Earlier this summer, Calgary based Golf Writer and Professional Andrew Penner visited southwest Saskatchewan for a feature on sand green courses.

Penner, originally from Manitoba has been to Saskatchewan countless times over the years, but was finally able to pen an article on the unique facilities sprinkled across the farm-laden land.

He joined Golf Saskatchewan Director of Communications, Clark Stork via Zoom to discuss the article and the stories behind the story.

TORONTO, ON – St. George’s Golf and Country Club welcomes Ian Leggatt as General Manager effective November 2, 2020. Leggatt comes to St. George’s from nearby Summit Golf Club, where he held the General Manager position.

Ian brings a unique background to the position as a former PGA Touring Professional, and winner of the 2002 Tucson Open. He has spent the last eight years leading a successful operation at Summit Golf Club. He is a proven leader with an established reputation and track record of translating his vision and passion for golf into meaningful cultural changes.

“We are very excited to welcome Ian to St. George’s,” said John Ciardullo, Chair of the Board. “The Board of Directors and Search Committee was unanimous in selecting Ian among highly qualified candidates from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Ian’s golf-centric background and his real vision for delivering an exceptional Member experience are precisely the skills and talents that will position St. George’s for long-term success in Canada and will elevate the Club’s international reputation.”

“It is an honour to be the General Manager of St. George’s Golf and Country Club. The Club’s iconic standing in Canadian golf, along with its global presence, truly excites me,“ says Leggatt. “It is the cultural presence of the game that differentiates great clubs from good ones. I look forward to enhancing the culture of golf at St. George’s and delivering a world-class golf experience.”

Leggatt’s November start date proves timely with St. George’s poised to host the 111^th RBC Canadian Open in 2021 after the event was postponed in 2020 due to the ongoing global pandemic.

St. George’s Golf and Country Club was designed by Stanley Thompson in 1929 and is currently ranked #23 in the world by Golf Digest and is the highest Canadian rated 5-Star Platinum Club. The classically designed course has played host to the Senior PGA Tour, LPGA Peter Jackson/Du Maurier Classic on five occasions, and the Canadian Open in 1933, 1949, 1960, 1968, and 2010.

Four Saskatchewan students are recipients of the Pat Fletcher Foundation annual scholarships announced today by the organization.

The Pat Fletcher Foundation, whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to deserving young Canadian students on their journey to obtaining a university degree, announced the awarding of 25 new scholarships from across Canada.

“We are so proud of this year’s recipients. They demonstrated leadership and character
in their submissions, and we wish them the best of luck as they head back to university
and college this fall,” said Ted Fletcher, Founder and Chairman of Mint Green. “These
are outstanding young people – hard-working, well-rounded leaders in their
communities. They share our desire of “making a difference” and we are proud to have
played a small role in helping to shape their future.”

Carrot River’s Tenesha Pompu received the scholarship funds for the second straight year to assist her in her education endeavors at the University of Saskatchewan. U of S students Kylie Severson (Melville) and Landon Sosnowski (Prince Albert) were also named recipients. University of Alberta student from Wynyard Carson Fisher is the fourth benefactor in the province.

Since establishing the Foundation in 1985, The Pat Fletcher Foundation has awarded
543 scholarships, for a total of approximately $750,000 to young Canadian golfers –
giving them the opportunity to develop and reach their highest potential. The scholarship recipients include students from every province in Canada who go on to pursue their education at top schools both in Canada and the U.S.

“While my father was always very passionate about the sport of golf, he was equally
passionate about the importance of education. He took a genuine interest in working
with junior golfers to help them reach their full potential, both on and off the golf course,”
said Ted Fletcher, who continues to administer the Foundation, along with a board of
trustees.

The Foundation’s website, www.patfletcher.com includes the current list of recipients.

Saskatoon’s Jason Schneider began volunteering with Autism Services of Saskatoon for a class while attending university. 10 years later he’s still involved with the non-profit organization.

Upon receiving his PGA of Saskatchewan card in 2009 word got back to Autism Services and the two teamed up for an annual golf camp. Earlier this season the 10^th season concluded.

“Since 2010 I’ve been running a four-week program,” Schneider explained to Golf Saskatchewan. “This year was a little bit smaller than usual due to some COVID-19 concerns. I’m so happy that we still got to run it for the few that were interested.”

Numbers were down this year as Schneider explained with three youth taking part in the month long, once a week program. Last year 10 participants took part. The numbers have fluctuated through out the decade, but Schneider said he sees lots of repeat attendees.

“The majority come and stay until they are unfortunately too old for the program. Lots continually come back, it’s great,” he said.

Schneider goes through three weeks of group lessons at Wildwoood Golf Club before him and employees from Autism Service take the participants out for a round of golf. Each day is celebrated with a drink in the clubhouse. He said the program stretches past the golf course.

“For lots of them this is the only time they do see golf, some are lucky and have parents that golf, so they’ve experienced it before. For lots it’s an opportunity to try something they typically wouldn’t have. A big part of any program through Autism Services is to try and work with them a little on communication and socializing skills,” Schneider said.

“It’s very rewarding and it’s very fun,” he concluded.

For more information on Autism Services of Saskatoon click here.

2020 Saskatchewan men’s amateur champion Ty Campbell has competed in his first college golf tournament of the fall season.

The Saskatoon product and his Southern Wesleyan University Warrior teammates were at the Camden Country Club in South Carolina on Oct. 5 – 6 competing in the Camden Invitational. Campbell placed 27^th overall in the 54-hole event shooting 12-over, 222 (73, 77, 72). Despite Campbell’s solid finish in the field of 68 players the Warriors as a team placed 11^th overall.

Southern Wesleyan will host their own Classic on Oct. 13.

Kindersley’s Brody Istace was also on the course again this week south of the border.

Already with a top-five finish this season, the Music City Invitational at Twelve Stones Golf Club didn’t go as well for the junior Columbia International University (CIU) Ram junior. Istace carded rounds of 88 and 85 to finish in a tie for 64^th. CIU placed 9^th as a team in the 11-team tournament.

There is some positive news for the Rams as they have qualified for the NCCAA Championship in Palm Coast, Florida later this month. First the team will travel to Adairsville, Georgia for the AAC Fall Preview on Oct. 12 – 13.

Regina’s Jacob Kydd was also competing in the Music City Invitational for the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Wildcats. The junior posted rounds of 84 and 80 for a 36-hole score of 20-over, 164. Kydd finished in a three-way tie for 56^th. The team placed 6^th overall.

Kydd has finishes of 12^th, 17^th, and 30^th this fall season.

IWU is back on the course at their own Fall Invitational on Oct. 16 – 17.

Saskatoon’s Josh Nagy is in his second year at Robert Morris University near Pittsburgh. Nagy and the Colonials most recently played in the NKU Fall Classic in Lassing Point Kentucky. The two-time Saskatchewan junior boys champion finished in 68^th place at 239 over 54 holes. The Colonials are competing at the Tom Tontimonia. Nagy is not in the field.

Several other Saskatchewan players are attending university south of the border, but schedules are postponed due to the pandemic. You can see more here.

In search of activities to keep Swift Current’s SaskAbilities clients busy amid the COVID pandemic the organizations program directors turned to the sport of golf with great fanfare.

Senior Program Supervisor Kim Furey said with many activities on hold due to the virus golf is an outdoor, safe activity for their clients to enjoy.

“We kind of jumped on the golf bandwagon this year,” Furey told Golf Saskatchewan. “With everything that is going on being outdoors to do programming and have people connect is definitely the safest route to go. We were looking for different options and golf was one that came up and it was fabulous. I started golfing this year, I hadn’t really done it before, I fell in love with it and hoped we could spread that to some other people too.”

At the beginning of the golf programming the organization was treated to a virtual demonstration by the Saskatchewan Landing Golf Course professional to introduce the SaskAbilities clients to the game. The group visited Gull Lake’s Meadowdale Golf Course, the participants spent a few days at the Chinook Golf Course driving range, and they also played mini golf in Swift Current. Furey said the feedback was very positive.

“We have one individual who golfs every week with his dad, so he was out there hitting balls with us and others who have never held a golf club before. That was really good, they were eager to do it again and it was an activity they wanted repeated. Like I said lots of people had never swung a club but once they got that one good hit they feel awesome about it, especially when they are first learning,” she said.

The programming was part of the organization’s “SLYP Out” program. SLYP stands for Social Leisure Youth Program. SaskAbilities youth programs are for people experiencing disabilities from age six to 16. Their adult programming has no age limit. Program Manager Jayda Watson said having a sense of community and getting their clients out is also critical for their well-being.

“I think connecting to community is important as well,” Watson said. “Our mission is to create inclusive communities for people of all abilities and golf fit right into that. We had great feedback from community members we met at the driving range and they would give encouragement to participants who were out there learning for the first time.”

SaskAbilites said they had about 20 people participate in various golf days throughout the season.

Although restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 initially wreaked havoc on the golf season, Laurence Applebaum said this season showed the sport’s resilience in Canada.

The Golf Canada CEO looked back at the shortened 2020 season on Wednesday as encroaching winter weather started to wind down recreational play across the country.

“What an incredibly strange and challenging year,” said Applebaum. “Golf has been a silver lining, a bright light, call it what you may, in giving people a bit of a break from the pandemic.”

The LPGA Tour was one of the first professional sports associations to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, forcing the women’s professional circuit to cancel its Asian swing and then many more events in North America.

Canada’s two professional tournaments – the RBC Canadian Open in June and the CP Women’s Open in September – had to be cancelled. The Mackenzie Tour, a third-tier men’s tour that plays across Canada, also had its season shelved.

Golf Canada also had to cancel all of its national championships, with many provincial bodies having to postpone or drastically alter their events.

In late March Applebaum urged recreational golfers in Canada to follow the advice of public health officials, even if that meant staying off the course.

“We were cautious and we were coming into a situation with so many unknowns,” said Applebaum. “Looking back, I’m proud of the way the entire industry came together.

“I’m proud of the way the operators in particular handled play. The golf clubs, the golf club operators and owners did an exceptional job.”

Golf, however, was able to seize the moment as COVID-19 restrictions loosened across Canada for the summer.

Record numbers of recreational rounds were registered with Golf Canada through June (1.2 million), July (1.6M), and August (1.5M), as people took advantage of being able to remain physically distant but social.

 

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“We’re going to look back on 2020 and say ‘amongst all challenges, amongst a lot of really difficult situations for so many people, golf was a bright light that we built from,”’ said Applebaum.

“I feel really lucky, I feel quite fortunate to be a part of that movement.”

Another bright spot has been the play of Canada’s male professional players, once the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour resumed their seasons.

Five Canadians were in the top 125 in the world by the end of September, led by the solid play of Mackenzie Hughes, who was No. 48 in the world. Adam Hadwin (62), Corey Conners (72), Taylor Pendrith (118) and Nick Taylor (121), also rounded out the Canadian contingent.

Pendrith earned his world ranking by virtue of being second on the feeder circuit Korn Ferry Tour’s rankings.

On the women’s side, Brooke Henderson returned to dominant form after a seven-month break from competitive play. She moved up to fourth overall in the world rankings, making her the highest-rated Canadian player of either gender.

“It’s a moment that swells the heart of our golfer nation with pride,” said Applebaum. “It continues to amaze me how passionately the country follows our Canadian golfers.”

Applebaum also noted that Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation were able to give back to the community with a COVID-19 Golf Relief Fund announced in late July.

He said on Wednesday that more than $400,000 was raised for the initiative that has two main steps. The first is that the relief fund subsidizes non-medical personal protective equipment for golf course employees, as well as sanitization, hygiene, and protective material expenses. It also subsidizes rounds of golf for front-line workers as well as juniors.

A project two years in the making is going ahead in the province of Saskatchewan thanks to several stakeholders and the Synergy 8 Community Builders group.

Announced last Thursday, the group, along with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and their chiefs will construct a $3.3 mobile bus to serve the seven communities within the council. Synergy chair Troy Davies said this monumental venture wouldn’t be possible without many organizations’ involvement.

“We had multiple meetings with the federal government, Health Minister Jim Reiter’s office, and with Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone on possibilities of covering the operating costs. We wouldn’t move forward without that operating commitment. Luckily we reached that point where both levels of government felt this was huge win and something that could be the foundation of something much larger and maybe more busses serving other Saskatchewan First Nation communities,” Davies explained.

The cost to operate the bus for five years will be $2.5 million. The bus will house a paramedic, mental health worker, and a dentist and dental assistant with a full area to work. Davies said a similar program has been in operation in Saskatoon and the group followed that initiative and used its success for this venture. The announcement featured many dignitaries and National Hockey League defenseman Ethan Bear. Davies continued to stress the partnership in getting the bus rolling.

“Our group is Synergy and without the synergy of government, to have both levels of government and multiple corporate companies and an NHL all-star thrown in there as well it just shows the synergy of everyone looking to do something for the right reasons. Without the support of these people we’d have never touched this, it is just too large” he said.

The bus will be constructed at Crestline next month. Funding for this initiative will be raised through the Synergy 8 annual golf fundraiser. This year’s event was cancelled due tot COVID-19 but plans are in place for the biggest event in Synergy’s history.

“We have some great names lined up to come in that we’re looking to announce in February. We just must make sure their schedules are clear. Once February comes we will announce that campaign, we’re booked to go for Aug. 31, 2021,” Davies beamed.

The bus is also expected to be running in August of next year.

An international research study backed by The R&A has found new evidence to suggest golf can provide significant health benefits to older participants in the form of improved muscle strength and balance.

Muscle strength and balance exercises form an important part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guidelines to tackle physical inactivity in older people about which little was previously known for golf.

The Strength and Balance Study, carried out with two sample groups over two years by Professor Maria Stokes OBE at the University of Southampton and Dr George Salem at the University of Southern California (USC), has indicated that older golfers have and develop strength and balance benefits.

Underlining the sport’s capability to improve the physical health of participants, the evidence suggests golf can improve quality of life through muscle strengthening, improved balance, aerobic exercise (equivalent to gym-based work or yoga) and social interaction.

The Southampton group involved 152 individuals aged 65-79 and over 80 and set out to demonstrate the physical and psychosocial benefits associated with playing recreational golf regularly by comparing physical measures between older golfers and sedentary non-golfers.

A study at the USC was undertaken to see if non-golfers developed these benefits while undertaking a 10-week instructional golf training programme. The USC group involved 15 individuals aged 63 (+/- 5 years) at a municipal course in the greater Los Angeles area, which also examined the feasibility, safety and adherence of the programme for senior non-golfers.

The combined findings show that:

• Participants in the golf training programme improved their muscular strength, power, endurance, balance, flexibility and walking performance
• Golfers under the age of 80 had better strength and balance than sedentary non-golfers of similar ages
• Golfers had better dynamic balance and static balance than non-golfers
• Strength of limb muscles and balance were better in golfers than non-golfers e.g. indicative through gripping and swinging a club, walking, squatting
• The golf training programme was feasible and effective; novice golfers were able to play 9 holes of golf by the 10th week and completed 282 of 300 (94%) total training sessions
• The physical demands recorded during a golf round were equivalent or greater than the demands for other common activities e.g. gym work or yoga
• Participants benefited from green space, social interaction and walking over hilly terrain
• The programme was safe; there were no golf-related injuries or adverse events

Ahead of the study being peer reviewed to validate findings and future presentations made to the academic world, Professor Maria Stokes said, “The findings indicate that golf is associated with health benefits related to better muscle strength and balance.

“This suggests golf may meet World Health Organization recommendations for older people, which would potentially qualify golf for social prescription and exercise referral schemes among policy makers to help manage health conditions.”

Dr George Salem added, “Our findings suggest that golf should be considered when prescribing exercise for older adults because it appears to be safe, feasible and an adherent form of exercise for a better, healthier quality of life.

“Moreover, as golf is an exercise activity that includes strengthening, power, balance, endurance and cognitive challenges, it satisfies the recommended physical activity guidelines of the World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine and UK guidelines.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “These findings should encourage policy makers and healthcare professionals to consider recommending playing golf to older people as part of encouraging them to adopt a more active lifestyle, as well as tackling physical inactivity to reduce healthcare costs.

“We are seeing more and more evidence that golf can provide significant physical and mental health benefits for participants as a moderate intensity activity and so we will continue to advocate these in all of our work with golfers, national federations and associations, healthcare professionals and policy makers.”

Since 2016, The R&A and its partners, including the World Golf Foundation (WGF), the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the European Tour, have sought to: raise awareness of the health benefits of golf to encourage interest in participation by people of all ages and abilities; improve the sport’s image; and increase advocacy for golf by government agencies and public health bodies.

The Golf & Health Project, supported by The R&A and the other WGF partners, continues to strive to achieve these aims by producing and publishing high quality science that evidences golf’s physical and mental health benefits to target existing golfers, non-golfers, golf bodies and policy makers in government and health.

Dr Roger Hawkes, Executive Director at the Golf & Health Project, added, “The evidence from this study is indicative that golf helps strength and balance, with no previous research to highlight this to the golf industry until now. The overall findings and benefits should be of great value for golfers and non-golfers going forward.”

The R&A has also published today a new golf and health report to help further educate golfers, non-golfers, national federations and policy makers on the physical and mental health benefits of the sport.

Highlighting The R&A’s work and the endeavours of others in this sphere since 2016, the 28-page document provides a comprehensive overview of golf as a health-enhancing activity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, with the Strength and Balance Study featured.

The R&A Golf and Health Report (2016-20) can be viewed here.

The Invictus Games, held in Toronto in September 2017, included a golf event hosted by St. George’s Golf Club where spectators were treated to outstanding performances by the athletes. Those of us fortunate enough to attend the event could not help but imagine the opportunities of engaging more people with disabilities in golf.

“This was the most memorable and inspirational event we have been a part of,” said Jason Clarke, CCM, who was general manager at St. George’s during the Games.

“St. George’s has a long history of recognizing the contributions made by Canadian service men and women, so hosting the Invictus Games was a natural fit for us,” said Clarke. “This was the first time that golf was included as an official sport of the Invictus Games and the first time they were hosted [in] Canada. We were determined to make Canada proud and give the athletes the ‘St. George’s experience.’ It was inspiring to see so many of our members volunteering for the games, including most of the caddies.

“We had the honour of hosting two Invictus athletes who utilized the Paramobile adaptive golf cart; it is a game changer! These three-wheeled vehicles can enter and exit a sand bunker, drive on a green and even navigate over a 10-inch curb. The Paramobile cart assists the athlete to standing position. This is a sensation that these golfers never thought they would experience again. It is difficult not to get emotional witnessing this achievement.”

Making your club more welcoming and accessible

Jan Bel Jan, of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, is president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and an advocate for golfers with a disability.

“People with disabilities are people first. Each of us knows someone who has difficulty with access, due to a congenital condition or because they have lost some ability because of illness, injury or age,” said Bel Jan. “The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.”

Obstacles can present barriers to people with disabilities in many aspects of their lives. Bel Jan believes the biggest obstacle may be that we are not comfortable in knowing how to treat people with disabilities. It is essential that everyone at a golf facility be trained to be aware of a person with a disability and to feel comfortable assisting them. When in doubt, Bel Jan encourages using common customer courtesy. Because degrees of impairments vary, she suggests asking people with a disability if they need help before attempting to assist them, and then asking how you may assist. For formal training, Bel Jan has found that coaching done by people who have disabilities can be helpful.

“The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.” – Jan Bel Jan, Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design

The range of disabilities is very broad and, while there are laws and codes to address building accessibility, foresighted golf facility operators can learn how to better accommodate golfers with a disability. Proper signage that directs patrons to the facility’s goods and services is beneficial to everyone. Golf course operators should ensure easy access to at least one teeing area per hole. Creating additional tees, in a safe and accessible place, can meet this need. If readily achievable (with not much difficulty or expense), unobstructed golf cart access should be provided to all areas to be reached by the golfer. Golf cart paths should provide a modest slope for motorized vehicles, including for regular and single rider golf carts.

Ropes and GPS limits on carts can be barriers for those who need to get closer to the green for safety or for ease of access. Both can be adjusted – ropes can be lowered and replaced, and GPS units can be programmed for a specific cart. Red cart flags permit closer proximity to tees and greens and can help to improve access and speed of play. Consider making a map of accessible routes that may include accessible tees, areas of the course to be avoided and bunkers that may be difficult to access or egress.

Another consideration on the course is providing accessible washrooms. If permanent facilities are not available, accessible port-a-potties can meet the need. Also, consider the heights and locations of water and other materials around the course. Where there are steep slopes or difficult-to-access bunkers, the facility can establish the use of the “Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities” developed by the R&A and USGA. These Modified Rules permit a safe drop area away from the slope or outside the bunker, as well as other accommodations. When course renovations are undertaken, it is important to consider how to make the facility barrier-free.

Should a golf club or practice range want to encourage people with a disability to enjoy the game, inviting adult or children’s groups for clinics may inspire new golfers. Become familiar with programs in your area for people with disabilities. A golf facility could also establish a relationship with a rehabilitation hospital as part of their community outreach. Golf can aid significantly in recovery through an outdoor experience, with a helpful focus on hand-eye coordination, improved balance, strength and flexibility as well as sense of purpose. All of these contribute to the wellbeing of the person with the disability as well as to family, friends and companions.

Finally, Bel Jan recommends that golf facilities audit themselves for accessibility, programs and training. They should include information on their website to promote their accessibility, as well noting any instruction, clinics or programs that may interest people with disabilities and their families.

“An ‘invitation’ is always a great way to make people feel welcome to your course,” said Bel Jan.

Golf for people who are visually impaired

Glenn Babcock is the president of the Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers Association, serves as a director on the board of Blind Golf Canada and sits on the Human Resources Committee of Golf Canada. Babcock was born with his visual impairment. His father was a golf professional, so Babcock grew up around golf courses and had the benefit of learning to golf from a young age.

He says that some golfers are born blind or visually impaired, while others have lost their sight due to injury or illness, or simply as they age. For those who have lost their sight, being able to continue an activity that they enjoy is important to their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

There are many golfers whose vision loss requires them to seek assistance to play the game. Their “guide” may be a fellow golfer, a non-golfing friend or a family member committed to helping them enjoy the game. The guide helps the golfer get safely around the course, lines them up for each shot and provides information on distances and obstacles and, of course, the guide must also find the ball!

Staff at golf courses should understand this partnership of golfer and guide. Starters and marshals should be made aware of the presence of a “walker.” Groups may be slower, as it takes more time to set up a golfer who is blind or visually impaired. Babcock recommends asking the golfer about their speed of play and how much time they need for setup with their guide and then adjust the group size if necessary.

Some courses have recognized the challenges in arranging a game and offer incentives to encourage blind and visually impaired people to play. Two-for-one rates for the golfer and their guide, even if the guide is playing, are offered by some. Others offer a discount and one club even offers a complimentary nine-hole round for two golfers, and their guides, each week on Monday afternoons.

Golf for people with missing limbs or limited mobility

Kristian Hammerback is the president of the Canadian Amputee Golf Association and is a member of Golf Canada’s Amateur Competitions Committee. As a golfer who was born missing a limb, golf provided him with a childhood activity he could participate in with his friends. He believes that it is important to provide golfing opportunities for people who are missing limbs or with reduced mobility and that it can be instrumental in getting back into life after an injury or illness.

Golfers with missing limbs or limited mobility may have challenges getting around the course and getting to the ball. They don’t like to play long rounds or slow play down for other golfers. Using carts or “solo rider” units, providing red flags and being lenient with cart rules will help to speed their play.

Hammerback, who has helped organize several tournaments for amputee golfers, has found that golf courses are always very helpful and “bend over backwards” to give the competitors a great experience. He encourages golf courses to promote golf participation for all, get involved with organizations for people with disabilities to offer golf clinics and partner with local rehabilitation facilities to provide golf opportunities as part of the recovery process.

Golf for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Alain Turpin, the executive director of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, says that the biggest challenge is communicating with deaf and hard of hearing golfers.

“Sometimes, it is difficult for pro-shop employees to communicate with deaf golfers who speak poorly or can’t speak and use language signs,” he said.

He recommends speaking face-to-face with deaf or hard of hearing golfers and writing simple messages on a sheet of paper to communicate.

When golfers who are deaf or hard of hearing take part in a sanctioned competition, it is important for the host committee to reserve a sign language interpreter. It makes a big difference for the deaf golfer to feel included and equal. As well, creating awareness for fellow competitors, competition officials and facility staff of the importance of face-to-face and written communication is essential.

Golf for military veterans who are ill or injured

Joe Kiraly, the outreach and communications manager for Soldier On, a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, attests to the impact that golf brings to the recoveries of veterans.

“Golf has been a surprising addition to my life following an injury resulting in physical limitations and loss of personal identity,” said Kiraly. “I saw how golf helped others and decided to try it myself.”

The Soldier On golf program, one of its most robust initiatives, is championed by Michael Feyko, who works at Royal Oaks Golf Club in New Brunswick. Feyko is a PGA of Canada teaching professional and a former soldier who used golf as an integral part of his own recovery from injury. The program began as a grassroots initiative to support Armed Forces personnel suffering loss of ability, loss of identity or loss of career and was found to help improve mental and physical health.

Kiraly reports golf clubs being very welcoming to ill and injured men and women. Many veterans who have experienced

sensory or mobility loss, or who have been suffering emotionally, have found golf to be an important component of their healing. With the support of the golf community, the Soldier On golf program is continuing to grow across the country, with three week-long camps planned in 2020.

Golf is for everyone

While you may not have the opportunity to host the Invictus Games, you can make your club welcoming and accessible to all golfers and potential golfers. We all know people with a disability. Providing them the chance to learn the game or continue an activity they enjoy following the loss of ability is tremendously beneficial to them, their families and your club!

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Club Manager Quarterly, a publication of The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), and is reprinted with their permission. The original article can be found online here.

Leslie Dunning is the past president of Golf Canada. She believes golf is for everyone and that inclusion is key to growing the game. She is a member of Earl Grey and Bigwin Island Golf Clubs.