Midlands Golf Club, in partnership with Sports Central and Golf Australia, are proud to announce the establishment of the region’s first ever Get Into Golf All Abilities program.

Get Into Golf All Abilities is an introductory golf program designed specifically for adults with an intellectual disability. The program will use game-based activities to teach participants the fundamentals of the sport in a fun and inclusive environment.

Currently no golf club in Ballarat or surrounds offer Get Into Golf All Abilities programs. In partnership with Sports Central and through consultation with people living with disability, Midlands Golf Club identified a need to establish this program to fill a participation gap.

“Through consultation with people living with disability, we identified golf as an ideal offering for individuals who are looking to reengage in community sport during this COVID-19 period” stated Tom McCarthy, Project Coordinator – Sports Central. “Given golf’s nature as an outdoor, non-contact sport, that requires no shared equipment and allows for participant social distancing, it’s ideal during this time” continued McCarthy.

The Get Into Golf All Abilities program will commence on Wednesday 4th November 2020 and run weekly sessions for 5 weeks. The program will be delivered by accredited PGA All Abilities Coach, Michael Cooke, with support from club volunteers. “

Midlands Golf Club is proud to be part of this program and the support it brings to the wider community. We hope this only strengthens our other programs that will allow more people to enjoy the fun golf brings and the companionship it provides.” Stated Darren Bandy, Chair – Midlands Golf Club.

Throughout the program delivery period, Midlands Golf Club will continue to work with Sports Central and Golf Australia to ensure it is offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for people with a disability, to enable the all abilities participants to transition into ongoing club members if desired.

Midlands Golf Club has intentions to extend its work in the inclusion space into 2021, with plans of establishing a MyGolf All Abilities program for children with disabilities.

- By Sports Central