Inspiration Golf began in 2017 and is working on applying for non-profit status. This organization is a partnership between pro-golfers and therapists to help individuals of various diagnoses experience freedom of activities and increase in confidence to return to leisure activities via the sport of golf.
Why Golf?- 1. ) It is one sport where the ball does not move. 2.) The ball does not care how you swing.
What does Inspiration Golf have to offer?
Golf Clinic on the 2nd Saturday of every month from April – November at Lonnie Poole Golf Course. (Demo clubs are available)
Para golfer- This is a piece of equipment that assists you with standing to hit the golf ball.
Use of “Para golfer” is free but requires registration ahead of time. Following registration, you will undergo a Preliminary Evaluation to assess your ability to stand, your safety and what modifications you may need to play.
Paul Fulford’s Story: Paul played golf his whole life prior to his CVA, 10 years ago. He began his return to golf following his stroke after meeting a golfer with one amputated arm. He initially took lessons from him. After taking 2-3 months of lessons he began to play 150 yards from the green (Short Game). The hardest thing to learn was that golf was a “different game” now. It was no longer about the pars and the birdies. It was now about having “fun”. From that point her went to Adaptive Golf Clinic at Paris Island. Now he is an active member of Inspiration Golf and recently got 2nd place in a tournament hosted by the US Adaptive Golf Alliance.
Helpful Hints from Paul’s Wife (Sue Fulford):
After Paul’s stroke, we became a team and that team effort was very important in his returning to golf.
It helped Paul when I attended his golf lessons and wrote down the instructions that were offered. Sue used these instructions as “reminders” when they went to practice.
Don’t be afraid if the game changes for you: For Paul, he had to transition to 1.) Play from the “Ladies Tees”, 2.) Use Large “Martini Tees”, 3.)Use a “Flag on the cart so you can access the green with the golf cart, 4.) Use a ball retriever to get balls out of sand trap.
Remember, just like anything you start for the first time. It doesn’t take much to get exhausted- When Paul started it took him 2 hours to play 4 holes and it was exhausting. Take your time and most importantly, have fun!