EmpowerGolf will run a clinic on October 14 for people with disabilities or mobility issues who want to get back into golf or play for the first time. 

The not-for-profit organisation was set up by James Gribble after he became a quadriplegic. Before his accident he was an avid golfer and considered himself somewhat “obsessed” with the sport. 

“Even on those first few days when I was laying in hospital with no movement from the neck down I was thinking about golf. I was playing in my head, shot by shot,” Gribble said. 

Throughout his recovery he wanted to use golf as a means to develop his muscle and increase his stability, but he found that accessing golf with a disability was almost impossible. 

“After about three years of rehab I managed to get to a point where I could walk a little bit with crutches,” he said.

“So I thought I could recreate a golf sort of thing on my crutches, but my stability wasn’t great and neither was my hand function.”

Gribble then decided to try golfing from his wheelchair. 

“That didn’t really work either because my knees got in the way. But I found an amazing invention called the Paragolfer,” he said. 

The  Paragolfer is an electric wheelchair that stands the user up and allows them to get into the correct position to swing the golf club.

Through fundraising EmpowerGolf has been instrumental in placing 12 Paragolfers throughout the country.

A Paragolfer is taken to each clinic, along with golf coach Lachlan Foulsham, who has been accredited to teach golf for people with a disability. 

Gribble said EmpowerGolf not only works to teach people golf, but it also improved physical and psychological health. 

“We are getting people outside and we are getting them to socialise, so it’s not just about golf.”

There are currently seven EmpowerGolfHubs in Australia and EmpowerGolf has the goal of having 25-30 hubs by December 2017.

The hubs ensure accessibility to the clubs and courses for people with disabilities.

EmpowerGolf also provides equipment, such as gripping solutions and Paragolfers to golf clubs and also organises and implement clinics and coaching through the clubs’ own qualified staff as per the PGA blind and disability module.

Gribble said EmpowerGolf hoped that a hub could be opened at the Highlands Golf Club.

The clinic at Highlands Golf Club will be free and anyone with a disability or mobility issue will be welcome to attend. 

To book or for more information, visit empowergolf.com.au.