Adaptive golf clinics provide needed outlet

Janet Swain was ready.

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Instructor James Kile helps Janet Swain with her swing during Walton Rehab's Adaptive Golf Clinic at the First Tee of Augusta. The monthly clinics allow people with acquired disabilities who have never played golf to learn the game. Those who have played can learn how to use adaptive equipment.

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

David Godbee (right) gets help with his swing during Walton Rehab's Adaptive Golf Clinic at the First Tee of Augusta.

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She had her instructions from James Kile. She got into her stance, looked down at the golf ball, then to her left down the course, then back down again.

With a quick swing of her right arm, the club hit the ball, sending it several yards down the course.

Swain, an Aiken resident, was among those who went out March 9 to participate in the new season of adaptive golf clinics at First Tee of Augusta. The clinics are sponsored by Walton Foundation for Independence.

"I love sports and trying new things. For me, this program fit both," she said.

Swain was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in February 2001.

"When I was diagnosed with MS, I didn't think I would be able to do any kind of sports ever again. Slowly, avenues opened up where I could do certain things. When I found this adaptive program, I thought, 'Well, golf is something I've never done,' so I called and talked to Leslie (Glass, vice president of development). I told her: 'I have MS and have never picked up a golf club. Can I come to the clinic?' She said sure, and here I am."

Swain has participated in the monthly clinics since last summer.

The free adaptive golf clinics are held for people 15 and older with acquired physical disabilities, Glass said.

"It's really all about either teaching or helping people to learn or relearn the game of golf after their accident or injury," she said. "It gives them the opportunity to learn what their abilities really are and that they can achieve maybe more than what they thought. It gives them the ability to experience independence, have fun and be a part of something society in general enjoys."

Even those who are in wheelchairs or unable to stand for an extended period can play golf, she said.

"We have adaptive golf carts that they can use," she said. "They can drive and operate the cart themselves, pull up to the ball and it turns them around and props them up for them to hit the ball. It really makes the game accessible to everyone."

Volunteer instructors work one on one with each person, giving tips on things such as how to hold the club and swing properly.

Some of the instructors have a disability themselves. Donald Shapiro, a paraplegic, is also an adaptive golf player.

"I enjoy getting out and being on the course," he said. "I grew up playing golf with my family, so it's nice to be able to go out and play with them."

Swain urges others who have disabilities to give golf a try.

"If anybody thinks they can't do it or have the slightest thought they would like to try, they should come out and do it," she said. "I had never picked up a golf club before I came here, but everyone is very patient with me and they give me good tips. I must admit, I'm having the time of my life with it."

For more information about the clinics or how to participate, call Glass at (706) 826-5809or send an e-mail to lglass@wrh.org.