Mary Lou Crocker, a life member of the LPGA Tournament Division, made her debut on the tour in 1966. Now retired, Ms. Crocker devotes her time to introducing the game to young girls as site direct or of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Dallas. She also finds time to work with the Learn to Golf Program at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC)

1. How long have you been involved in adaptive golf or in instructing people with disabilities?

I have been involved with instructing adults with disabilities my entire teaching career. I just did not give it a title. I have worked with and helped people with knee & hip replacements, back surgeries, eye surgeries, missing limbs and Arthritis for many years. It was just a matter of helping people bridge the gap between the old and the new. It was simply a process of helping people adapt to their changing physical abilities.

2. How did you get into it?

I became involved with teaching children with disabilities in 2001. While attending The Texas Junior Golf Summit in Ft. Worth - A USGA Sponsored Summit for Jr. Golf Program Leaders in Texas, I heard a presentation by Ms. Dana Dempsey from TSRHC in Dallas, Texas. I was absolutely taken back when I heard about TSRHC's Learn to Golf Program and the financial support the USGA was giving the program. I don't think I heard another word - I just kept thinking I can help teach those kids. I called Dana the next week and became involved in the program in early 2002.

3. With which disabilities are you most familiar?

Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Dyslexia, Hand Differences, Leg Length Discrepancy, Missing Limbs, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurological disorders, Orthopedic, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Spina Bifida ( standing and seated).

4. Do you have a secret instruction method for adaptive golf?

I take a common sense approach. I always teach the individual and work with their strengths. Regarding young adults with disabilities, I find it is also necessary to quickly learn and diagnosis what they cannot do. It is my job to help them succeed within the framework of how their bodies work. I always try to give the child one thing to accomplish -the one thing that will best help develop their cognitive abilities, improve body weaknesses and help maximize their success with their golf experience.

5. What is your favorite instructor story about working with an individual with a disability? There was a child who I was teaching (for a private lesson). He was a little guy and his balance on flat ground was fine, but for the most part his balance was not too good. As many golfers know, the nice area adjacent to the green is referred to as the "fringe," "first cut" or "frog's hair." I had referred to it before in my lessons to this particular patient. During one lesson, we had to walk about 40 yards to get to the tee box. I was holding him along the way, assisting him in walking to get where we needed to go. It was a long walk for him, and I could tell he was ready for me to let him walk independently, so when we finally got there he walked up to the tee box and looked up at me and said, "Whew, we finally made it to the Frog's Hair!

6. What is your advice for instructors who have not worked with individuals with disabilities in the past?

First don't be scared to work with anyone with disabilities, but do collect all the information you can regarding their diagnosis. Before you start instruction observe closely the way a child moves and then let them take some swings without your verbal assistance. Set up great communication and make sure that the child knows they need to inform you if anything they are doing hurts or is causing them a problem. Preconceived notions of what a swing looks like and what has to be done as in a 1, 2, 3, strategy need to be set aside. Those who teach styles need to drastically rethink what they are doing when teaching those with disabilities. The student will show you what needs to be done - observe closely and be willing to abandon your teaching philosophies.

7. How do you recommend that they get certified and involved?

The LPGA has a book/program called Accessible Golf and the PGA of America has a Power Point Presentation called Challenge Golf CD. These are wonderful tools for those who have never taught and also for those who are actively teaching students with disabilities. I would also suggest contacting a recreational therapist at children's hospitals close to your home. We are very lucky in Dallas in that

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, in conjunction with their USGA grant, supports the training of golf professionals, physical therapists and allied health care specialists through a program called Tee Up for Teaching. It may be a one-of-a-kind thing but anyone who needs help can contact Dana Dempsey, director of therapeutic recreation at TSRHC. She knows where to send you for advice and who you can contact.

8. Do you offer clinics, private instructions, or continual lessons for individuals with disabilities?

I am an ongoing instructor with all the golf programs that Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children offers. That includes training for instructors, the summer sports program (Summer All-Stars) for patients and the 8-10 Learn to Golf clinics held in various Texas cities. I do offer private instruction and teach primarily children with disabilities on a continual basis. I am also the Site Director and Lead Professional for The LPGA USGA Girls Golf of Dallas and have the pleasure of working with some of our members who have disabilities. The ability to include girls with disabilities in our program comes directly from our association with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.