According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 19% of the population has some type of disability. In a study conducted by Indiana and Clemson Universities: • 10% of persons with a disability play golf. • 22% of those with disabilities played golf before incurring their disability but are not playing now. • 35% of individuals with disabilities are interested in learning but are not currently playing golf. The study also identified key factors why those 35 percent would like to play, but are not: • 33% are uncomfortable playing in front of others. • 31% believed that the course staff would not know how to assist them. • 36%said that they needed a better understanding of the fundamentals of golf. golf tournaments around the country that culminate with the National Adaptive Golf Association’s (NAGA) National Amputee & Disabled Golf Championships and the 32nd NAGA National Senior Amputee Golf Championship that will be held October 24th28th at Celebration Golf Club in Celebration, Florida. The USAGA works with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to assign a fair handicap rating system that takes into account the individual • 38% stated a need for lessons specific to their disability. Instruction With the instruction available through the USAGA member organizations, they are trying to meet these concerns. USAGA AdaptiveGolf coachesworkwith participants on fundamentals such as balance, posture, setup and swing path. USAGA clinics use regular and adapted golf equipment to best fit the needs and abilities of the participants. A list of instructional clinics can be found at the USAGA website by clicking on the Clinics tab. Note to Golf Instructors: if you would like to become more involved and help teach physically disabled golfers, learn more by contacting USAGA’s Director of Golf Operations, Jonathan Snyder, at jsnyder@ usaga.org Competition The U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance hosts a series of
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