From the Executive Director: Looking Forward to 2018

It is hard to believe but another year has almost gone by.  Hope you all have had a great 2017, especially those who are engaged in ensuring that the game of golf is inclusive for everyone especially those with dis/Abilities.  Golf is a game that can be played by everyone.  Some putt on the putting green, some hit shots on the range, some play a couple of holes and some play 9 or 18 holes.  But we all play GOLF!

For the last several years, the United States Golf Association has partnered with the National Alliance for Accessible Golf to help fund grassroots programs that are developing individuals with disabilities into the game of golf through inclusionary programming.  Did you know that funds are available right now for such programming?  Since the inception of the USGA/Alliance partnership, grants totaling more than $800,000 have been awarded to program impacting more than 14,000 individuals by engaging them in our sport.  Check out our website at www.accessgolf.org under “Grants” for a list of programs that have been supported as well as the grant criteria and application.  If you are doing grassroots programming that meets the criteria, don’t pass up this funding opportunity. Dollars are waiting for your application.

Mark your calendars for January 26^th during the PGA Merchandise Show.  The National Alliance for Accessible Golf will be conducting its first education conference on accessibility and inclusion. It is a full day of speakers and round table discussions on topics such as ADA Updates, Best Practices for accessible and inclusive golf, connecting with Special Olympics and connecting with individuals in the Autism Spectrum to mention a few of the topics.   It will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel next door to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and is an easy walk via a sky bridge for those attending the Show.  Registration is scheduled to be online at www.accessgolf.org by mid-November.

As 2017 is almost over, we are all preparing to file our tax returns for 2017.  We ask that you consider supporting the National Alliance for Accessible Golf in your year-end charitable giving.  On November 28^th, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, “Giving Tuesday” is being held nationwide to have individuals donate to various non-profits/charities to support those organizations’ missions.  While we do get support from the various golf associations, we are very reliant on individual donations as well to provide the grants, promotions/advocacy for golf to be inclusive, and education/training programs.  So, consider making a year-end donation to the National Alliance by going to www.accessgolf.org and click on the “DONATE” button on the upper right corner of the homepage.  Thank you in advance for considering to support the National Alliance.

Everyone have a safe and grateful Thanksgiving.  See you next month!

Steve Jubb, PGA – CEO/Executive Director