From the Executive Director: Attitude is a Powerful Thing

January and February thus far have been busy months with the Virtual 2021 PGA Merchandise Show and Education Conference along with the Virtual 2021 Golf Industry Show and Education Conference.  The National Alliance for Accessible Golf had the opportunity during both Shows to share about why the game of golf should be open to everyone including individuals with disabilities.

During the Golf Industry Show in particular, Jan Bel Jan, Past President of the America Society of Golf Course Architects and owner of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design and I presented a session on “Making Your Facility Welcoming, Accessible and Inclusive.” 

According to the CDC, there are more than 61 million individuals with disabilities in the United States (1 in 4).  If we as the game and business of golf just welcomed 1% of that population to the game or to return to the game, we could see an uptick of over 600,000 new or returning golfers.  Just think if we reached out to 5% of that population, we could see over 3 million join us in this game of a lifetime.  But that requires that we, as a sport and industry, actually welcome them to golf. 

First and foremost, attitude is a powerful tool. 

Individuals with disabilities are simply people that want to be an integral part of the fabric of society and possibly the game of golf.  Welcome them as you would any other person coming to your facility.  Make sure your facility is ADA compliant.  That doesn’t mean you have to invest in a multi-million-dollar capital improvement project.  Simple modifications can be easily made to allow accessibility.  Check out our toolkit and other resources at www.accessgolf.org/resources

If you have an accessible and welcoming facility or program, or you instruct individuals with disabilities, consider adding your information to our search engine so that individuals with disabilities can find your facility or program and contact you.  Go to www.accessgolf.org/submit-a-new-facility/

So, in conclusion, remember that golf is one of a few sports that can easily accommodate individuals with disabilities.  But that will only happen if you choose to be accessible, welcoming and inclusive.  So today, let us all “Choose to Include”.

See you next month.

Steve Jubb, PGA/LM, Executive Director