Dave Windsor was feeling as though he were on an island.
In 1999, the Director of Adaptive Golf at the Georgia State Golf Association started working in this area. Windsor is arguably the most experienced in adaptive golf, which allows players with disabilities to enjoy golf by using modified equipment or rules.
Windsor explains that since the turn of the century, there have been more and more boats arriving on the island. More state associations began to be interested in adaptive golf. National interest was generated. The sport has exploded, and now there is a national champion, as well as a higher number of participants than ever before.
Windsor’s boat and island metaphor was a good example of this. “We would assist them. Slowly they began to copy something on their golf course or neighborhood. They saw it as the right thing to be doing.
The United States Golf Association is hosting the third annual U.S. Adaptive Open from July 8-10, at Sand Creek Station near Newton, Kansas. The championship will make its first road trip after being held in Pinehurst for the first two seasons. This is a testament to the USGA’s commitment to adaptable golf, as well as the growing interest in adaptive golf. It also shows the importance of making golf accessible for everyone.
Seven state adaptive championships are planned for 2024. By 2025, this number could double.
spanstyle=”font weight: 400 ;”>”There wasn’t a great deal of interest in the golf associations world before the Adaptive Open was realized,” said Tyler Riggin. Regional Affairs Director at the USGA. Then, it was cool. It’s a wonderful opportunity to offer our services to the local community .”
Riggin spoke about the interest that the state and community associations have in adaptive space, after the first championship 2022. Adaptive golf is gaining popularity amongst fans, competitors and others.
Florida is one of the states that will host its first adaptive championships in 2023.
Jeff Magaditsch is the executive director for the Florida State Golf Association. He spoke about the research and support the USGA provided to launch its adaptive championship.
“The USGA laid the foundation for us in a very professional manner,” Magaditsch stated. It’s an area we have always wanted to be involved with. With its first open, the USGA opened the door for us to enter the championship space.
Magaditsch stated that the FSGA is continuing to expand their reach in the state with regards to adaptive golf. He also gave credit to the GSCA for providing a blueprint on how to do things.
The championships are no easy task. There are many obstacles to overcome when choosing a course that is suitable for the Adaptive open.
The course should be accessible to those with golf carts. It doesn’t matter if it is a cart path from the tees to the greens or if you can enter and exit bunkers. Five different tees are available for different categories of competitors.
“We treat it just like any other USGA Championship, but there is a lot more planning for the athletes,” said Greg Sanfilippo. He’s the Senior Director of the USGA’s Championships. The planning takes years to figure out how the construction will work, and other details .”
Sanfilippo stated that the USGA looks forward to hosting the championship in 2024 in the Midwest, and continues to learn how to host championships for the disabled.
The number of adaptive golf events in the United States is increasing, which means that there are more opportunities for golfers who have disabilities. The USGA is excited to host the U.S. Adaptive Open, which will be the first of its kind in the sport.
Sanfilippo stated that they are proud to have been able to bring the game across the United States and the entire country. “If you’re looking to inspire and expose more people to the adaptive sport, then get involved with the adaptive sports, whether it’s playing golf or donating your time to programs and workshops, we are proud of this. We are proud to say that we overcome these challenges on a regular basis.
