Below is an interview with Jena Munson, an instructor in the Back 2 Swing golf program.

Interview Questions for Instructors

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

I began developing this program in 1998 with Shoreline Golf Course in Carter Lake, Iowa. After multiple years of program development, the Back 2 Swing program has branched out to additional golf courses in 2006. These new courses will continue to provide our participants the opportunity to experience other courses which include Papio Greens Golf Center, Elk Horn Golf Course and Dodge Riverside Golf Club.

2. How did you get involved with golf?

I was born without a right hand and was introduced to the game of golf as a child with my dad. My parents were terrific about encouraging me to try all sport and recreation opportunities. Together with my dad, we figured out how I could most effectively play golf at that point and time. From there my skills improved allowing me to enjoy the game of golf. I went on to attend college and earned a degree as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and have been fortunate to work at Alegent Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Center in Omaha, Neb. Our Administration is very supportive of program development within the community for individuals with physical disabilities. My love for the game of golf inspired me to investigate the opportunity to make this sport available within the Omaha metro area. Through writing and receiving grant awards from the USGA, our program has been fortunate to be able to expand the program to reach out to participants at a variety of golf clubs.

3. With which disabilities are you most familiar? We primarily work with individuals with physical disabilities. The disabilities that we most often work with during our clinics include spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, amputee, multiple trauma, spina bifida and a variety of other diagnoses. This past year I had a request to work with visually impaired individuals in which the organization assisted these individuals to a degree of being able to play on a course successfully.

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

I am not sure that there is a secret method. My instructions for persons who are transitioning back to the game of golf are to have patience and to be open-minded. The first few times a person hangs onto a club and the mechanics of swinging a club from a standing or sitting position will be an adjustment, but can definitely be accomplished as long as maintain a positive attitude and keep an open-mind. The world of adaptive golf has been opened so much through the single -rider golf cars which allow full access to the entire course, adaptive golf clubs and playing aids. These devices have increased a person's opportunity to be independent on the courses and driving ranges.

5. What is your favorite instructor story about working with an individual with a disability?

I have many stories that I could share, as we have had many success stories when it comes to integrating individuals back to the game of golf. This includes working in acute rehab and the opportunity I have to educate patients and families regarding how they can play golf again once they have reached a point in their rehab process. Most typically they look at me and say, "I used to play golf." Most often, I can respond by reassuring them that they will play golf again and show them the tools for how we can make that a successful goal for them. One thing that I'll always remember is when the Back 2 Swing Program received the Growth of the Game Grant Award, enabling us to purchase the Single -Rider Golf Cars. This has opened up doors for people with physical disabilities and it has been phenomenal. This means that many who closed the chapter of golf in their life can reopen the book to begin a new chapter of learning how to play the game from a seated position. It also means that those who were determined to play no matter what no longer have to push the course from their wheelchair. What an incredible feeling to be able to enhance the lifestyle of those who have endured so much hardship in their life.

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

I would encourage them to first get the basic knowledge of golf if they are not familiar with the rules, etiquette and equipment. From there, it's important to begin working with the local courses to identify a course which would be most accessible so participants who take advantage of the program have a successful experience. I would also encourage instructors and the golf course professional to attend a workshop to become familiar with the different techniques in order to effectively instruct. As a person becomes comfortable with this process and the program begins to grow, look for fundraising and grant opportunities to build the program, increase awareness and build participation, which will also increase their level of independence.

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

My background is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. My experience working at the Alegent Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Center has provided me the opportunity to be knowledgeable of different techniques that can be incorporated with the golf professional's recommendations for gripping the golf club, swinging the golf club, having the proper stance, etc. Together we are able to identify the best method for each individual as they progress through the program.

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

The Back 2 Swing Program begins the end of April and a clinic is offered typically three to four times per month through October at various golf courses. The program has increased opportunities by allowing individuals to also play on the Par 3 Courses during the clinics, which has helped the participants to increase their self confidence with transitioning to course play. We also have implemented a year end best ball tournament in which we pair able bodied golfers with Back 2 Swing participants and play nine holes on a regulation course. Our goal with the Back 2 Swing program is to be able to transition beginners, intermediate and past golfers onto the driving range and then to the golf course in order to reconnect with a passion that they have enjoyed prior to their disability.