Keswick Hall recently welcomed a little over a dozen golfers with disabilities for a day of one-on-one instruction, time on the golf course and a reception. The event followed through on a commitment made by Rob McNamara, Keswick Club General Manager and Director of Golf, earlier this year.
Back in January, Keswick Hall won an award through the Virginia State Golf Association. During the event, a video highlighted how the VSGA supports golfers through its adaptive golf program.
“It was a moving video watching how golfers with disabilities were able to take part in the game,” says McNamara, who was there accepting the award on behalf of Keswick. “While accepting the award I just said, Keswick Hall is going to do something to be supportive of adaptive golf.”
After that declaration, the whole property supported the idea, and the club worked with the VSGA to bring the event to life.
Planning for individual needs
The club hosted an hour-long clinic with one-on-one training for attendees, followed by a over an hour of playing time out on the golf course. The day ended with a reception for volunteers and attendees to get together and enjoy drinks and dinner.
“There’s no expense to the attendees and the University of Virginia women’s golf team and coach volunteered to help with the clinic,” says McNamara.
The planning involved is different from a traditional golf event, according to Stephanie Ferguson, Manager, Member and Club Services, Virginia State Golf Association.
“I do an intake assessment with every athlete that comes through to learn a little bit about them, learn about their disability diagnoses and any limitations that may be present,” she says.
For example, if someone has had a stroke and has limited grip strength on one side or balance limitations, Ferguson takes that into consideration when organizing the adaptive equipment needed for the day.
“Figuring out our head count, filling out a roster and where the golfers are playing from is something we have to do too,” she says. “But I have to take a few extra steps to make sure that we have the right equipment and support needed.”
McNamara says special training for his team or the other volunteers is not really needed.
“We’re all human beings, and we all want to be treated fairly,” he says. “You have to know golf well enough to offer tips that could help someone change their grip or create more wrist hinge.”
According to Ferguson, this is the first time a VSGA adaptive golf event combining a skills clinic, open play on the course and a reception has been hosted at a private club.
“Being able to have our golfers, who may have never been able to have the opportunity to play at a space like this is very impactful,” she says. “I feel very privileged to work with Rob and his team.”
Opening the door to more golfers
Ferguson says the VSGA hosts these events to build awareness and create an inclusive environment for the disability community. Having Keswick take part also gives other clubs an opportunity to see how they can support adaptive golf.
She believes the event can encourage other clubs and the community to recognize the importance of supporting all golfers.
For participants, these events provide access to inclusive, adaptive golf opportunities, which Ferguson says is not always available. The VSGA also works to break down barriers like financial constraints.
“Not only does adaptive golf provide physical enrichment to a person, but it also helps their social connections and emotional health,” she says.
For the association, the goal is to represent golfers across the state without anyone feeling limited. Ferguson says that means making sure the support goes beyond a single event.
“It shows that they’re able to be supported by an organization, have inclusive and fun recreation opportunities to participate, but also ensuring that this is not just a one-time thing,” she says.
McNamara agrees that the event and the sport can offer a place where anyone feels welcome to play.
“When people come to Keswick, they come here to escape judgement,” he says. “We want you to be comfortable and confident.”
