Golf is experiencing a swell in popularity and participation, thanks to its acceptance as a socially-distanced outdoor activity. The sport provides a much-needed respite from quarantining indoors and yields therapeutic benefits.
Mindy Derr has been promoting the value of using golf for therapy through Fore Hope, which she developed in 1989 and continues today. 
For over 30 years, Derr has combined a love of golf with helping others. People who have experienced, difficulties with aging, brain injuries, MS, Parkinson’s, or stroke have benefitted from Derr’s work throughout the country.
Fore Hope is a part of OhioHealth Healthcare Neuroscience Center and Derr is an advisor to OhioHealth Fore Hope.
Thousands have been served through Fore Hope using golf in adult day care centers, hospitals, inpatient and outpatient medical settings, and schools. Fore Hope early on recognized that golf is an excellent treatment vehicle to enhance cognition, mobility, physical endurance and promotes socialization. Hope and joy are some of the many positive outcomes of golf participation.
The past success of Fore Hope has led Mindy to share the spirit of golf and its direct connection to wellness through education, public speaking and consulting. She believes that the introduction of health recovery through golf will help individuals, the healthcare industry and communities, realize the importance of golf as a tool to improve quality of life.
Derr, who was recently diagnosed with MS but has resumed an active lifestyle, firmly believes that golf can lead to health recovery and hope.
“I am an advocate and living proof for those who need a program like Fore Hope. My aim is to encourage and guide those who wish to develop community golf therapy-based programs.”
She hopes to grow this awareness of using golf in the healthcare industry as a whole and advocates the game being used in parks and recreation departments, healthcare facilities, elder-care, as well as, other similar endeavors. This vision of “golf care” can pave the way for more therapeutic golf programs.
“Awareness is key regarding the magical powers of golf that can lead to an improved healthier lifestyle. Our world is leaning toward more inclusivity and golf should be the same. During these challenging times, golf is viewed as a tool to improve overall health and mental well-being. Golf needs to be accessible, fee and facility friendly. Available to all ages and life circumstances.”
If you would like to learn more about Fore Hope and Mindy Derr’s vision to increase the use of Golf for Therapy, she is available for consultation, public speaking and the creation of tailored programs.
Contact her at (614) 499-6287, or at: mindyderr.com.
Watch a Back 9 Report TV interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O3HZXdZDy9M
