Far Hills, N.J., and Reston, Va. - Through a grant from the United States Golf Association, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf is expanding its efforts to provide financial assistance and resources to help make the game of golf more accessible to people with disabilities.
Since 1991, the USGA has provided more than $5 million in grants to more than 150 nonprofit organizations that introduce or reacquaint individuals with disabilities to golf. To date, 75,000 people have benefited from such programs. With funding from a USGA grant, the Alliance will for the first time administer a grant-application process for organizations that provide golf programs for individuals with disabilities.
"The USGA believes that golf should be open to everyone and is proud to support organizations that serve individuals with disabilities through the game," said USGA President Jim Hyler. "The USGA is pleased to work with the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and looks forward to the expansion of opportunities made possible by USGA grant funds."
These grants will defray core program costs and support programs to help golfers with disabilities both learn and transition into playing the game. Eligibility guidelines and application materials are available at www.accessgolf.org in the Grants section.
The USGA will also support the Alliance's efforts, particularly its GAIN™ (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) initiative, which offers community, clinic and camp programs for people with disabilities that help them become involved in golf through lessons, playing and social aspects of the game.
"We are excited about partnering with the USGA in its efforts to support golf education and inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities through grants administered by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf," said Alliance President Dr. Betsy Clark.
"Perhaps more so than any other sport, golf provides individuals with disabilities with exceptional recreational, competitive and rehabilitative opportunities," said USGA Grants Committee Chairman Gene McClure. "The unique nature of the game, along with the USGA Handicap System® and 'A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities,' helps make this possible."
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