IINCLUS NCLUS
NATURAL STONE.
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 JANUARY2025
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 Anna Kittelson, manager of adaptive golf at the Golf Association of Philadelphia.
Adaptive Golf - A Community Like No Other
What is it that makes a golf community?
Leadership Spotlight
Meet Alliance incoming president Melissa Low and immediate past president Justin Apel.
Alliance Education Hub
Do You Connect with Adaptive Golfers?
Find Adaptive Golf Cars and Programs
National Alliance to Relaunch Its National Database of Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities
Rutgers Agrees to Changes at Golf Course
A golfer with a disability has forced Rutgers University to level the playing field at its main campus golf course
USGA Focuses on Inclusion, Sustainability in 2025
Turfgrass innovation, junior golfer development and inclusion programs support the industry’s overall strength.
Dan Aldrich, President North American One – Armed Golfer Association
AMESSAGEFROM THEALLIANCE
Dave Barton, PGA Executive Director
Our industry magazine, Golf Inclusion Monthly®, has exited the cocoon this New Year in a new form which we hope you will enjoy and will see opportunities to contribute.
We’ll share news and stories from around the country focused on the people and programs making a difference, including program leaders, the golfers themselves, and the supporters that help make it all possible We’ll continue to share topical information related to the education and resources we provide.
We welcome the opportunity to help you tell your stories related to adaptive golf, so please do not hesitate if you have something to say
P.S. We hope you enjoy this edition, and we wish you all an amazing 2025!
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: ANINTERVIEWWITHANNAKITTELSON
Click to listen to the entire interview.
Excerpts from Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton’s interview with Anna Kittelson, Manager of Adaptive Golf at the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP). Anna administers GAP’s adaptive golf programming.
Interest in Adaptive Golf...“I just so happened to start caretaking for a young adult with autism, and he's kind of the one who I give credit to for shaping my career when I was working with him as his caretaker, he knew that I played golf, and so his mom one day just asked, “Would you take him golfing?” In my head. I was like, okay, sure. I don't know why I never thought of it before … he didn't really like the outside or the heat, it's the middle of the summer and he wasn't the biggest fan of exercise, I thought, this is going to be really interesting he had a great time, and I was like, Oh, my gosh! This is the best thing ever. I've just had the most magical day … that’s when I was like, OK, there has to be a career in golf … and working with people with disabilities.”
Time at GAP...“I was hired as a PJ Boatwright intern to specifically focus on adaptive golf really the right place at the right time, with the right interest With the USGA launching their adaptive open, that was when the Golf Association of Philadelphia <saw that> adaptive golf is something that we should start looking into That’s what I spent my internship doing So, I studied and I learned everything I could possibly know about adaptive golf So it's been a really nice journey to get to where I am I am officially the Manager of Adaptive Golf, and we launched our first programming in April of 2024.”
Growth of GAP Adaptive...“I am really excited for 2025, because we're expanding on a lot of the things that we did in 2024 Our gap adaptive program in 2024 hosted both a clinic series called No Limit Clinics, and then also our GAP Adaptive Championship, and one of the things that we looked at at the end of the year was, okay, we have these clinic participants who are new to golf and then we have these tournament participants who excel at the sport What are we going to do for the people in between we are going to initiate some practice and play clinics which I'm really excited about … there are opportunities for individuals to hit balls on the range and then go play three holes …. we're also gonna have some other playing opportunities I'm excited about the opportunity to work with adaptive golfers on all levels and not just on the two ends of the spectrum.
“PING has done a phenomenal job, Brian Rourke will get you whatever you need to start playing.”
Getting Started in Adaptive Golf...“So when first started out, huge thanks and all the credit in the world to John Bell and Jason Faircloth over at USDGA I went to their tournament I learned They answered a million questions that I had. They helped introduce me to so many people in the adaptive golf industry, which then, even at GAP, allowed us to create what we call now our adaptive golf committee So we have local adaptive golfers in the area on this committee
If you're interested in golf and maybe not just adaptive golf, let me be the example that there are so many different outlets in the golf world. I'm sure so many people didn't even know adaptive golf existed. I didn't three years ago, and now here I am There’s so many different avenues in golf that if you're just interested in the sport or any little small aspect of the sport, there are so many different career choices for you. But again, you just have to ask. So just finding somebody and not being afraid to ask is probably my biggest piece of advice ”
Because golf is for everyone, regardless of physical limitations
All of our adaptive golf initiatives are designed to break down barriers and create an environment where individuals with disabilities can actively participate in and enjoy the game By launching this programming, we aim to inspire individuals facing unique challenges to discover all that this game offers
No Limit Clinics are a series of nocost clinics made to introduce individuals with disabilities to golf Whether you are brand new to the game or are looking to further develop your swing, No Limit Clinics are the place to be. These 90minute clinics are taught by certified PGA professionals Completely free and welcome any and all skill levels to attend
ADAPTIVEGOLF-ACOMMUNITYLIKENOOTHER
By Dave Barton, PGA
What is it that makes a community? Well, back in my day, when there were three channels and a color TV was something at the neighbor’s house I would have to go to my big red Webster’s Dictionary and look it up
We had to travel to our friend’s house as they were the only ones that had an Atari Pong system. It just did not get any better than sliding that bar up and down to get that ball to ricochet past your opponent for the point We played kick-the-can and ran in and around every house in the neighborhood all day and all night Overcooking pepperoni’s in the first microwave I have ever seen was always a treat They were not necessarily new, but they were a “luxury item” for sure We played together during recess and when we got home EVERYONE was at the local pool in the summer. I was part of that community … “part of” being the definitive phrase.
Credit: Dan Aldrich
Credit: mabga.org
The answer: “A community is a group of people who share a common characteristic, such as a location, interest, or identity communities can be virtual, connecting people through communication platforms communities often have a sense of belonging and shared identity ”
I’ve collated just a few of the things the computer tells me is the right answer, but none of us need written words to understand how strong the adaptive golf community is and to visualize the amazing things the community will do in 2025 and beyond
Golf is a game for all but it takes a community to make it happen, especially when bringing golfers to the game that come from different backgrounds, cultures, demographics, and abilities
Access is a challenge that has different meanings First, there is simply access to the golf course Better said, the invitation and opportunity to play and sadly, that is often not as simple as it should be. Secondly, once there, is the facility accessible per the Americans with Disabilties Act (ADA) so golfers who have additional access requirements are able to enjoy their experience as anyone would?
Our contribution, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, is to focus on delivering education and resources to the golf industry on ADA requirements and other key elements that create welcoming, accessible and inclusive environments with the belief that more places to learn and play means increased opportunities for entry into the game
We are but one small piece of the broader adaptive golf community Countless organizations around the country deliver health, wellness and golf instruction programs to
None of this is scalable without the financial support of individuals as well as industry and non-industry organizations across the country, whether Fortune 500 or your local business who share our community belief in how this game truly changes people's lives
What about the leading golf associations in the country? Yep, their influence and contributions to adaptive golf is critical, so say the least, essential
Communities support each other so beyond individuals and organizations who aspire to create avenues for entry into the game, who am I missing?
Well, I hope it is obvious! How about the thousands of adaptive golfers out there and the potential golfers of all ages that do not yet know what is even possible?These golfers are the core of the community and "the why" as to our efforts
Just go to an adaptive golf clinic, an adaptive golf competition, or simply witness the benefits inclusion brings to a golfer with a disability when part of a normal Saturday morning or Wednesday afternoon game and the adaptive golf community and you will see
You will see a community that supports one another like no other, whether learning or competing, coaching or volunteering, supporting financially or socially, we are all stronger together.
All are welcomed in this community and you don’t have to go far to find out how to get involved. Bring on 2025.
LEADERSHIPSPOTLIGHT
MELISSA LOW President
Senior Director – Communications & Advocacy Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
The National Alliance would like to welcome Melissa as President entering 2025 Melissa previously served as Vice President of the Alliance and we are extremely appreciative of her continued commitment to individuals with disabilties and the game of golf.
Per cmaa org, Melissa joined CMAA in the fall of 2002 Previously, she worked on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant and Projects Caseworker and a Senate Page in the United States Senate for a Senator from the great state of South Carolina. Melissa graduated from the College of Charleston cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration on the American political system In 2019, Melissa earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation through the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). At CMAA, Melissa oversees: Advocacy, Club Management magazine, Club Executive of the Year, podcast, logo and brand usage, Leadership/Legislative Conference, press releases and media inquiries
JUSTIN APEL
Immediate Past President
Executive Director Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA)
As 2024 came to a close, we bid farewell to Justin Apel who served as our President for several years But not so fast! Justin remains on our Board as representative of the GCBAA along with the other leading golf associations that lead our organizational mission.
His leadership, along with Melissa as incoming President, the other Board officers and members was instrumental in the accomplishment of key Alliance initiatives including the launch of GAIN - the Golf Access and Inclusion Network® and the Alliance Education Hub, positioning the Alliance to contribute in needed ways to the golf industry Justin has been with the GCBAA since 2006 Prior to that he was the Information/Education Director for the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts which followed his time as a Legislative Aide in the Nebraska Legislature from 2000 to 2002.
Thank you Justin for your service as President of the National Alliance, and your continued support!
ALLIANCEEDUCATIONHUB
Do You Connect with Adaptive Golfers?
“If you build it, they will come ” This mantra from the movie Field of Dreams is perfectly aligned with the way most golf facility operators approach drawing customers to their property. Putting a product out there, in this case, the golf course and supporting buildings that makes a golfer want to say, “That is a place I have to go,” is a great first step
However, the best operators know the bigger picture is, “When they come, we’re going to make sure we also deliver the best customer experience we possibly can.”
In early 2024, the Alliance Education Hub was launched to help those operators prioritize where efforts need to be to create accessible, inclusive and welcoming environments
The Alliance Education Hub delivers material at no cost to inform those that lead or work at golf facilities, associations and programs, along with health care professionals, about both the physical (Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA) and environmental aspects of a welcoming golf facility
Start your training now with the Onboarding Training Series and create the foundation of knowledge you need to have adaptive golfers telling their friends and family that your facility “gets it ” Better yet, education credits are available for PGA, LPGA, GCSAA and CMAA Members!
Enrolled Learners 250 Course Completions
Hours Completed 189 Courses in Library 29
Microlearning Lessons
FINDADAPTIVEGOLFCARS ANDPROGRAMS
National Alliance to Relaunch Its National Database of Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities
The phone rings.
“I’m looking for a program that will help my child with a disability learn to play golf?”
“I’m a seated golfer, do you know who has adaptive golf cars in the Nashville area?”
“Does that golf course provide adaptive golf cars or allow privately owned cars?”
I could go on and on, but these are just a sample of the questions we routinely get asked as do other adaptive golf organizations and golf facilities around the country.
We have all got to do a better job of helping each other communicate where adaptive golf cars are available, where the programs are, and who they serve, and what golf facilities are actually ready for adaptive golfers When you or I get a call in South Carolina, or Texas, or
Kentucky about what is available in our state or another, we need to be able to help more. It has to be simpler for the golfer and those involved in adaptive golf to have these answers more readily available
The Alliance has hosted a database for many years with moderate success but the reality is the information within such databases is only as good as the information that is provided by golf facilities and programs around the country. For this database to be effective, programs, facilities and golfers have all got to work together to encourage increased participation in the database with a recognition of the importance of easy to find information for the adaptive golf community.
We, along with others in the adaptive golf space, recognize adaptive golf cars and programs are not everywhere. We believe many courses are working hard towards creating inclusive environments and bringing golfers into the game, but many remain on the periphery when it comes to understanding what it means to ensure a person with a disability has the access to your golf facility and course that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates … and what the DOJ would enforce
if efforts are not made to comply In the summer of 2024, we made a decision to “refresh” our industry database as well as simplifying the data entry, update and record maintenance process for a golf facility or program. We also began the effort to help the adaptive community better capture the true availability and locations of adaptive golf cars for public use around the country Information about this is presently something worse than random.
We began by sending out an “Adaptive Golf Car DataCall” survey with assistance from USGA representatives and their Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and with a mutual belief in the importance of this from International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), U S Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), U S Disabled Golfers Association (USDGA), Seated Golfers Association of America (SGAA), and in collaboration with adaptive golf car manufacturers SoloRider and VertaCat.
Over the last few months, we have been collecting that data, recreating our “User Interface” for searches, and have merged what we had before with the new information gathered in the 2024 survey
The Accessible Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities will re-launch around the start of the 2025 PGA Show in Orlando. Below is an image of the Search Window users will be able to freely access via www accesgolf org Pending the search criteria entered, results will be provided as to the types of programs offered, who they serve and whether adaptive golf cars are available or not.A program or facility will be able to log-in and maintain their account with updates as to what they offer that will feed to easily interpreted search results
This is just the beginning There are many facilities and programs that have not yet entered their information and/or will need to validate their data with the merge of the past and present information and will be encouraged to do so!. This database is a tool for everyone and will only be as good as the data entered from facilities and programs, so:
Are you a facility with adaptive golf cars and/or adaptive golf instructional programming? Enter your data!
Maybe you have adaptive golf instructional programming, but no adaptive cars yet, or you share them. Enter your data!
Are you a program at one location or multiple locations? Enter your data for each location! Are you a driving range that offers adaptive golf instruction? Enter your data!
There is work to be done for sure. Responses from many states were not received on the data call. Also, when asked in the survey, “What do you recommend your customers do if they will need to utilize an adaptive golf car?”, it became even more abundantly clear that, as an industry, education related to the ADA, access and inclusion needs to be embraced on a greater scale.
What is encouraging and the real takeaway from the golf facilities out there that responded is that many seem to “get it” now, or are getting on board. This segment of golfers is growing so we advise against just waiting until one shows up to realize you might not be ready
Unfortunately, the datacall also raised some red flags about golf facilities out there who may not see the value in preparing and planning for adaptive golfers who simply may be passing through town or, what about the guest of one of your golfers? Perhaps one of your long term loyal customers is aging and is starting to need more assistance?
We understand that demand for adaptive golf cars to support the adaptive golf community is not widespread from a numbers standpoint. However, it is certainly a quickly growing community across the country as to the distribution of adaptive golfers so we caution against a lack of preparation and encourage golf facilities and professionals to seek solutions
A willingness and effort to deliver access to a golfer who requires it because of a disability is always going to play better than denial and "I don't know." Maybe get started by sharing assets (and costs) with other facilities? Regardless, a little training, education, and preparation goes a long way
Be prepared This is the way access should be approached, whether a public, private or government facility
Once launched, we’ll respectfully ask the leading golf associations, adaptive golf organizations and adaptive car manufacturers around the country to place the below link to the database on their platforms and encourage facility leaders, professionals and programs around the country to share what they have going on
You never know who might be in another part of the country looking for information about the awesome things you are doing at your program or facility as they pass through town, are preparing to move, or maybe they have a relative or friend looking for help.
As an industry, we can do better
RUTGERSAGREESTOCHANGES ATGOLFCOURSETOSETTLEDISABILITY RIGHTSCOMPLAINT
By Gene Myers, NorthJersey.com,
Nov. 18, 2024
A golfer with a disability has forced Rutgers University to level the playing field at its main campus golf course.
New Jersey's flagship university has agreed to a series of actions to improve accessibility at its Piscataway course as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
The agreement stemmed from a complaint filed by Piscataway’s Michael Nappe, a former Rutgers employee and longtime golfer, who alleged that the university discriminated against him by failing to provide accessible routes at the course and charging fees for the carts he needed to move around the greens
Nappe, 73, had filed the complaint a few years ago and thought nothing came of it until he got ll thi f ll
“The Department of Education called me after years of waiting and said they found in my favor," he said.
After an investigation, the Civil Rights office found Rutgers had violated both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The university's communications director, Kevin Lorincz, acknowledged the agreement in an emailed statement
Piscataway, NJ - November 13, - 2024 Rutgers University reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to address accessibility issues at its golf course Golfer Michael Nappe lodged the original complaint and says he’s pleased Rutgers has improved policies and addressed concerns
Chris Pedota - The Record/NorthJersey com NorthJersey com - USA Today Network/
water and sustainability, to making the game more accessible and diverse, the efforts put forth by the USGA and those that support us have achieved levels we’ve never reached before ”
USGAFOCUSESONINCLUSION,SUSTAINABILITYIN2024
Turfgrass innovation, junior golfer development and inclusion programs support the industry’s overall strength.
By Golf Course Industry Staff, December 20, 2024 - The United States Golf Association celebrates 2024 advancements made by the USGA Green Section and U.S. National Development Program, as well as organizational investments in national junior golf programs and career development that helped propel golf forward
Capitalizing on the growth and momentum the game is experiencing and an appetite for innovation across the industry, the USGA proactively addressed issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion
“This has been a landmark year for both the USGA and the game, as we’ve seen continued growth in the number of people who play, excitement for our national championships, investments in golf course venues and a renewed commitment to ensuring the future is even stronger than our past,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said. “From developmental pipelines that help shape tomorrow’s leaders both on the course and in the boardroom to serving as the industry’s trusted advisor on water and sustainability, to making the game more accessible and diverse, the efforts put forth by the USGA and those that support us have achieved levels we’ve never reached before.”
ALLABILITIESGOLFACADEMY:EMBRACING DISABILITIESTOBRINGTHEGAMETOALL
By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA, Golf
Range Magazine, Dec 13,2024
In 2023, PGA of America Golf Professional Ryan Cutter founded his non-profit, the All Abilities Golf Academy, with a mission: “To become a leading organization assisting those with disabilities ”
Cutter, a Bend, Oregon native, was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a rare condition that causes amniotic bands to wrap around part of the developing fetus, halting the growth and maturation process This deformation in Cutter’s legs led to him needing prosthetics when he was two years old He and his family would go to Shriners Children’s in Portland every 6-12 months for reevaluation and sizing. As his body grew, so did the apparatus that aided his ability to get around.
Today, Ryan Cutter is the PGA of America Director of Instruction at Green Meadow Country Club in Helena, Montana. He’s building his non-profit through fundraising and awareness to benefit individuals with disabilities.
He enables them to showcase their skills and talents by breaking down barriers to entry in golf and promoting inclusion in the game
“Many amputees struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, and participating in a golf tournament can provide a sense of community and support,” Cutter says on his website “By connecting with others in similar situations, golfers can share their experiences, offer advice and build meaningful relationships.”
Cutter got into golf at a young age, as his father was an avid golfer, and golf allowed Ryan to be more competitive against other local youth Keep in mind, however, that Cutter did play many other sports – basketball, baseball and soccer, for instance – but his prosthetics hindered his full
athletic potential and competitiveness. He was able to maximize his abilities on the golf course, competing by 10 or 11 After a couple of years at Loyola Marymount University with the idea of attending medical school, Cutter moved to Colorado, where his desire for golf resurfaced and he chose his career path.
Since then, Cutter has earned two Youth Player Development Awards and an Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award in the Pacific Northwest PGA Section’s Western Montana Chapter
As mentioned, he started the All Abilities Golf Academy in 2023, coaching predominantly out of Green Meadow Country Club “I’ve been working with our Section’s PGA HOPE Program, and teaching veterans has been one of the coolest things I’ve done in golf. Some of them play the game, but most of them have never touched a club before,” Cutter explains.
At Green Meadow, Cutter has an indoor teaching facility on the range with two Trackman simulators that are used for teaching, fitting and winter league play by many of the club’s 425 members.
Cutter maximizes the efficiency of the range, short game area and putting greens to bolster the skills of his members and grow his golf academy
He’s run PGA Jr League and Operation 36 programs and looks forward to starting a junior boot camp program with drop-in clinics each week, adding some flexibility to his busy schedule. After all, Cutter is a new dad balancing his responsibilities at home with those at the club and his young non-profit He uses Operation 36 for his ladies and juniors and will implement its concepts and structure into his academy work with golfers with disabilities. He appreciates the seamless transition from the range to the course and will coach his academy golfers to grow into the game at a manageable pace, similar to his women and juniors He also teaches and custom fits non-members, selling equipment and promoting the club’s amenities.
Cutter uses the facilities at Green Meadow for his academy, giving free private lessons to golfers, but has plans in 2025 to host clinics and implement additional academy programming when the facility is essentially closed for outside outings.
o achieve his goals, fundraising has become a huge facet of Cutter’s non-profit work He hosted a charity classic golf tournament at Green Meadow earlier in 2024 that enabled him to buy specific equipment needed for his academy students, including SNAG Golf Equipment and a golf swing training apparatus.
“My fundraising for the past couple of years has been focused on purchasing training aids, equipment and other tools needed to coach golfers with disabilities,” Cutter explains
He took his SNAG equipment to his VA and provided free instruction to some local veterans. He ran PGA HOPE through Green Meadow and will look to engage
those veterans under the All Abilities Golf Academy umbrella in the new year With Cutter’s community being close-knit, word-of-mouth has been driving his academy’s early success.
Cutter will be getting TPI-certified to work with a local chiropractor to help his students focus on their bodies as much as their golf swings He will also teach people without disabilities through his academy and donate a percentage of the revenues back to his organization.
Cutter takes pride in opening golfers’ eyes to possibilities that hadn’t imagined before He says it’s life-changing to teach a person to swing a golf club with one hand because that’s all they can do, even though they always assumed it had to be done with two. Whatever the disabilites or limitations experienced by his students, Ryan Cutter creates opportunities for them to enjoy the game, the camaraderie and the progress they make with every session on his lesson tee.
In addition to his local VA, Cutter is collaborating with other organizations, like the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance He looks forward to additional fundraising to purchase a solo-rider golf cart that will help individuals with leg disabilities swing the golf club. If you’d like to contribute to Cutter’s efforts, log on to the All Abilities Golf Academy website, where you’ll see a donate button on the homepage.
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. ADA & Accessibility Competition & Rules Facilities, Programs, Adaptive Golf Cars Calendar of Events Open Forums
