Lake Rd., who has helped spearhead the company’s adaptive golf program. This program focuses on getting everyone on the green, no matter their abilities
“If they’ve got a big smile, I’ve got a bigger smile I love it,” Bell shares.
Bell uses his decades of expertise to figure out how these golfers can tee up with the help of unique equipment
“Whatever I see, ‘Hey I got something that kind of works, so that’s exactly why this stuff was developed,” he told News 6 Reporter Stephanie Rodriguez while explaining the specialized and customizable equipment he uses with his athletes
pgatoursuperstore com
The program is about accessibility and getting more athletes involved, from former golfers like Gallof, who says, “For me, it was not just stamina but balance and being able to grip things because I have an issue with that and it’s just taking the things that are normal to you now, that weren’t before, and taking those things and working them into a process so you can do the things that you want to do,” to novices like Freid, who adds, “It’s amazing I love golfing, it helps me focus more.”
Gallof encourages anyone interested to give it a swing
“It just shows me that you can do things that you really didn’t think you could do before,” he said.
GAIN is your community ... a free networking forum to foster better access to adaptive golf experts across the country and resources to serve the community of golfers with disabilities and those that lead and support these efforts.
All are welcomed on GAIN ... those seeking information about adaptive golf, the ADA and more with those that can provide the answers.
Accessibility
