Physically Challenged Individuals Take a Swing at Golf

The Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan, was host to the First Swing Golf Clinic, sponsored by Wright & Filippis. First Swing is an organization for physically challenged individuals to learn to play golf. The clinic was run by Dan Cox, a member of the National Amputee Golf Association, and the highest-ranked amputee golfer in the United States.

In addition to Cox, the clinic also featured local golf pros Marc Gilmore of Marquette Golf and Country Club, Frank Guastella and Dennis Kargela from Red Fox Run, and Northern Michigan University golf and men's basketball coach, Dean Ellis, who were there to teach the fundamentals of golf to the participants.

Lynn VanWelsenaers of Wright & Filippis - Marquette, coordinated the event and was surprised at the great turnout. The clinic received twice the number of expected participants. Attendees ranged in age from a girl who is 8 years old, to a gentleman in his late 70's. There were people of all disabilities - amputees, severe respiratory problems, and spina bifada, to name a few.

" in Marquette, what's really great is the whole community has really come out and supported this," Cox said. "We have representatives from the local golf courses, the university, Marquette General Hospital and Easter Seals, so we have a nice foundation of resources for people to reach out to if they have concerns about any activity."

Most of the participants came out to learn to play golf, and also to meet and interact with other members of their community. "I didn't know what to think coming out here - I just wanted to have fun," said participant Jared Eby, 11.