Adaptive Golf Workshops & Outings Scheduled
April 6, 2006Helen 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.
Seven GolfAbility workshops and two GolfAbility outings have been scheduled 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.
All workshops will be conducted by Joyce Fried, LPGA, who will be assisted by recreational therapists. Sessions will start with a group lesson and then participants will break 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 14 participants. Dates are as follows.
Workshops: May 15, June 5, June 19, July 10, July 24, August 7 August 21,
Outings: June 12 and September 11
Information on cancellations due to weather conditions can be obtained by calling 845-786-4484 after 1:00 p.m. on the day of a scheduled program.
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.
GolfAbility has been made possible through support of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation and the North Rockland Lions Club.
Pre-registration for workshops is required and participants must complete a GolfAbility application form in advance. 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 an application form, call Eileen Andreassi at 845-786-4113.