Em-Power Golf to take next swing

A SPECIALISED program at Clifton Springs is helping people with disability learn how to play golf while building social and life skills.

The Em-Power Golf program, organised by Leisure Networks Geelong, is at Clifton Springs Golf Club in Term 1 for its second year, offering refined golf training to residents with a disability, but spots are limited.”It’s terrific to have Em-Power Golf back again after what was a successful first term last year in all aspects,” Leisure Networks program coordinator Luke Maher said.

“Golf-wise, the sessions focus on the basics and are relatively similar each week, refining things like putting, chipping, grip, swing practice, stance, all the tools needed for participants to continue playing the game.”

The eight-week Em Power program, hosted by golf professional Daniel Materazzo of Effortless Golf, builds social and independent life skills.

Leisure Networks has made headway in the Greater Geelong region for inclusion in “Tier 1” sports such as football and netball, but Mr Maher expressed he is excited to see where the region can go in other lesser-known sports.

“Through my initial work with the Geelong Dragons Football Club, we now have an All-Abilities League this year and we’re seeing terrific stuff done in other sports at a disability level such as cricket and netball, things you would not have seen around here seven or eight years ago,” he added.

“But ultimately when you go to these events, the smiles that I see on the participants’ faces reminds us that we’re doing the right thing through programs like Em-Power Golf.

“We haven’t had golf evolve like this in this way in the region, and I’m not saying that golf has never done this before in general, but it’s turning into something special here in the Geelong region.”

Participants keen to get involved will need to pay a fee ($500 at the start of the program) to take part in the remainder of the program covering tuition, equipment and other costs.

Registered golfers will attend sessions every Tuesday and/or Thursday each week from March 7 to March 30. The program began on February 14.

To get in quickly email Luke Maher at Leisure Networks at [email protected]