Golf Inclusion Monthly

November - December 2022

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Your source for news, stories and education related to increasing participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf.

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The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is the industry leader in inclusion— working to ensure the opportunity for all individuals with disabilities to play the game of golf and is represented by major golf, recreation and therapeutic organizations across the country

OUT with the Blue Flags, IN with the GREEN!

Creating a Welcoming Environment - Green Says Go!

By Dave Barton, PGA - As winter approaches and the golf season winds down for many across the country, thoughts move quickly into preparing for 2023. What have you learned in 2022 that you want to improve upon in the following year and beyond? Read More

Does Your Course Provide an Accessibility Statement?

The National Alliance provides an Accessibility Statement “template” as a sample policy that may be adapted and used to publish your specific facility policies and help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to visit our RESOURCES and get started today. Communication is Job #1! Should you have any questions regarding the ADA and access to your facility, contact us at info@accessgolf.org and we will be happy to assist!

Golfer Spotlight

CDR Rob Ballard, USN

The Paramobile: A Vehicle of Access to a World Full of Amazing People

By Rich O'Brien - Commander Robert Ballard was born on November 13th, 1979 in Louisville, KY and grew up in Weddington, NC (near Charlotte). He graduated in 1998 from Sun Valley High School where he worked hard to be a well-rounded student ... Upon graduating from the Naval Academy, he attended Naval Aviation Schools Command (NAVAVSCOLSCOM or NASC), located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL where he trained for his “Wings of Gold” as a helicopter pilot. Read More

Spotlight Session

with Josh Basile

Recently, Josh Basile, a Washington, DC trial Lawyer, disability rights advocate and an avid golfer spoke with our Executive Director as part of Josh's Spotlight Sessions series. As his LinkedIN profile states, "... a community leader and change-maker, Josh works tirelessly to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and to continuously break down existing barriers to access and inclusion."

Programs in Focus - The Turn

Changing Course. Improving Life.

By Frank Rihtar - It is said the most important shot in the game of golf is the next one. The Turn believes the same applies for someone whose life has been impacted by a physical disability. Whether recovering from a stroke, amputation, or traumatic brain injury, what a person does next following their clinical rehabilitation can make all the difference in their quality of life. Read More

The Turn: Colin Smith Celebration

Communication is Key to Providing a Welcoming Environment

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Order your Access Flags Today!

From the Alliance, “Every step, big or small, can make a difference in the message of accessibility and inclusion. The “Access Flag” versus a “handicap flag” simply represents a new, and more appropriate way to communicate and show a commitment to support the inclusion of golfers with disabilities at your club. Proceeds from the sale of these flags will go directly to the Alliance to further support its mission of access and inclusion. Click HERE for more information.

Starting a Program for Individuals with Disabilities - A Checklist

Things to Consider for Success

By the Alliance: Are you thinking about starting a golf program to help individuals with disabilities learn to play golf? Perhaps you are a therapeutic specialist and want to incorporate golf into your treatment plan for your patients. You could also be a family member or a friend of an individual with a disability and a program such as this does not exist in your area and you are looking to facilitate that very effort? Whatever the reasons, it can be a fantastic journey for you, the instructors, the volunteers and most importantly, the golfers. But, there are some things you need to know to maximize your chances of success. Read More and Access the Checklist HERE

Access and Inclusion in the News

Use of materials from Golf Inclusion Monthly: Please note, the Alliance encourages you to repurpose and share articles we have written or that have been provided to us for publishing in Golf Inclusion Monthly. We request that you please reference Golf Inclusion Monthly Published by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and share the link for the article you have sourced. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@accessgolf.org. Thank you.

Thank you to our golf industry friends and supporters who contribute in so many ways to our mission of increasing participation of individuals with disabilities in the game of golf.

Please contact our Executive Director, davebarton@accessgolf.org, if you and/or your company are interested in helping us further enhance our educational and resource offerings as well as generating grant funds to distribute to programs across the country.

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