Introduction

Over the past 20 years I have had rich and varied experiences working with many populations through the sport of golf. This book relates to my experiences teaching golf to physically challenged individuals. I hope that these stories will provide inspiration to those who are living with disabilities, their families and those professionals dedicated to improving their quality of life. When the reader learns of the extraordinary circumstances my students have negotiated with minimal complaint, they will be inspired.  It is my aspiration that this book will guide the reader to understand that the game of golf can be a therapeutic and rehabilitative tool, a healer, and a means to improve one’s quality of life. Golf literally helps save lives. These lives could be your mother or father, sister or brother, husband or wife, child or grandparent, neighbor or co-worker.

This is not a “how to book”. Each narrative, that delivers uplifting endings, will take the reader on a journey with ordinary people, just like you and me. However, these people have had some horrific tragedy occur - either while serving in the military, a freak accident, a deteriorating health condition, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They have left a lasting impression on me and helped shape my PGA/LPGA teaching career. Each student added to a lifetime building-block of experiences for me to pass on to the next student. Through them I am able to create more meaningful lessons for the succeeding student as well as for my professional colleagues who have joined me in this mission.

These sessions highlight the benefits of golf as a therapeutic tool. In working with both military and non military special populations golf has facilitated healing for ordinary people who have had extraordinary outcomes. This book will share our relationships,  their achievements and determination.

Through golf, these experiences have inspired me to write this book, and now I hope to inspire you the reader. Although I did not enlist in the military, I did sign on with the PGA/LPGA to become a golf professional. I value this opportunity to give back to the military men and women who served my country as well as their civilian counterparts. Most students realize some things in life are priceless and one cannot put a price tag on companionship, friendship, sharing and watching others grow. As my students heal, they come to accept that life cannot be measured by the numbers at the end of a scorecard but by the journey along with way.

In one of my stories you will learn about Herb who said to me, “Golf gave me back my dignity and self worth.”