The professional golfers that you see on television represent less than one percent (1%) of people that play golf. Very few people ever play anywhere close to that level.
Golf, for most people, should be considered recreational and not competitive. It can be a very fun game to enjoy with family and friends.
You don't have to play 18 or even 9 holes of golf to enjoy the game. Lots of people enjoy going to a practice area just to hit golf balls or practice putting.
Golf courses and practice facilities WANT you to come and enjoy yourself.
If you have never played golf, but think you would like to try it, here are a few things that you can do to find out if it is something you would enjoy:
A young girl swings at a golf ball.
Read the rest of this factsheet and view the short video clip on golf swings.
Look for information and videos on the internet. If you type in search words such as 'golfers with disabilities', 'accessible golf', 'adapted golf', etc., you will be able to find a lot of information, photos and videos about people with disabilities playing golf and programs that are available.
Using the internet or your local telephone book, find golf courses and practice facilities in your area. If you have never been to one, take some time to go and look around.
There are many resources (books, CDs, articles) that describe how individuals with any type of disability can get involved in playing golf. Contact NCHPAD or the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (www.accessgolf.org) for updated information.
If you are still interested in seeing if you might enjoy golf, consider the following:
Find out if any golf course or other recreational programs in your community have a golf instructional program. Most communities have instructors who can help you get started. Some schools in your area might also have golf instructors or instructional programs.
If you don't have access to any golf clubs, borrow a putter and an iron from a family member or friend. If you don't know anyone with golf clubs, the local practice facility or golf course will have used clubs that you can borrow.
Go to a practice facility or local public golf course and do some putting and 'chipping'. Generally, there is no cost to do that.
If you think you might need any assistive devices, such as an accessible golf cart, clubs, gripping aids, etc., please see the factsheet on Instructional Resources and Equipment (Part II of this series). There are many options, some with little cost, that can help you play golf.
The following video demonstrates that people with a wide range of disabilities can and do play golf.
