Golf program empowering new players

LEISURE Networks and Clifton Springs Golf Club have teed off on an innovative training program tailored to develop the golfing and social skills of children with disabilities.

The club and the support group are providing the opportunity for children with disabilities to have the chance to learn new skills and experience golf.

The eight-week Em Power Games program has an emphasis on building social and independent life skills, delivered through specifically designed activities that encourage group interaction and communication.

Em Power Games, which has two groups meeting at the course once a week, will culminate in a four-hole golf tournament at Clifton Springs in the next week or so.

Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Luke Maher said the initiative started after Clifton Springs Golf Club received some funding to promote inclusion in the sport.

“The conversation grew to allowing golf to be accessible to everyone.

“With my contacts, we identified 10 young people with disabilities, and it went from there.

“We’ve had great support from the local community, great support from local businesses – it’s just been fantastic.

“And it’s something that’s now going to be mirrored right through terms 1, 2, 3 and 4 next year, and I know that Golf Australia are looking at the model we’ve set up here to take it statewide and Australia-wide.”

He credited Clifton Springs pro Daniel Materazzo with much of the program’s success.

“He’s just an engaging type of person that fits in well with any type of person,” Mr Maher said.

“The participants are absolutely loving it, and part of the reason why is because Dan is so engaging and so approachable.”

Mr Maher said there were a lot of opportunities for people with disabilities to get access to “mainstream” sports, but not as many for sports in the second or third tier such as golf.

“People with disabilities can play any sport.

“Golf is one of those sports where you need good hand-eye co-ordination, but you also need good concentration levels as well.

“The 10 participants out there have just taken to it – some are better than others, but that’s life.

“I don’t need to see superstars; I just need to see smiles on faces.”