Brandon Worley grew up playing golf, but it was not until he was introduced to the world of adaptive golf while doing research in graduate school that he recognized its therapeutic potential.
According to the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance, “adaptive golf allows people with disabilities to play the game of golf through modified rules or equipment, based upon the person’s abilities.”
In 2018, Worley, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, founded Carolina Adaptive Golf as a resource for veterans. The nonprofit uses specialized coaching and adaptive equipment to build confidence and enhance quality of life. Its reach continues to grow, serving people of all ages facing physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.
Worley said sharing the benefits of adaptive golf became a passion for him when he helped his first participant — a visually impaired child — experience success.
“When I saw the impact, I was so inspired,” he said. “Carolina Adaptive Golf brings together physical, occupational and recreational therapists, and PGA and LPGA instructors to benefit survivors of stroke or traumatic brain injury, people on the autism spectrum or living with Alzheimer’s and other conditions. We emphasize inclusion and community; it becomes a more transformative experience.”
The nonprofit held its fifth annual Adaptive Golf Academy Feb. 3 at Carolina Golf Club at Botany Woods, training 19 new team members and volunteers as adaptive golf coaches.
“The curriculum empowers volunteers and coaches to work with veterans, amputees, and visually impaired golfers, and educates them on best practices in each situation,” Worley said.
Following the training, CAG hosted a free community clinic to introduce people to the program. Similar clinics are offered at two locations near Greenville on the fourth Monday of each month — a morning session at Topgolf on Pelham Road and an afternoon session at Shank’s Driving Range near Powdersville.
“They leave the program with self-confidence and joy,” Worley said. “They take that home and there’s a ripple effect for their whole family.”
Ruthanne Ramage, 5, who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, particularly enjoyed the clinic.
“Every time we visit my parents, she asks to go play golf with her granddad, so when I saw the opportunity for adaptive golf, I knew she would love it,” said Ruthanne’s mother, Lenze Ramage. “Brandon and everyone at the clinic were so kind to her and helped make sure she was able to do everything as independently as possible.”
Beyond the physical advantages of playing, Ramage noted the social benefits of participation with a group.
“It was so great for her to see adult wheelchair users out there playing as well,” Ramage said. “She saw a man come up and the first thing she said was ‘Look! We have the same wheelchair!’ She loved watching the other participants play and use the adapted carts almost as much as she enjoyed playing herself. She is already asking when we can go play again.”
Worley said CAG is committed to addressing the lack of equity in adaptive recreation through advocacy and by fundraising to cover some costs.
“We understand the void of available programming for adaptive athletes to experience the cognitive, physical, psychological, psychosocial and therapeutic benefits of adaptive golf, and we strive to provide unparalleled access to these benefits for youth, adults, and veterans in the Greenville County and surrounding areas,” he said.
Carolina Adaptive Golf will hold its spring fundraiser, Enhancing Lives Through Golf, from 6 to 9 p.m. April 3 at Topgolf. Donations will help cover the costs of free clinics, youth and veteran focus groups, one-on-one coaching sessions and the purchase of an additional standing wheelchair.
For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit ucagnow.org.
