Program teaches golf to people with disabilities

Published 8:05 pm Saturday, November 8, 2014

Rowan County Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Division had its first “Golf Ability Day” Thursday at Corbin Hills Golf Club. The program allows people with disabilities to get experience playing golf, and they’re taught by a professional.

Edward Hailey, with the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, said the Therapeutic Department works with people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, or are visually impaired. He said the goal is to get people interested in new things.

Corbin Hills PGA Pro Jay Hill contacted him about starting a program at the golf club, Hailey said.

The first event was Thursday, and another one is set for Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. Hill teaches participants the basics of golf.

Hailey said if enough people get involved, he wants to do a six-week program in the spring.

He said the plan is to start small, doing chipping and putting, and eventually have participants play a few complete holes of golf.

“We want to provide them opportunities to do new things,” Hailey said.

To get involved or learn more about the program, call the Therapeutic Recreation Division at 704-216-7780.