Courage Kenny Offers Adaptive Golf

Sara Chambers loves to golf. But four years ago, a stroke took away her ability to speak well, and partially paralyzed the right side of her body. That meant golfing was out. Then, the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute came along.

“For many of them it was kind of a death sentence,” says Courage Kenny Adaptive Golf Coach Charles Chapman. “Because they couldn’t do one of their favorite activities anymore.”

Chapman has been teaching – or reteaching – golf to people with disabilities for ten years.

“We’ve been able to help those people,” he says. The program uses special carts that help golfers do what their bodies won’t let them do alone anymore.

Sara’s cart is an Ottobock ParaGolfer. It’s price is well into five-figures, but for Sara its capabilities are priceless. Its large tires let it roll across greens without damage, while its standing seat lets golfers assume a more natural position for the swing.

That doesn’t mean everything’s easy for Sara. She still has to relearn how to swing a club using only her left hand. That’s tough, but the adaptive golf program makes it possible. Sara works hard with Coach Chapman, practicing drives, pitches and putts at French Lake Golf Course. It’s hard, but she’s constantly improving, and the program lets her keep playing the game she loves.

And that’s given Sara a reason to smile.

Golden Valley | Plymouth