IINCLUS NCLUS
ADAPTIVE GOLF CARS FACTS VS MYTHS
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 MARCH2025
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 World Golf Hall of Fame member Dennis Walters, PGA
Who We Are and Why Does It Matter?
The ADA, The National Alliance for Accessible Golf, and the Game of Golf
Resources Spotlight
Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs, and Facilities Database
Education Hub Spotlight
Microlearning: Adaptive Golf Cars Facts vs Myths
Tee It Up for Teaching Seminars
Scottish Rite for Children, the Northern Texas PGA, and PGA of America recently teamed up for a unique program
Unredeemable: The Alex Fourie Story
Through adoption, love and perseverance, adaptive golfer Alex Fourie found redemption and purpose
UK Golf Federation and EDGA Will Collaborate to Grow Accessible Golf in the UK
The UK Golf Federation (UKGF) and EDGA are proud to announce a new collaboration
Alliance Advocacy
The ModGolf Podcast with Colin Weston
AMESSAGEFROM THEALLIANCE
Dave Barton, PGA Executive Director
Thesnowisbeginningtomeltinmanyplaces,frostdelaysareasannoyingas ever, but I know we are all ready for “normal” golf weather in parts of the countrywhereplantingevergreensisagreatstrategy.
We hope you enjoy our Inclusion Influencer interview with World Golf Hall of Fame Member Dennis Walters, PGA as he takes us on his journey of 50 years asaseatedgolfer Hehasseenalotandhassomestoriestotell
You’ll also see a story this month related to the history of our National Alliance, why we exist, and who created us. Our mission is as important as it everwasasinterestinadaptivegolfaccelerates.
Golf Inclusion Monthly® was created to share news and stories from around the country and nothing puts a smile more on our face more than a child taking their first swing, or an adult who has found a new path to being involvedwithothersthroughthegameofgolf. What’syourstory?
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: ANINTERVIEWWITHDENNISWALTERS,PGA
Click to listen to the entire interview.
Excerpts from Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton’s interview with World Golf Hall of Fame member Dennis Walters, PGA.
The journey over past 50 years...“I'm paralyzed from the waist down and at that time, 1974, it wasn't looking real good for my dream of becoming a professional golfer. I didn't know what to do. Every person I met said it would be impossible for me to play golf…so with my dad and a few friends, we tried to figure out a way that I could get back on the golf course ”
How golf became therapy...“When I came to the golf course I felt better It was good therapy for me, mental therapy, emotional therapy, physical therapy, and far better medicine than any pill I could take.
Performing...“As I started to perform I started to realize that these folks were saying I was giving them hope, encouragement, and inspiration if you give someone hope, that's a big deal ”
Opening doors...“I'm happy to be a pioneer in this I feel like I've opened the door for others and I try to encourage them to get involved…. first of all, I'm trying to show that golf can be a game for everyone. Everyone can play golf to a degree if they want to ”
The Dennis Walters Show...“If you really wanted to sum up my show, it would be great golf shots, bad jokes, a talking dog, and an inspiring message.”
“When I came to the golf course, I felt better. It was good therapy for me, mental therapy, emotional therapy, physical therapy, and far better medicine than any pill I could take.”
The adaptive golf community...“And that's the real main difference between my people, my community, and the other communities that are part of adaptive golf If you have one arm and you want to play golf, you just go into the pro shop, put your money down, and you go play….if you're in my community, you have to have access to a golf cart which costs anywhere from $10,000 or $12,000 to $30,000 and for most people that's a pretty high high mountain to climb ”
World Golf Hall of Fame induction...“As I said in my world golf hall of Fame speech, can you believe I'm in the World Golf Hall of Fame before Tiger Woods?”
Finding life’s ever-evolving dream...“If you have a dream and it doesn't work out I have the solution It's get a new dream Just because you fail at something doesn't mean it's the end. It's the beginning of something else. ”
Dennis' legendary precision shotmaking is the heart and sole of his one hour performance and he will do it with some of the most unusual golf clubs your guests have ever seen Hire Dennis for your next golf outing or motivational speech opportunity. You will certainly be inspired by a man who lives his dream every day!
(USGA/John Mummert)
WHOAREWEANDWHY DOESITMATTER?
The ADA, The National Alliance for Accessible Golf, and the Game of Golf
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) was signed by President George H.W. Bush Over the next few years, various provisions of the law took effect
In its original form the ADA largely dealt with the "built environment" addressing accessibility requirements for buildings. However, questions soon arose regarding access and the application of accessibility requirements to numerous outdoor sports, recreation, or other activities such as campgrounds, playgrounds and golf courses
Beginning in 1993, the first of six National Forums on Accessible Golf (NFAGs) was convened by the National Center on Accessibility (Indiana University) and the National Project for Accessible Golf (Clemson University) with the purpose of "bringing together representatives of major golf associations, golfers with disabilities and organizations representing golfers with disabilities for general discussions of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the game."
Leading this effort were Mr. Gary Robb, Founding Director of the National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University and Dr Larry Allen, Head, Department of Recreation Parks, and Tourism at Clemson University Also involved were representatives from the U.S. Access Board and leading golf industry associations. Mr. Robb is not only a past President of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, but he also served as Board Member and Grant Consultant for many years
"The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards."
President George H W Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act, 07/26/1990. National Archives ID:6037489
Subsequent to NFAG I, five more forums were conducted over the next three years with NFAG VI occurring in 1996 Per NFAG Proceedings VI:
Forum I focused on clarifying the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and its implications for the game of golf. Primary concerns and needs of the golf industry as well as golfers with disabilities in relation to the ADA were clarified
Forums II, III, and IV focused on architectural and programmatic access Recommendations regarding physical design of the golf course and programmatic guidelines for inclusion of people with disabilities were developed and communicated to the ACCESS Board of the federal government.
Forum V, while continuing to focus on program access issues, also focused on communication issues A Resource Guide was developed to aid in promoting increased communication among all existing programs and services for accessible golf.
Forum VI focused on applying a national perspective to identify educational strategies to foster accessibility in the game of golf for individuals with disabilities.
The participants for some and/or all of these forums represented forward thinking individuals from the range of academia, golf and other industries dedicated to accessibility and inclusion in the game of golf Forum participants are identified in copies of the available NFAG Proceedings HERE.
Beyond the leadership of Mr. Robb and Dr. Allen, their inspiration and contributions led to awareness and action ultimately leading to the formation of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and the relationships we maintain today These relationships with key industry associations and leaders contribute directly to our ability to provide education and advocacy resources with an eye on the future.
Also directly involved in these early days were Mr. Trey Holland, Past President of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Dr Betsy Clark, Past Vice President of Professional Development for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and former LPGA Director of Education and Research.
As is the case now with the National Alliance Board of Directors, each of these individuals donated their time to these forums to lead the golf industry on a path to access and inclusion Several participants from these early forums still directly contribute their time and expertise as National Alliance Board Members
A meeting was held at Indiana University in 2001 to formalize the creation of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf which was officially incorporated on Oct 22, 2002 and based at Indiana University's National Center on Accessibility from 2001-2006 In 2006, Alliance headquarters relocated to the Washington, DC area and was managed by the Drohan Management Group, Reston, VA.
Beginning in 2010, grant distribution began to enable local organizations to expand their programs to include individuals with disabilities The Alliance grant program is presently on hold, but we aspire get it going again in the future.
Since 2022 the Alliance has launched GAIN - the Golf Access and Inclusion Network®, The Alliance Education Hub, Golf Inclusion Monthly® and just recently relaunched an updated searchable database of Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities
Today, the mission of the Alliance has never been more important In the 30 years since the ADA was passed, growth of the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to play golf remains a top Alliance priority.
As golf experiences an upswing in participation at green grass facilities and the growing golf entertainment market at large including sophisticated gaming ranges and smaller indoor entertainment facilities, the number of individuals with disabilities interested in the game will only increase, indoors and outdoors! The expansion of opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the game of golf has come a long way yet work remains to be done Updated research is lacking related to current participation levels and the financial contributions these individuals bring to the game.
Through continued emphasis on education, advocacy, research and program support, the Alliance works to not only contribute, but to lead with other organizations focusing on serving individuals with disabilities, the organizations and programs that support these golfers, and the game of golf itself
Why does it matter? Easy We fill an industry gap in the United States that is not filled on this scale by any other organization in the game of golf. The association leadership on our Board understands this and supports our efforts fully in our mission to educate their respective memberships along with the industry as a whole. If you share our vision, we would welcome the opportunity to work together for the betterment of the game.
That’s what makes the magic happen for us 501(c)3’s
STATERANKINGS
RESOURCESPOTLIGHT: NATIONALDATABASE
Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs, and Facilities Database.
State Rankings! Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs, and Facilities ... how does your state stack up? Presently, 33 of 50 states have listed a golf facility or program indicating access to adaptive golf cars for individuals with disabilities
Clubhouse leaders in sharing information about Adaptive Golf Cars are presently Florida at #1, Georgia at #2, and Colorado, Minnesota, and Virginia coming in at #3.
We've just relaunched our free searchable database and only you can help your state's "ranking" by registering your program, facility and adaptive golf car availability! Adding your information will not only help your state's rankings in a future update but, more importantly, in less than 5 minutes you can potentially change someone’s life.
Help make a difference and enter your facility’s adaptive golf car and program information today!
“We’vegottogetmoreprogramsandfacilities understandingjusthowimportantitistosharetheir availabilityofadaptivecarsandwhatkindofinstruction youofferforgolferswithdisabilities.”
-DaveBarton,PGA,ExecutiveDirector
EDUCATIONHUBSPOTLIGHT: ADAPTIVEGOLFCARFACTSVSMYTHS
Adaptive Golf Cars: Assistance, not Resistance
From high-end resorts to the municipal or public facilities in your home town, golf courses across the country are embracing (not resisting) the opportunity to provide access and inclusion to golfers with disabilities through the improved availability of adaptive golf cars and adopting policies and procedures that welcome ALL golfers.
The material provided in this lesson will help you better understand the benefits of adaptive golf cars for seated players and those with other mobility impairments who may require additional access We'll also dispel the myths related to their use and course damage.
This lesson, along with GAIN - the Golf Access and Inclusion Network®, and additional courses within the Alliance Education Hub provide pathways to improved knowledge and professional development opportunities for golf facility leadership and staff
Continue to the mircolearning lesson
EDUCATIONHUBSTATS
253
Enrolled Learners
Course Completions 358
200
Hours Spent Learning
The Alliance Education Hub is a FREE service available to anyone interested in learning about the ADA and adaptive golf.
UNREDEEMABLE:THEALEXFOURIESTORY
Golf Channel | June 3, 2024
Unredeemable It was this single word on a Ukrainian state document in the 1990s that would attempt to define and condemn the life of a seven-year-old boy But through adoption, love and perseverance, adaptive golfer Alex Fourie found redemption and purpose Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber narrates the GOLF FILMS feature story.
Photo: Southern Intrigue LLC
TEEITUPFORTEACHINGSEMINARS SCOTTISHRITEFORCHILDREN
By: Madeline Yeaman
Scottish Rite for Children, the Northern Texas PGA, and PGA of America recently teamed up for a unique program that teaches golf pros, golf coaches and healthcare professionals how to teach golf to children and adults with physical and intellectual impairments. Known as adaptive golfers, they are a growing market within the golf industry
Tee Up for Teaching, which is part of Scottish Rite’s Learn to Golf program, brings golf pros from all corners of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for a hands-on learning experience. Participants got a glimpse of what it’s like to play with a difference by simulating various medical conditions Whether swinging a club with one arm, or while wearing a prosthetic device, or from a seated position, or even with a visual impairment, adaptive golfers can and do excel in the game. Having golf instructors who understand how an impairment can affect the golfer’s swing allows them to help an adaptive golfer maximize their performance on the course
Equally important as golf instructors are the healthcare providers that can use golf as a tool for rehabilitation and improving the quality of life for their clients According to Dana Dempsey, CTRS, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and founder of the Learn to Golf program at Scottish Rite, “It’s vitally important to have professionals in both health care and golf work together so they can be a bridge. That bridge is the pathway between being a patient to a golfer, an adaptive golfer.”
This year marks Learn to Golf’s 25th anniversary Over the years the program has served over 1,800 Scottish Rite patients and have had more than 500 participants from around the United States in their Tee Up for Teaching seminar.
For more information on Scottish Rite for Children visit scottishriteforchildren org
Top: National Alliance Board Member Dana Dempsey CTRS presenting at a Tee It Up for Teaching Seminar Bottom: Participants got a glimpse of what it’s like to play with a difference by simulating various medical conditions
UKGOLFFEDERATIONANDEDGAWILLCOLLABORATE TOGROWACCESSIBLEGOLFINTHEUK
The UK Golf Federation (UKGF) and EDGA are proud to announce a new collaboration aimed at advancing opportunities for golfers with a disability across the UK.
The number of golfers with a disability is increasing globally EDGA, the acknowledged international experts in ‘G4D’ (golf for the disabled), works closely with the game’s leading bodies including The R&A, International Golf Federation and European Golf Association, plus 50 national golf federations, to ensure opportunities increase for any individual with a disability (physical, neurological, sensory or intellectual) to thrive through their enjoyment of golf.
Accessibility remains a key challenge in the sport Many individuals with a disability face difficulties when trying to access golf facilities due to course design, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of awareness regarding adaptive golf solutions
The new collaboration between the UK Golf Federation and EDGA will add to the support of the home golf unions for golf facilities in creating more inclusive environments, ensuring that golfers with a disability can feel welcomed, play safely, and enjoy their game with confidence.
The UK Golf Federation represents golf course owners and operators across the UK, advocating for the growth and accessibility of the sport It supports its members’ facilities in adapting to industry changes and implementing best practices to enhance the golfing experience for all players
EDGA works with governing bodies to deliver growth in G4D via their organised national golf programmes: supporting development and eligibility teams, coaches, educators, and tournament teams Increasingly, golf course operators are benefitting from EDGA’s expertise gained over 25 years as they gain the edge in becoming more inclusive, welcoming and innovative modern venues.
EDGA’s ‘8-Stage Pathway’, endorsed by The R&A, supports federations, PGAs and golf operators at every step in transforming the golf offer to people with a disability. With more than 20% of the population in the UK having a disability this is a vastly underrepresented group
Dr. Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, commented: “Golf offers numerous opportunities to its players, including the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of engaging in moderate exercise, typically outdoors and often in the company of others. Social isolation and exclusion are significant issues for people with disabilities, yet golf serves as a great equaliser, bringing players together to share an enjoyable experience in a safe and welcoming environment Golf for players with a disability is a powerful force for good. However, as so few people with disabilities consider it a viable sport, organisations that provide accessible facilities and inclusive practices can successfully reach a still largely untapped market ”
Doug Poole, CEO of the UK Golf Federation, added: “The collaboration with EDGA and the UK Golf Federation marks a significant step forward in making golf more accessible across the UK By working together, we can help golf facilities to understand the needs of golfers with a disability and create an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the game The growth of golf for the disabled is an important part of the future of the sport We are committed to supporting our members in adapting their facilities and welcoming this growing group of golfers.”
Looking ahead, the UKGF and EDGA will collaborate on initiatives to educate golf course operators, install good practice, and provide resources to make golf courses more accessible. This partnership is a crucial step in ensuring that golfers with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy the sport as anyone else
For more information, please contact: – The UK Golf Federation at www.ukgolffederation.com – EDGA at www.edgagolf.com
(USGA/Kathryn Riley)
ALLIANCEADVOCACY: THEMODGOLFPODCASTWITHCOLINWESTON
Host Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with influencers and organizations that are shaking up the sport.
Recently, Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton, PGA joined the The ModGolf Podcast for a live chat talking about where the opportunities are to participate in the efforts around the country to get individuals with disabilities into the game all ages and all demographics Golf is a path to physical and emotional wellness and so much more Thanks Colin!
PHOTO: SOUTHERN
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
