AGFA Training and Certification Workshop and Golf Clinics
We have been teaching others around the country how to develop and conduct their own local Adaptive Golf Program and begin a chapter by providing them with the resources, equipment and knowledge that is needed. For an overview see below:
WHY HOST THE AGFA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
1. We provide qualified Academy instructors to present an educational and hands-on adaptive golf experience for those in attendance over 2 days. The AGA certifies PGA/LPGA Golf Professionals, Therapists; (PT’s, OT’s, CTRS’s and assistants), PE Coaches, Professional Club Fitters, Recreational instructors, and other industry professionals with the basics of how golf can be taught and played by anyone, regardless of their disability, and how it is used as a rehabilitative tool. Thru our introduction, presentation, demonstrations and hands-on experience, those seeking certification learn the intricate adaptive techniques, methods and equipment to use and how to apply to individuals’ swings, while the participants learn to use their abilities to play their best and enjoy the “game of a lifetime!” Certificates of Completion are awarded to those fulfilling the 2-day participation requirements; (MSR’s and CEU’s are available to professionals)
2. Participants on Day 1 receive an adaptive golf teaching manual that is packed full of training and supporting materials and includes: Golf Terms, USGA rules for disabled golfers, proper etiquette, and procedures and reminders with additional references.
3. We provide the information on the importance of specialized adaptive golf equipment, what is needed, where to attain/order additional equipment and why and when it is used.
4. We provide basic principles about developing an educational, rehabilitative, recreational program to further enhance participant abilities, confidence and independence for community re-entry.
5. We provide more than just golf instruction! We teach how to best present the many essential life skills coherently attached with the game to enhance the mental, physical, social and emotional characteristics of participants. The adversities of everyday life and the challenges of playing golf, can provide us with many new, positive perspectives. We provide you with the latest training concepts for PTSD and psychosocial participants, making sure our instructors can better recognize the proper teaching approaches for the many different participants. Our adaptive golf program curriculums are proven to help participants overcome intimidation, enhance social interactions with family, friends and society and promote independence in their everyday lives.
6. Interested in starting a program or becoming a chapter for your area?
The Adaptive Golf Foundation of America will help you begin through the AGFA Training and Certification Program which provides everything needed to begin operating a successful local adaptive golf chapter. We’ll assist you by providing a “chapter checklist” to provide a structure and outline of responsibilities to follow as you prepare to host the AGFA Training and Certification Program and the Clinic. Certifying you and your staff to teach adaptive golf is the main focus of our program and can be accomplished over these two days. But, learning and understanding the important steps for developing your chapter will take a much bigger time commitment. You’ll learn some local networking strategies, how to find funding resources and how to effectively recruit a staff of volunteers, instructors, board members to help operate and support your new adaptive golf chapter programs and events.
7. Templates of operational documents such as registration forms, physician approvals, liability releases, clubfitting charts, and player profile management forms and accounting system templates to name just a few.
8. Following our set of guidelines is our way of providing continuity to your successful programs consistent with our charter chapter by-laws. As your national board, we have an obligation to provide this continuity to all chapters.
9. Adaptive Golf Outdoor and Indoor Equipment Packages and upgrades are available. Call us for more details.
And most importantly, bring your community closer together
through our mission of Adaptive Golf!
These “steps for success” are just a few of the critical ingredients when beginning your new program/chapter. The AGFA Training and Certification Program staff is ready to assist you and your new program! Contact the Director of Golf, David Windsor by email: davidwindsorpga@yahoo.com
or call (941) 925-7900.
WHO CAN HOST THE AGFA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Any hospital, rehabilitation clinic, prosthetic center, Parks & Recreation Department, school, organization or club, local company or business, golf course or range facility or maybe just a few individuals dedicated to improving lives in their community through adaptive golf.
Is someone you know missing out on the great game of golf due to a disability or injury? Adaptive golf is for anyone, regardless of age, disability or injury who wishes to learn to play golf. “Disability does not mean inability!” Visit: www.AGFofAmerica.org
HOW TO ESTABLISH AN AGFA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
1. Recruit a “task force” committee to execute tasks and communicate closely with AGF of America personnel. This committee will be critical to your development! The “task force” should be of only dedicated, compassionate individuals and consist of: PGA/LPGA professionals, therapists, industry professionals and quality volunteers from organizations, facilities, etc. within the community to work together with you to organize and prep for the AGFA training and certification program and clinic and develop an adaptive golf program that will conduct on-going sessions in the future.
(*Note: “task force” committee must be APPROVED by Adaptive Golf Foundation)
2. Establish a date to host the training and certification program and begin your program, preferably 180 days out and during mild weather season (65+ degrees) for ample event planning time, sponsor recruitment, widespread media press releases and marketing for maximum participants. *Note: Adaptive Golf Foundation must APPROVE all dates and availability.
3. Find a location to accommodate both the training and certification program seminar portion and a practice range area for the “adaptive golf experience” for new instructors on Day 1 and also to accommodate all disabled participants for Day 2 Clinic. (Contact local PGA Professionals, facilities, driving ranges)
4. Generate a brochure/flyer registration form to mail, fax, email. Develop marketing plan for soliciting sponsors, reaching media, networking, all local support to maximize participation. (We’ll provide sample forms of past events) Include recognition to the Adaptive Golf Foundation of America as well as any company which sponsors or contributes to the success of the Adaptive Golf Clinic. *Must Receive, track and report weekly progress of registration forms of participants to AGF.
5. Create a list/database of all local & state media resources (we’ll provide a national list) Include all newspaper sports writers, human interest writers, community relations personnel via other organizations, local radio personalities, morning shows, etc..
6. Establish a budget for start-up administrative costs for the “task force” team such as paper, printing, mailing of brochures, program flyers, of AGA and Golf Clinic.
7. Contact your local PGA Chapter/Section in which your location resides. (We can assist you with this) This will enhance the enrollment of PGA/LPGA Golf Professionals as they also receive MSR’s for their participation. CEU’s for therapists can also be attained when filing appropriate applications to appropriate therapy associations far enough in advance. Also contact local PCS Members and Retired Military Personnel.
8. Outline the items you would like to provide to participants; Food, beverages, shirts, hats with sponsor logo, various goodie bag items, etc.. Many local organizations have been willing to donate many of these or provide items at a very low expense.
9. Outline some “Special Events” which you would like to have take place during the adaptive golf clinic. Ex. Celebrity appearances, guest speaker, honorary emcee.
10. Contact the Director of Golf, David Windsor, toll-free: (888) 364-FLAG (3524)
AGFA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP AND GOLF CLINICS
SAMPLE OUTLINE
Day 1 AM consists of a “train the trainers” seminar which involves an easy-to-follow power point presentation of the adaptive golf teaching manual, photographs and video of past program participants of the Adaptive Golf Foundation and PGA of America (copyright protected). Through demonstrations and visual aids, the “train the trainers” seminar introduces the basic essentials of the golf swing; grip, stance, posture, safety, swing techniques. Many types of adaptive clubs and equipment are introduced with focus on what, when and why to use and the importance of proper club fitting.
Day 1 PM consists of the “adaptive golf experience” where participants are encouraged to make swings from sit-down positions, on one-leg, with one-arm, with one eye blindfolded, and other ways to grasp a better feel and understanding of teaching disabled students from every walk of life.
A return to the classroom again will outline the key ingredients and intricacies of operating a successful local adaptive golf program and steps on becoming a chapter.
Day 2 AM is an “Open Community” Adaptive Golf Clinic where professionals, club fitters, coaches, and volunteers apply their training to this “hands-on” instruction opportunity with disabled participants. We’ll help you set-up a variety of golf stations to provide the best golf experience for participants as they rotate through a variety of golf skills stations. From our “Golf 101” station for the pure beginner, to the putting, chipping, pitching, SNAG golf targets, and full swing stations, we welcome the disabled participants to experience it all. Our staff is there on site to supervise, assist and provide Q & A opportunities for all instructors and participants throughout the day.
**We suggest charging trainees a nominal fee for becoming certified and attaining CEU’s and MSR’s over the 2 days to offset costs such as breakfast, lunch, beverages, etc.. But, keep the Adaptive Golf Community Clinic portion FREE OF CHARGE for all disabled adaptive participants to encourage maximum participation.
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
To make the AGFA Training and Certification program and Golf Clinics a success and worth the time and expense to the host organization/sponsor, EVERY effort should be given to follow our guidelines to help ensure the best participation.
Close communication with the Director of Golf is required in the event that if participation is too low or high, we must cancel/postpone or modify the event. AGFA will make every effort to meet the needs of the host organization and provide any assistance available to make the AGFA golf clinic an overall success.
Contact the Director of Golf, David Windsor by email: davidwindsorpga@yahoo.com or call (941) 925-7900.
Thank you and we look forward to speaking with you very soon! 
