In its 30 years of operation, ARCH has established itself as a haven for individuals with disabilities in the Phoenix area. ARCH serves more than 5,000 individuals each year and has become the largest and most comprehensive organization of its type in the state of Arizona. The base of ARCH's services is its walk-in program that features a wide variety of athletic and social events for its clientele. For several years, ARCH has held a golf tournament to raise funds for these services. Last year, many of ARCH's donors expressed interest in implementing a golf program as an additional component to the other athletic programs ARCH provides. ARCH found a local PGA professional, John "Craig" Hocknull, to help with instruction. Hocknull's therapeutic recreation background made him a valued asset to the program.

With the help of a $17,000 grant from the USGA, ARCH was very excited to begin its Swing Into Golf program in May, 2005. Designed to introduce the game of golf to individuals with disabilities of all ages, the program began with three levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. With the help and instruction of Hocknull, ARCH's beginning golfers quickly developed a love for the sport and moved on to intermediate lessons. The advanced golfers built on their previous skills and a few even began entering tournaments.

Ken Williamson and Tim Miller, both of whom were born with Cerebral Palsy and mild retardation, have attended ARCH programs for over 15 years and have competed in several Special Olympics events. However, Swing Into Golf has given them the opportunity to train for and compete in their new, favorite sport...golf! Ken and Tim recently entered a nine-hole Maricopa County Special Olympic tournament and scored a 53 and 69 respectively, qualifying them to enter the next level of competition - the Arizona State Special Olympics! This year's competition is quickly approaching - October 10 - and ARCH has high hopes for their success.

Because of Ken and Tim's success, as well as the program's impact, many of the initial 56 students will be competing in the next Maricopa County Special Olympics tournament. They are planning to enter either a nine-hole competition or show off their aptitude for golf in the individual skills competition.

ARCH is eager to take its Swing Into Golf program to new heights with ongoing sessions of instruction for individuals with disabilities. Program director Kip Murray is grateful that funding from the USGA is enabling ARCH to reach out to many individuals who otherwise would not have been introduced to the game. Murray also says that the game of golf is helping to instill self confidence and enrich the lives of ARCH's participants. "This in an unforgettable experience and the skills learned through the Swing Into Golf program will last forever."