Inspired By Amy Bockerstette, a disabilities advocate with Down syndrome and the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship to play college golf
Chandler, AZ, – I GOT THIS FOUNDATION, a 501(C)(3) dedicated to delivering golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, officially launched the 2022 IGT Academy with locations at San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler, AZ and Palmbrook Country Club in Sun City, AZ.
The I GOT THIS FOUNDATION was inspired by Amy Bockerstette, a disabilities advocate with Down syndrome who burst onto the scene when she parred the famed 16th hole of the 2019 WM Phoenix Open playing alongside PGA TOUR player and 2019 U.S. Open Champion, Gary Woodland.
The IGT Academy is the Foundation’s flagship program, as athletes ages 16 and up with intellectual disabilities enjoy a 4-week immersive introduction to golf experience, led by professional golf instructors. The specially designed curriculum, which serves to build confidence and a love for the game of golf, includes an introduction to golf basics; golf equipment; golf Instruction (drive, chip, putt), and much more. The culmination of the IGT Academy is a Skills Showcase where athletes have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities alongside their playing partner, in front of family, friends and sponsors.
Amy Bockerstette, a disabilities advocate with Down syndrome
Amy’s introduction to the golfing world took place at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale in 2019. After hitting her tee shot into a green side bunker, Amy splashed her sand shot to within 8 feet of the pin, then sunk her par putt in front of a roaring crowd, and with each shot, Amy was heard saying, “I got this!”
Following her iconic performance, Amy has been breaking down barriers ever since. In 2018, she was the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship and she went on to play collegiate golf at Paradise Valley Community College. Additionally, she made history in 2021 becoming the first person with Down syndrome to compete in a national collegiate championship and she recently competed in the 2022 U.S Adaptive Open at famed Pinehurst Resort.
“Amy is such an inspiration to so many, and her performance on the national stage is validation that anything is possible,” said Tracy Hupko, Executive Director, I Got This Foundation. “The IGT Academy is an opportunity to showcase the benefits of golf to those with intellectual disabilities, while providing a platform for these incredible athletes to accomplish their dreams.”
The 2022 IGT Academy is made possible thanks to the support of several generous organizations, including the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, the USGA, XXIO Golf, Wilson Golf, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and Noon Kiwanis Club, St. Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church.
For more information on the I GOT This Foundation please visit www.igotthis.foundation and to register for the IGT Academy at San Marcos Golf Course or Palmbrook CC, please click on the appropriate line below:
Register HERE
San Marcos Golf Course https://lnkd.in/gNmJWtRk
PALMBROOK COUNTRY CLUB INC. https://lnkd.in/gW78N3Ae
I GOT THIS Foundation
I GOT THIS Foundation, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing golf instruction, playing opportunities, and organized events, for people with down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The Foundation is committed to teaching people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to play golf, paving the way for them to compete in leagues with typical peers, join high school teams and even obtain athletic college scholarships. Golf is a sport where everyone plays the same game on the same field. Our vision is that people with intellectual disabilities become included in those games. For more information visit www.igotthis.foundation.
Contact:
Tracy Hupko
TRACY@IGOTTHIS.FOUNDATION
(602) 703-3001
