From the Executive Director: Be Inviting!

Welcome to 2021. Let’s pray that it is better than 2020. This past year has been challenging times but looking forward to a better year ahead and beyond.

Golf has been a great outlet for those who play, especially those with disabilities. The game gets them outdoors in a sport that can easily create a social distancing environment but also one where we can enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors while playing with family and friends.

If you operate a facility, welcoming individuals with disabilities to enjoy all that golf offers can have a positive impact for your business. The other day I was reading an article about research conducted by the American Institutes of Research where it found that individuals with disabilities have a discretionary income of more than $21 billion. Discretionary income means income after paying for life’s essentials such as housing, food, utilities, and, yes, taxes.

Individuals with disabilities are customers. So, let’s all welcome them to our sport. Reach out into your community to organizations that serve this segment of the population and invite them to come and enjoy the benefits this game has to offer. Create instructional programs for them. The organizations, rehab facilities, and hospitals may have not thought of using golf in their recreational therapy programs. The key word here is Invite. Don’t sit back and wait for them to come to you. Reach out and by doing so, you create new customers.

If you have a facility, community program, or instruct individuals with disabilities, consider listing it through our website, www.accessgolf.org/submit-a-new-facility. Our search engine enables individuals with disabilities to locate accessible facilities, programs, and instruction.  Add your facility/program/instruction today.

Finally, I would like to thank our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and everyone that ensures that golf is for everyone including individuals with disabilities. Thank you!

See you next month,

Steve Jubb, PGA/LM

Executive Director