Sharing Our Mission

Just back from the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL.  We connected with a lot of individuals, those we already have a relationship with as well as other individuals seeking information, resources and funding of their grassroots programs.  For the first time, the Alliance had an exhibit space for the Show which ended up giving us more exposure for our mission to the golf industry.

Before the Show, I had the opportunity to speak before the attendees at the PGA Youth and Family Summit.  The topic presented was engaging youth with disabilities into the game of golf.  Joining me on stage were Justin Snyder and Ken Williams of the Little Linksters GOALS Program in Central Florida (which develops youth with disabilities into the game).  We shared that the game can be a positive activity for youth with disabilities.  To highlight that, we had on stage two participants in the GOALS program, Marcus Cruz and Nathan Freid along with their mothers.  Each family shared the impact that the game has had on their family and why professionals and courses should consider youth with disabilities in their player development programs.  This was highlighted with a video about Marcus and his mother which made a heartfelt impact on the audience. Several attendees came up afterwards and also stopped by our booth to inquire about how they could start a program in their community. 

Next week, we are off to San Diego for the Golf Industry Show, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Conference (GCSAA) along with the National Golf Course Owners Association Conference (NGCOA).  This will allow the Alliance additional exposure to other segments of the industry.  In addition to exhibit space, we will be conducting an adaptive golf clinic at Maderas Golf Club during the NGCOA Day at the Golf Course exposing to the golf course owners the impact golf can have on individuals with disabilities as well as the positive impact it can have on their business.

The more we educate the industry on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the game, the more our game will reflect the face of America.  There are 57 million people with disabilities in our country.  Wouldn’t it be great to see a foursome going down a fairway, one person of ethnic diversity, one of gender diversity, one with disability and one without disability?   Then we would reflect the face of our country.

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is here to help make this a game for all.

Please contact us to assist you in any way.

Steve Jubb, PGA, Executive Director