What is Adaptive Golf?


The focus of the Adaptive Golf Foundation's clinics is to provide clinical therapists with a basic knowledge of the game of golf along with instruction on teaching physically challenged individuals to hold and swing a golf club. In addition, therapists also learn about safety tips, warm-up exercises and adaptive equipment for the physically challenged.

The workshops are two-day events. Day one consists of training and practical experience for the therapists. They are taught the various grips and stances utilized in Adaptive Golf. They learn how to swing a golf club and are shown some of the problems faced by physically challenged people. They are encouraged to hit the golf ball standing on one leg, one handed, in a wheelchair, etc. This experience helps create a better understanding of the individual challenges their patients face.

On day two, the therapists take the physically challenged participants to the driving range. Golfing techniques learned from the day before are taught to the participants by the therapists under the supervision of instructors from the Adaptive Golf Foundation.

Both parties, therapists and the physically challenged, involved in these workshops quickly learn that golf is a rewarding and popular sport that can be played by anyone, regardless of age or physical disability. Through instruction, exercise and adapted equipment limitations can be overcome and skills developed.

Today, there are approximately 54 million physically challenged people and over 50 million additional seniors who can benefit from the instruction and experience that the Adaptive Golf clinics provide.