| A Central Ohio golf enthusiast has committed to helping people with disabilities learn about the game and help others get back on the course. Ty Payne, owner of Triple Tee Driving Range in Centerburg, recognizes the challenges that people with disabilities face when trying to enjoy 18 holes. He is pushing for more golf courses to embrace people with disabilities and provide accessible golf cars so that they can participate.
"I am trying to generate more interest in disabled golf and get more people into the sport," said Payne, who was left partially paralyzed after injuring his spine in 1984. "I want people with disabilities to know about the game and know they can still play."
One assistive technology that has made it easier for Payne to enjoy the game is the single-rider golf car. He uses one, explaining that it allows golfers with disabilities to drive onto greens and tees with no impact to turf, drive over rough terrain, easily get in and out, and even play from an elevating seat. It also steers with ergonomic controls.
Payne uses his golf car at Triple Tee to demonstrate its functionality. In fact, Triple Tee Driving Range hosted a special event in 2006 to help educate people about the vehicle and its maneuverability. He hopes to host do another event this year so that people can again come out and give the singlerider golf car a trial.
"I have run into a lot of courses that don't have these particular golf cars," said Payne. "I'd like to see a lot more courses have the car so that more people can play without bringing their own." Payne has had a passion for golf since his early years. He lived down the road from Table Rock Golf Course and the Triple Tee Driving Range is something that he and his brother had talked about for years.
"I thought a driving range would be an asset to the community," said Payne. "It was also a way to make some money and have some fun."
Payne reached out to the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) to help prepare for college. RSC helped him with tuition and books, allowing him to graduate from Columbus State Community College with an associate degree in graphic communications in 1989. When Payne decided to fulfill his dream of opening a driving range, he again sought RSC services.
"RSC helped me prepare a business plan and make sure everything was squared away," said Payne. "It even helped me obtain adaptive equipment that was essential to the business."
On May 1, 1999, Triple Tee Golf Center opened. For more information, visit www.tripletgolf.com or call (740) 405-2131. |
