Goal is to rehabilitate through tips, skills learned from pros
LAKEWOOD, Wash., July 14, 2014 – Disabled veterans from around the country will converge on the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood, Wash., for the second annual National Down Range Golf Clinic, a therapeutic program for disabled veterans coordinated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The only clinic in the country to be held this year, it will team PGA professionals and veterans with a range of disabilities and diagnoses, including spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, traumatic brain injuries and amputees. The clinic’s goal is to deliver one-on-one golf instruction, resources and support to improve health through sport. The event takes place Monday, July 28 beginning at 8 a.m.
It is anticipated the clinic will bring together 10 PGA golf professionals with 80 to 100 veterans. Instructors from the golf course will also assist and share their skills specific to working with golfers with disabilities. Many of the golfers will use Solo Riders or Paragolfers, adaptive carts that enable golfers with mobility issues to get out on the course and play. With these devices, even veterans who are paralyzed from the waist down can be seen out on the greens and in sand traps at American Lake playing rounds of golf. Through golf, many veterans have overcome their wounds- both physical and emotional. The social interaction and development of motor skills helps develop self confidence and can assist in achieving a therapeutic mental health recovery.
The July 28th clinic will include instruction on the driving range, putting and chipping practice, an overview of golf etiquette and the opportunity to play several holes on the course. Afterwards, the veterans will be served a barbecue lunch.
The American Lake Veterans Golf Course, located on the grounds of the VA Hospital in Lakewood, is the nation’s only golf course designed specifically for the rehabilitation of wounded and disabled veterans. It operates without any government financial assistance or paid employees.
Currently, a capital campaign is underway to expand the course with a new “Nicklaus Nine,” an entirely ADA-accessible course designed pro bono by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. During the event, donors and others will have an opportunity to tour the grounds and see the expansion in its beginning stages.
The VA developed the Down Range Golf Clinic as a pilot program last year. During this year’s clinic, VA rehabilitation staff in attendance will also receive training, education and management materials to facilitate their own future clinics at VA medical facilities around the country.
Contact:
Kathy Martin, The Martin Firm
kfmartin@martinfirm.com
(253) 565-2040
