Topgolfers on International Day of People with a Disability - PGA of Australia

Topgolfers on International Day of People with a Disability


It’s been a big month for all abilities golfers – and another big milestone was reached this week.

It’s been a big month for all abilities golfers – and another big milestone was reached this week.

""On Monday’s International Day of People with a Disability, PGA Professional and Golf Australia’s inclusion senior manager Christian Hamilton proudly ticked off an important goal in the rise of inclusive golf at Top Golf on the Gold Coast.

Hamilton said there had now been 100 PGA pros around the country complete their PGA All Abilities accreditation.

"It’s a really significant milestone," Hamilton said.

"We have had the chance to showcase a couple of big events in the past month, but it’s just as important to make sure people new to the game can come and feel a part of the sport as well.

"It’s one of very few sports that doesn’t discriminate by age, gender or disability, and especially with the handicap system, people of all different levels can play and love the game.

"To have 100 PGA-accredited professional all abilities coaches around the country means we now have great coverage to reach people to come into the game.

"The accreditation itself is based on what inclusive coaching actually is, being able to recognise all levels of ability and tailoring programs to suit those different levels.

"But also we look at what an inclusive facility looks like. That’s really important to dovetail into our program because people need to have really good experiences at our facilities around the country so they keep coming back."

One of those coaches is Murray Lott, a professional at the Victoria Park facility where things have gone from strength to strength with the support of the Brisbane City Council.

Lott, a long-standing PGA professional, said he’d been fascinated to see, since earning his accreditation, the level of skill of golfers with a disability.

"But it’s also very noticeable how much fun they have during the sessions," Lott said.

"The golfers seem to have more fun than others who play the game … it’s really good fun to be involved with.

"We limit group size to 6-8 … we go through mainstream coaching aspects, fundamentals of set-up and short game, then keep it simple and to build a sense of accomplishment, at whatever level that is to different individuals.

"It’s also really noticeable how much input family members have … and that spawns another level of interest in the game of golf.

"I’ve found that it really brings a new group of people into the game, regardless of whether they’ve been golfers before or not. That fun is just an over-riding aspect of it all."

One of those having fun is Queenslander Graham Cox, a long-time golfer who turned away from the sport when injured, but has returned and is loving it.

"I got into the game a long time ago, in my 20s, and played right through until I lost my arm and then I didn’t play for nine years.

"I saw an amputee written up in the paper and I thought, `I’ll have a go at that again’ and I’ve been at it ever since," Cox beamed.

"Golf is fantastic, it’s good for anybody with any sort of disability, it puts your balance, concentration back in focus.

"Having these (coaches available now) is going to make a big difference. I’d say (to those considering), come and have a go. Anybody is welcome, we don’t care who they are."

Topgolf understand that the needs of their guest are broad and unique, so are committed to providing suitable access for all of guests. Wheelchairs, paragolfers, prams and walkers can fit in hitting bays and hitting mats in any bay can be replaced with half mats, creating space for a wheelchair, walker or paragolfer.


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