Local Nonprofit Helping Athletes Of All Abilities Play Golf

Sponsored Story by Anderson Toyota

By Janet Cruz

Golfers and all athletes come with different strengths and talents and they also come with their own unique abilities. That’s why one local nonprofit in Lake Havasu City is including players of all abilities to learn to play golf and other sports.

Adaptive Golf and Other Sports of Lake Havasu is a nonprofit that has been bringing smiles to athletes of all abilities for more than three years, in partnership with the community which include the Anderson Auto Group and the Lake Havasu Golf Club.

Matt Winters, Craig Adams, and Jake Roy of Adaptive Golf and Other Sports. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The organization works with special needs individuals and gets them out on the course, not only to learn the sport, but to also compete in tournaments.

“Anytime we see a special needs program whether it’s at the local schools or an organization, golf gets them outdoors and exposed to the game,” said Craig Adams, PGA Teaching Professional with Adaptive Golf and Other Sports of Havasu organization. “We want to always expand to the special needs community in Havasu.”

Members of the golf club also volunteer their time to teach the sport to all participants who want to learn and get involved.

“We are introducing them to the game of golf. Some have never hit a golf ball, we take them out to the range and teach them how to swing a golf club. We start them with that,” said Matt Winters, Operations Manager at The Lake Havasu Golf Club.

Matt Winters demonstrates how an adaptive golf cart is used on the course. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

For participants who are unable to get around the golf course, it is now possible with special modified equipment provided to the Lake Havasu Golf Club to make it more accessible as well.

“We have people who are in wheelchairs, so through the help of the community we acquired a single rider golf cart where the chair actually swivels and tilts forward and straps them in,” added Winters.

Adaptive Golf and Other Sports is local nonprofit that also includes Frisbee golf, disc golf, and other sports. Participation for special needs adults and children ages 5 to 17 is free.

“We want people to know this isn’t just a golf course. We play all kinds of other sports here like golf soccer. This is a golf club for everyone. Golfers, and families with kids of all abilities can grab a drink and watch their kids play too,” Adams said.

For more information on upcoming Adaptive Golf and Other Sports tournaments and events, call Adams at 928-727-3324 or you may email marketing director Jake Roy at jroy@lakehavasugolfclub.com, or visit its Facebook page.

Other past sponsors include Keller Williams, Mohave County Pools and Spas, Don’s Autobody, La Vita Dolce and VX Productions.