CHARLESTON, SC — The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (the Alliance) announces the historic inaugural 2026 class of inductees into the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame. Established in December 2025, the Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals with a career of exemplary and selfless service and commitment to creating pathways to the game of golf for individuals with disabilities, including players who, beyond competing at the highest levels, advocated and brought golfers to the game.
“The overwhelming response to our call for nominations underscores the incredible, enduring legacies of those who have fought to make golf accessible for everyone. While we celebrate this remarkable first class, we envision the impact the Hall will have in promoting public awareness related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the increase in welcoming, accessible, and inclusive places and programs to learn and play the game of golf,” said Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton, PGA.”
This landmark initiative is made possible through the visionary support of Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame Founding Partners, the PGA of America, the LPGA, and the PGA TOUR, and will honor decades of trailblazing leadership reflecting a rich legacy of advocacy, innovation, and passion.
“The PGA of America is honored to help recognize the inaugural class of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame,” said PGA of America Acting President Nathan Charnes, PGA. “We celebrate the incredible individuals and PGA of America Golf Professionals whose commitment to adaptive golf has opened doors and inspired countless others. This game we love truly is a game for all, and we are motivated every day by the leaders and advocates who have made it possible for everyone to enjoy.”
Following an overwhelming number of high-caliber nominations from around the globe, it is a privilege to induct the following 18 individuals into the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame:
- Oliver “Sonny” Ackerman (posth)
- Judy Alvarez, PGA/LPGA
- Bob Beach, PGA
- Judy Bell (posth)
- Dale Bourisseau, PGA (posth)
- Betsy Clark, LPGA
- Mindy Derr
- Tom Houston
- Norman Kritz (posth)
- Haruko Matsuda, Japan
- Tommy McAuliffe (posth)
- Geoff Nicholas, PGA of Australia
- Ray Rice (posth)
- Gary Robb
- Edmund Q. Sylvester (posth)
- Pieter van Duijn, Netherlands
- Dennis Walters, PGA
- Donna White, LPGA/PGA
Liz Cooper, LPGA/PGA Executive Director, LPGA Professionals & LPGA Foundation shares, “The LPGA is proud to celebrate the inaugural class of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame and the individuals who have dedicated themselves to creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the game of golf. We also recognize the LPGA Professionals who carry that work forward every day by making golf more welcoming, more accessible, and available to everyone who wants to play.”
Experience the Virtual Hall of Fame
Building upon more than 25 years of leadership in accessibility and inclusion, the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame honors excellence while fostering a digital platform for advocacy, education, and resources for the golf industry. All are invited to discover the stories, achievements, and profound impact of these legends by visiting the web-based, virtual Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame, hosted and administered by the Alliance.
A Global, Collaborative Effort
The selection process was guided by a diverse, world-class committee representing the pinnacle of golf administration, therapeutic recreation, and adaptive sports. Contributing organizations included the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), EDGA, Els for Autism, First Tee, International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), International Blind Golf Association (IBGA), Japanese Disabled Golf Association (JDGA), PGA TOUR Superstore, Scottish Rite for Children, Special Olympics North America, US Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), US Blind Golf Association (USBGA), and the US Deaf Golf Association.
About the National Alliance for Accessible Golf
Formed in the summer of 2001, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a premier industry leader in accessibility and inclusion. The Alliance works tirelessly to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the game of golf. Through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, the Alliance provides ADA resources and has distributed more than $1 million in grants since 2010 to grassroots programs providing inclusive golf instruction. For more information or media inquiries, please contact info@accessgolf.org
