Barrier Breaking Golf Clinic

On August 30, 2012, under sunny skies and temps in the mid 80's, The Simple World of Golf held the first ever Barrier Breaking, No Restrictions Golf in partnership with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA). The clinic was open to anyone with a disability and we had over 20 golfers attend the event. Most were military personnel that came from as far away as Lansing, thanks in part to the Volunteers of America Michigan who provided transportation for our heroes to attend.

Farmers Insurance, STRIVE Recreational Therapy, Care Forward, Life Skills Village, CPAN and the Dwarf Athletic Association all sponsored and helped make the day a huge success. Veterans were treated to a massage therapist, pizza and drinks, and were offered free samples and golf tees from 5 Hour Energy.

The day got off to an exciting start with a check presentation from Community Financial Credit Union to the Millman N.R.G. Foundation for $1,000. This money will go towards the purchase of additional adaptive golf equipment. All of the participants received instruction from the three Oasis Golf Center Instructors who graciously donated their time.

The highlight of the day was the solo rider golf cart that was on loan from the Michigan Adaptive Golf Program. The cart allows participants that have suffered a spinal cord injury the ability to hit balls or play golf from a more erect position while being strapped to the seat of the cart. Interestingly enough one of the participants was a lower limb double amputee but was not yet comfortable on his new legs. So we strapped him to the seat in such a way that it allowed him to stand but took the fear of falling out of the equation. It was the first time ever holding a golf club and he did extremely well hitting shot after shot long and straight.

Michael Harris the Executive Director of MPVA had attended previous clinics using the SNAG golf equipment. Having played prior to his injury this was the first time hitting actual golf balls. Each shot he got more and more comfortable in the solo rider and he did extremely well hitting shots one handed.  All in all the day was a big success and it was our honor to be a part of it. A special thank you goes out to the board members of the Millman N.R.G. Foundation that came out and helped to make the day a great success - Milene Plisko and Farmers Insurance for sponsoring, Justin Comstock for his tireless work to make the event go smoothly, Alan Vosko for stepping up on short notice to find a lunch sponsor and Teresa Millman for her work in front of the cameras. If your interested in donating or want to learn more about our programs please go to www.thesimpleworldofgolf.com and click on the Millman N.R.G. Foundation tab.