Because the game of golf is one that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, the USGA has several initiatives in place to help individuals with disabilities become involved or continue to play the game.

The best known of endeavors is the financial support of programs geared toward introducing the disabled population to the game or assisting their return to golf. Since 1992, the USGA, through it’s “For the Good of the Game” grants initiative, has made 90 grants to 61 organizations across the country to support programs with the goal of introducing or returning golfers to the game. These grants total close to two million dollars, helping programs through underwriting costs such as course and range access, instruction, transportation, equipment and even those incurred in the development of accessible golf facilities.

In order to get the word out so that participation in golf by individuals with disabilities may increase, the USGA has entered into a partnership with Dennis Walters, an internationally-renown trick shot artist who happens to be disabled. The Dennis Walter’s Show is an inspirational event for all people, particularly those with a disability, as Dennis is paralyzed below the waist. Walters’ USGA-sponsored “Catch Golf’s Spirit” show carries the message that golf is a great game for people from all ethnic, gender, and age groups, and highlights the fact that those with disabilities are capable of amazing achievements on the golf course, the most important one being no more than having fun, perhaps with a family member.

For those individuals with disabilities who are already playing golf, the USGA has researched and developed “A Modification of The Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities.” This rule book reviews special circumstances golfers with disabilities may encounter when on the course, to allow for all golfers to equitably play with and against all other competitors, including those who are able-bodied. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has endorsed this book, meaning that now golfers with disabilities throughout the world can now play and compete by the same set of rules.

Since the USGA conducts 13 national championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, it is important to the USGA that all spectators, including those with disabilities enjoy watching these events. One active way to achieve this goal is in place. Each USGA championship has spectator accessibility programs, including viewing areas specifically for those with disabilities and motorized scooter programs. The scooter programs allow any individual with a mobility disability to use a motorized scooter, free of charge, to be able to drive around the championship grounds, including almost the entire course. Only occasionally are restricted areas defined for the safety of the spectator.

Representatives of the USGA also serve on national committees and boards that increase the visibility and accessibility of the game of golf. Recently, the most notable initiative in which the USGA actively participates is the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (NAAG). NAAG is working toward increasing the number of individuals with disabilities participating in the game of golf through conducting clinics, disseminating information on how courses can become more accessible and sponsoring professional medical research. Past-USGA president Trey Holland and USGA consultant Greg Jones currently serve on NAAG’s leadership council.

Finally, the USGA has devoted considerable resources to developing a clearinghouse to consolidate and make available information to help educate those with and without disabilities about the many different facets that make up the most-important topics related to this arena. This project is the USGA’s Resource Center for Individuals with Disabilities, and is housed on the Web site you are viewing at this time. Additionally, representatives of the Resource Center have increased education and communication through seeking and submitting stories and information to media publications, providing speakers at national conferences, and publishing informational tools. One such publication is From Bag Drop to 19th Hole, an instructional booklet designed to assist golf facilities in becoming more accessible and user-friendly to individuals with disabilities. This booklet has been distributed to more than 10,000 golf facilities. The USGA has also funded turf grass studies to investigate the impact, or other important aspects of wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices have on the golf course, particularly the greens.

It is the sincere hope of the USGA that these initiatives and programs allow the game of golf to be more easily enjoyed by those with disabilities and can be used a yet another tool to allow these individuals to move into mainstream society.