As summer draws to a close, the Professional Golf Association is still heating up. As a partner in the September 2012 Ryder Cup Magnificent Moments campaign, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago© – along with the Illinois PGA and RevelationGolf – hosted an adapted golf clinic at the Chicago hospital on Thursday, August 16, to celebrate the upcoming Ryder Cup tournament.
Patients and families ascended upon the hospital’s mall activity area, which was set-up like a mini golf course, for a morning of fun and games. Jonathan Sutera of the Medinah Country Club, Trey VanDyke of the Oakbrook Golf Club, and Carol Rhoades of Coghill offered expert tips and teaching points to
participants.
RevelationGolf, founded by Donna Strum and Kathy Williams, provided adaptive golf equipment – such as shorter clubs – which allows patients to play more effectively. For a few participants it was the first time clutching a golf club and trying out their swing. All sponsoring organizations work to provide golf opportunities to individuals with physical disabilities.
“Golf is a sport that you can play the rest of your life with family, friends and co-workers. By introducing our patients to the types of adaptive equipment available, kids of all ability levels can learn to play independently,” says recreation therapist Amanda Loomis
