In the depths of this winter’s longest days, anyone who’s ever swung, or wanted to swing a golf club longs for warmer days to arrive. At last, here we are on the cusp of spring and time to think about a lovely walk maybe featuring an errant golf ball heading out of bounds or into the drink.
You may not think of golf as an accessible sport for all, but there’s an organization working to change that perception.
ParaGolf Ontario is all about growing and increasing golf’s inclusiveness. On their website, project manager Joe Millage says: “We are on a mission to make the game of golf more accessible and inclusive.” President Ken Mulgrew adds, “Thank you to our champion, Minister Raymond Cho and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for a grant which is enabling us to develop tools and educational resources that are growing participation rates and raising awareness of the benefits of golf accessibility.”
This band of accessible golf enthusiasts, which includes Leasider Roman Tietz, a volunteer and program participant for four decades, specializes in fueling enthusiasm for the game and expanding its reach to all ages and abilities. The trio acknowledges that golf is an expensive game in terms of time and cost, yet these ParaGolf executives are optimistic and appreciative of all the volunteers and sponsors giving generously of their time and providing funds and equipment to expand the game’s participation base.
Brock Potter, a hemophiliac and competitive junior paragolfer, is featured in the organization website’s video, saying, “Opportunities I’ve had include participating in events and sharing my story of how ParaGolf Ontario has given me a chance to be an all-star athlete in the future.”
Ken Mulgrew adds, “The First-Tee Program has youth, 10 years and younger, being coached by trained volunteers.” While watching the video you’ll also catch a glimpse of Roman and Ken swinging a club while being coached by Reggie Millage, ParaGolf’s head coach, who says, “It’s a great role. It provides opportunities to be creative, think differently and solve problems. That’s exciting and challenging for me and extends the game’s reach.”
Ken is quoted in ParaGolf’s EnAbling Change booklet: “As a competitive high school athlete, I sustained a life-altering injury. I was fortunate to have coaches who helped me continue on a path of athletic excellence in wrestling, football and rugby, even as an arm amputee.” Like Roman and Joe, Ken has been giving back for decades.
All three are enthusiastic about the benefits of indoor golf simulators for aspiring and experienced para-golfers alike. The trio encourages indoor facility owners to promote the benefits especially in the frozen winter months and rainy summer days when everyone’s stuck indoors. The trio also pointed out that golf is a sport that permits every player to have a handicap for equitable scoring purposes. Golf’s always been an inclusive sport for varying abilities.
Check ParaGolf Ontario’s website for upcoming events to help you get in the swing for spring. Learn more:
