2009 Adapted Golf Workshops & Outings Scheduled

April 14, 2009

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw has announced the schedule for the upcoming season of its GolfAbility program. GolfAbility is an adaptive golf instruction program to teach the basics of golf to individuals with disabilities.

GolfAbility workshops and outings have been schedule to run from May through September. The workshops will take place at the GolfAbility center, which is located on the campus of the physical rehabilitation hospital. The center consists of a 1300 square foot synthetic putting green with six cups and three accessible netted tee areas. Participants will learn how to use appropriate adaptive golf equipment, including single-rider carts. A single-rider cart is a specially equipped golf cart that allows a disabled golfer to play seated or standing, directly from the cart, and can be driven right on to the green. The two outings will take place at a local golf course.

Joyce Fried, LPGA golf pro, conducts lessons and outing are conducted by recreational therapists. Sessions will start with a group lesson, with participants then breaking into small groups to practice concepts learned during the lesson, as well as building on skills learned in previous sessions. The cost of each workshop is $15 per golfer. The GolfAbility programs will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and each workshop will be limited to 16 participants. GolfAbility outings will take place at the Rockland Lake Executive Course with a tee time of 3:00 pm. Players will pay their own course fees. Dates are as follows.

Workshops:
May 4 Basic fundamentals, grip, alignment, setup, posture
May 11 Review of fundaments – short game chipping
May 18 Full swing (mid to long Irons, Woods)
June 1 Putting
June 29 Woods
July 13 Bunker Play
July 27 Driving Range – Rotella Golf Course
Aug 17 Golf review & hot dog roast

Outings:
June 15 and September 14

GolfAbility is open to individuals who may have played prior to acquiring a disability and individuals who are new to the sport. The program seeks to prevent golfers from giving up the game due to injuries, orthopedic, impairments, cardiopulmonary disease, stroke, arthritis and other age related conditions. It also seeks to encourage people of all abilities to take up the sport, including individuals with spinal cord injury or amputation.

Pre-registration for workshops is required. The $15 registration fee should be made payable to the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation. Participants may register for as many workshops as they wish, but priority will be given to new participants. Checks received after a class has been filled will be returned. Registered participants will be called one week prior to each workshop to confirm acceptance status. For additional information or a registration form, contact Matthew Castelluciccio at 845-786-4950, or castellucciom@helenhayeshosp.org.