Chipping Away at Disability
By: Lynn Vanwelsenaers

June 28 2002, marks the second anniversary of the Adaptive Golf Clinic held at the Red Fox Run Golf Course in Gwinn, Michigan. Seventeen people with disabilities came to learn from Golf Professional Dennis Kargela and Master Golf Professional Frank Guastella.

People of all ages enjoyed the clinic.

Frank and Dennis provided each of the participants with a golf club customized to them. Some of the clubs had to be bent for easier golfing from a chair. Others were cut to accommodate short stature. The clinic was set up with three stations. Dennis taught chipping and putting at two of the stations. Frank worked with the participants at the driving range.

There were refreshments and golf carts provided to any one who needed them. Once everyone had a chance to experience each of the teaching stations, they were given the opportunity to play at a hole. This allowed them to experience what it would be like to golf at a real hole instead of only practicing.

The men have lined up at the driving range to practice their swings.

Overall, the day was a complete success. We had many more participants than last year and people came who had many different types of disabilities. There were two people who were stroke patients, two who golfed from their chairs, several amputees with multiple amputations and others with various physical disabilities.

Thank you again to the Red Fox Run Golf Course for allowing us to use their course for the day. They were very excited to help and are looking forward to hosting a scramble for us on August 23rd.