Golf Inclusion Monthly - February 2026

IINCLUS NCLUS MONTHLY

INCLUSION INFLUENCERS: AMY BOCKERSTETTE

DISCUSSING THE I GOT THIS FOUNDATION AND NICK JONAS GOLF

GCSAA HIGHLIGHTS FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY IN POWER HOUR TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

INTHISISSUE FEBRUARY2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE ALLIANCE

Executive Director, Dave Barton, PGA

ACCESS + INCLUSION

The Alliance is a leader in access and inclusion - increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf.

INCLUSION INFLUENCERS

An interview with Amy Bockerstette, cofounder of the I Got This Foundation, joined by her parents, Joe and Jenny along with the I Got This Foundation Executive Director, Tracy Hupko.

TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE

WRAP-UP

GCSAA Highlights Facility Accessibility in Power Hour

GAIN SPOTLIGHT

GAIN vs the DOJ ADA Information Line

EDUCATION HUB SPOTLIGHT

Get Your Education Credits

2026 PING USDGA CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO PGA GOLF CLUB

PGA of America Renews as Presenting Sponsor of the Adaptive Golf Championship for 2026 and 2027

WESTERN AMPUTEE GOLF

ASSOCIATION BRINGS GAME, COMMUNITY TO ADAPTIVE GOLFERS

Nonprofit Brings Adaptive Golf to Community

PAST RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

NATURAL STONE. GROUNDBREAKING SOLUTIONS.

“Kafka’s support of our mission makes it possible for us to deliver education to the golf industry We are proud to be associated with them and the commitment they have to delivering products that improve accessibility to golf facilities around the country!”

Dave Barton, PGA, Executive Director, National Alliance

AMESSAGEFROM THEALLIANCE

Dave Barton, PGA Executive Director

It looks like Punxsutawney Phil may be right Perhaps his shadow got a chuckle out of the frigid rainy and winter conditions delivered during this year's NGCOA, PGA and GCSAA events in Orlando.

In warmer news, Amy Bockerstette from Arizona is this month’s Inclusion Influencer and she shared some stories about the founding of the I Got This Foundation, what they do, and reminded me that we need to let Nick Jonas know we are looking for him!

There’s a bit of a wrap up in this edition about the NGCOA, PGA and GCSAA conferences and a couple of reminders about upcoming events such as the Scottish Rite for Children “Learn to Golf - Tee Up for Teaching” seminar, the USDGA Championships at the PGA Golf Club, and more

Let us know if you have a story to share! We welcome hearing from you.

ACCESS+INCLUSION

Our mission is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (National Alliance) is the leader in inclusion working to ensure the opportunity for all individuals with disabilities to play and participate in the game of golf Formed in the summer of 2001, the National Alliance is represented by professional associations within the industries of golf, recreation and leisure, and health care providers as well as organizations that advocate for inclusion and provide services to individuals with disabilities

WHATWEDO

Advocacy and Awareness

In addition to advocating for individuals with disabilities in print and online publications as well as social media marketing and interviews, the National Alliance engages in speaking opportunities at conferences and other public events. The Alliance also hosts GAIN, an adaptive golf community networking and engagement forum

Education

The Alliance Education Hub provides guidance to golf course owners and operators seeking ways to make their golf courses and facilities more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive to golfers with disabilities, including programs to bring new golfers into the game.

Resources

The Alliance delivers resources including ADA guidance, policy templates and more to create accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environments.

INCLUSIONINFLUENCERS

ANINTERVIEWWITHAMYBOCKERSTETTE

This month, Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton speaks with Amy Bockerstette, co-founder of the I Got This Foundation along with her parents Jenny and Joe, and sister Lindsey. Listen in and let's all work to make sure Nick Jonas knows Amy wants him in her foursome!

Amy Bockerstette burst onto the golf scene in 2019 when she played the famous Par-3, 16th Hole with Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar during the Tuesday practice round of the WM Phoenix Open She confidently stated, "I Got This” prior to each shot, including her bunker shot, which she knocked to 8 feet and then she drained the putt for par. Gary Woodland is quoted as saying, "I've been blessed with a lot of cool things on the golf course but that is, by far, the coolest thing I have ever experienced "

Gary also credits Amy's words, "I Got This" as inspiration for his 2019 U.S. Open Victory at Pebble Beach.

Later that year, Amy's sister Lindsey suggested they create a foundation and at Amy's 21st birthday in October, Amy and her family launched the I Got This Foundation to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities

We were joined on this interview with Amy by her parents, Joe and Jenny, along with the I Got This Foundation Executive Director, Tracy Hupko. We hope you enjoy a few quotes and take the time to listen to the full audio

Start in Golf... Amy: “I've been playing golf since 8th grade when I was 14 years old ... about 12 years. ”

High School golf and college Golf on a scholarship to Paradise Community College... Amy: “Yes I played high school varsity golf for three years and went to state my junior and senior years and then played four years of college golf. I went to the NJCAA nationals in my third year ... It was so exciting. "

Love for the Game... Amy: “I like to hang out with my teammates, meet up with friends, meet new people, take selfies ... and I love it ... happy ... fun. "

Starting the I Got This Foundaiton... Amy: "We started the I Got This Foundation to teach people with disabilities to learn how to play golf "

The Early Days... Joe: "So, after the par in 2019 on 16 at the WM Phoenix Open, we were doing various events around the country and people were coming up to Amy and congratulating her on the effort. It was our daughter, Lindsey, who said, you really need to form a foundation in order to pay it forward We have been so blessed The par has changed our lives, and we wanted to benefit other people from that event We created our very first golf academy here in Phoenix I think we had 25 or 30 students, and that became the basis for what's now become the Discovery Clinics, Golf Camps, and Instructor training. We're very pleased and feel very privileged to be able to help others We'd like to see more people like Amy playing on the golf course "

Jenny: "When starting the foundation, we were advised by a friend, Michelle Tesori, (caddie) Paul Tesori's wife, who, at that point, helped run professional athletes' foundations. She said, just start up and your direction will come to you. It really did when we received a grant from the National Alliance to conduct that first Golf Academy ”

Amy’s Interest in Golf... Joe: "It was quite serendipitous At the end of 7th grade in the Spring, Amy’s grade school had a charity scramble to benefit the athletics department. We bought a foursome for that scramble. This was before Jenny played, so I invited Amy to come along. I told her, you can hit shots, you can ride along, you don't have to do anything that you don't want to do She hit a couple of shots, and we looked at one another and said, ‘Wow, she can hit a golf ball ’ It was just one of those moments where I came home and said to Jenny, you won't believe how well she can hit a golf ball ... and Jenny says, 'Well, we need to get her in lessons. ' So, we started Amy in lessons. "

Positive Energy... Jenny: "Amy has a lot of love in her body and her soul!"

Joe: "One of our favorite things is to play in adaptive tournaments, where we play with all these fantastic golfers We see more men than women in the adaptive community and one of the things Amy loves to do is give birdie hugs .. so, the guys sort of learn that that's a feature of playing with Amy, right, is you make a birdie and you get a hug from Amy, and if Amy makes a birdie, then everybody gets a hug It's good cheer that she loves to spread, and she loves meeting new people When we go to a tournament now, we have to allow time in the schedule to see everybody again, and say hi, and give hugs, and get pictures, and it's really just a fun social experience for us. "

Amy’s Coach... Joe: "Matt Acuff has been Amy's primary instructor since she was 14, from the beginning He designed the curriculum that we use at the I Got This Foundation and he also designed the curriculum that we use for our Instructor Training that was funded by the National Alliance. We're eternally grateful for Matt. We work really well together, and I try to take to the course what Matt teaches at the range "

Key Partners... Joe: "Toka Sticks Golf Club has been a tremendous partner with the I Got This Foundation Our I Got This Championship is at Toka Sticks for the second straight year along with Clinics and Camps ... they've been a true partner with us. ”

So, Amy participated in a Pro-Am at the Founders Cup It was her first professional appearance, and I absolutely fell in love with the family and everything they were doing "

Academies and Camps... Tracy: “I joined the organization in the summer of '22. Joe and I sat down, and we talked about where do we see the program going? how do we make it better? and how do we reach more folks? At that time, after those initial academies there wasn't a next step So we took a look and said, alright, let's develop a long-term program, not just for that first step, but ways to keep folks engaged in golf.

So, our Golf Academy became a Golf Camp, and we turned the camp into kind of the second step. It would be the program that would not only introduce golf, but would develop a foundation for golf skills, to be able to take someone with an intellectual disability who's never played and give them the confidence, and the skill set to be able to go to a range, to be able to practice, and to be able to learn the craft, so that one day they could become a competitive golfer, if that was their interest. "

Path to I Got This... Tracy: "Well, my background was never going to be in golf. I was actually in sales most of my career, and I kind of stumbled into the role at the LPGA as a sales and marketing manager, assigned to the Founders Cup <LPGA> here in Phoenix One of our goals was to increase our attendance, to increase sponsorships, and to become more of a community partner. Along the way, I heard this story of an amazing young high school golfer getting ready to play in college, who happened to have Down syndrome

I spoke with Scott Wood (Tournament Director) and said, this is an opportunity for us to really connect with our community...he heard my idea, and he listened and said alright, reach out and see if they'd be interested in participating in some way in the Founders Cup I said ‘Well, I don't want it to be some way Let's do the ProAm '

Discovery Clinics... Tracy: “How do we get the folks that are going to fill the camps? Through research and some experimentation, we created the Discovery Golf Clinic That is truly the first step for someone with an intellectual disability to experience golf.

We bring them out, and they experience the sensory side of the game. The sights, the sounds, the smells at a golf course Things you and I may not think about, but for our community, it's very important that the sensory side gets exposed so they're comfortable, and as they move into a golf camp, they feel more natural in the environment. "

Developing Coaches... Tracy: “We also needed to take a look at instructors. We want our programs to be led by professional golf instructors With the help of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, we received a grant and were able to create our online Instructor Academy To date, we've had nearly 50 golf instructors across the United States participate in this program to help us actually execute, just this year, instructional programs in 11 states. We are expanding every year and it's really exciting to be a part of that "

Playing Partners... Tracy: “Joe and I talked about introducing playing partners typically an adult who is a constant in the athlete's life They are invited to come out, or they're required to come out and participate alongside their athlete in the clinic and camp, and there are three things they do for us. Number one, they're the bridge to communication with the athlete. They help us understand those little nuances like when they're excited, when they're upset, when they're understanding, or when they're maybe struggling Number two, they become an assistant coach. As our instructors are working with the athletes at large, they will then give the playing partner an opportunity to continue that instruction with the individual athlete as the instructors move from one athlete to the next to make sure everybody is comprehending things And number three, they are the bridge to golf

They are the people that are going to keep our athletes practicing They are the ones that are going to be responsible for taking them to the range We give them the tools to become that coach at home, whether they're in the backyard and talking about building motion with a miniature basketball that you can toss back and forth, or whether they're going to the golf course and they're practicing their putting, focused on lining up for the putt. All of these tools are given to our playing partners

So, it's a really unique experience in that we're not just instructing the athlete, we're instructing that parent or playing partner as well. "

Participation Demographics... Tracy: “About 95% of our participants are first-time golfers and about 33% of our golfers are female. So, that actually is a little bit higher than the rest of the adaptive golf space. We have 25% junior golfers, while 75% are over the age of 18. So suddenly, we're taking this community at large, and we're showing that it doesn't have to be segmented into gender or into age This is truly a game for everyone, to play at any stage of life. "

Upcoming 4th Annual I Got This Championship...

Tracy: “As we actually get into February, we will be hosting our fourth annual I Got This Championship It’s exciting because it's truly the only adaptive golf event in the country specifically for people with an intellectual disability. So, it becomes a very tight-knit group of folks. This year, we have 40 athletes from 20 states and Canada participating So we see our reach growing just by the programs that we're implementing across the country "

Editors Note: Published Inclusion Influencer quotes may be paraphrased or abbreviated for conciseness. Be sure and listen to the full audio on YouTube!

TRADESHOWANDCONFERENCEWRAP-UP

By Dave Barton, PGA - Executive Director, National Alliance for Accessible Golf

As the GCSAA Conference winds down in Orlando with the Golf Business Conference, conducted by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and PGA Show already in the rear view mirror, it begins to sink in that the 2026 golf season is returning to parts of the country that observe real winters ... something Orlando received a taste of at this year's conferences

I believe these shows and conferences are what you make of them. For me, these trips are about connection In this “virtual world” many of us live in now, in my case as a remote Executive Director, these shows present an opportunity to connect in person with board members, supporters, current and past associates, and maybe some new ones

Our organization, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, is extremely appreciative of the opportunity the NGCOA and GCSAA provide so that we may participate in their events and, as a PGA Member, it’s always nice to get to the PGA Show to see what’s “hot” in the game across a range of areas.

More importantly, we appreciate the efforts these leading golf associations, all of whom serve on our Board, are making to keep access and inclusion a point of emphasis in the game with their support of the Alliance

It was great to connect at the Golf Business Conference with NGCOA CEO Jay Karen and his incredible staff as their membership of golf facility owners continue to navigate the changing landscape and complexities of owning a golf course in 2026 Ronnie Miles, an Alliance Board Member, was also present and is the NGCOA Senior Director of Advocacy. Ronnie has his hands in a range of issues affecting golf course owners and operators and is simply a wealth of knowledge

While at the PGA Show, I had the pleasure of catching up with Jonathan Snyder from the USAGA along with David Windsor from the GSGA when they delivered a presentation and discussion to representatives from the adaptive golf community about programs and competitions

It was great to see Alliance Board Member Kevin Corn, PGA, Director of Golf, at Innsbrook Resort, Missouri who has been running a golf program at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital for nearly 15 years Recently, the hospital honored Kevin by re-naming the Junior program to the Kevin Corn Golf Academy.

Gianna Rojas, the self-proclaimed “One-Handed Lady Golfer” was also in attendance pounding the pavement as a strong advocate for getting people with disabilities into the game

The GCSAA may get the prize this year for the best opening ceremony for a golf association conference notwithstanding an event at ICON Park that could easily set a new bar as a standard for how to show association Members they are valued Simply an incredible experience and although I am a PGA Member and was a guest of the GCSAA, there were many times during the GCSAA Conference where I had to remind myself that I am NOT a GCSAA Member! It was just great to be there

Alliance Board Member Chava McKeel, GCSAA Director of Government Affairs moderated a panel during a Tuesday, Feb 3rd Power Hour on “Facility AccessibilityFrom Everyday Play to the U.S. Adaptive Open” and was joined by John Petrovsky, United States Golf Association (USGA) Green Section, Ryan Severidt, CGCS Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Woodmont Country Club, site of the 2025 and 2026 US Adaptive Opens, and Justin VanLanduit, retired Director of Grounds at Briarwood CC in Detroit and an adaptive golfer who recently participated in the Adaptive Open.

A big part of the GCSAA Conference is, of course, the Golf Course Builders Association (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), both of which continue to help the Alliance achieve our mission with the guidance we receive from GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel and ASGCA Past President Jan Bel Jan on our Board.

No 501c3 survives without the support of others and I was fortunate to be able to connect in person with partners like Tiffany Koss, President of Kafka Granite and John Failla, Founder, Golf Sustainability whose Failla Family Foundation believes in the work our Alliance does

2026 looks like it is going to be a great year for the game of golf and I look forward to seeing where our organization can continue to contribute to that effort

JOINTHECOMMUNITY. JOINTHECONVERSATION.

“GAIN is not simply a community networking platform, it is the top national resource and education center for the golf industry related to ADA compliance, education, and the game. Existing programs are growing and new ones are developing. But, can we say that golf facilities around the country are universally prepared? No … we can’t say that. ”

Dave Barton, PGA Alliance Executive Director

GAINSPOTLIGHT GAINVSTHEDOJADAINFORMATIONLINE

A networking platform and resource center for golfers, adaptive golf leaders, and anyone to share information, ask questions, and/or provide answers to others.

What is the advantage of GAIN when seeking answers about the ADA, golf course operations, and the law? Simply put, you instantly tie into a network of golfers and facility operators who likely experienced what your question or situation may be AND have already found a solution

The DOJ Information Line offers a nice entry point for where to find specific references in the ADA related to the game of golf but legal advice is not provided, nor are perspectives based on the experiences of both golfers and operators. You can contact the DOJ Info Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 1833-610-1264 (TTY)

To be clear, GAIN, nor the Alliance provides legal advice. However, the Alliance and GAIN deliver actionable solutions to a broad range of ADA issues that can occur at a golf course based on actual experiences and proven solutions.

Let the adaptive golf community help you Join us on GAIN

EDUCATIONHUBSPOTLIGHT

GETYOUREDUCATIONCREDITS

Get a jump start on your association education credits via the Alliance Education Hub

The Alliance Education Hub was created as a free resource to expand the Alliance’s efforts to deliver adaptive golf community education and networking resources to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf.

Whether you are looking to complete training as part of your onboarding process, seeking learning opportunities for your own professional development, or just have a quick question about a specific topic, the Education Hub provides an entry point for you.

PGA, LPGA, GCSAA and CMAA Members receive education credits for completing portions of the training provided by the National Alliance

EDUCATIONHUBSTATS

400

Course Completions 464

Training Hours Completed 280 Enrolled Learners

The Alliance Education Hub is a FREE service available to anyone in the golf industry.

2026PINGUSDGACHAMPIONSHIPRETURNSTOPGAGOLFCLUB

Published January 13, 2026 | PGA.com

FRISCO, Texas, and PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. The United States Disabled Golf Association and the PGA of America announced today that the 2026 PING USDGA Championship will return to PGA Golf Club in Port St Lucie, Florida, for the fourth consecutive year. It will be held April 26-29 on the Tom Fazio-designed Ryder Course.

As part of the partnership, the PGA of America will serve as presenting sponsor of both the 2026 and 2027 editions of the adaptive golf championship

The USDGA’s mission is to provide people with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a golf championship at a high level.

“The PGA of America is thrilled to continue as the presenting sponsor of both the 2026 and 2027 USDGA Championships, ” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr “Partnering with the United States Disabled Golf Association is a clear example of our mutual dedication to making golf a truly accessible and welcoming sport for everyone. I am excited to see the inspiring talent and remarkable stories that the Championship will showcase at PGA Golf Club ”

“We are honored to renew our partnership with the PGA of America and bring the USDGA Championship back to PGA Golf Club, ” said John Bell, Tournament Director. “Their continued support helps us provide a world-class adaptive golf experience and affirms our shared commitment to making golf inclusive and competitive for all ”

In 2025, Chad Pfeifer took the Men’s Division for the third consecutive year and fourth in the last five, winning by two shots at 1-over 214 Ryanne Jackson defended her title in the Women’s Division with a final-round 76, pulling away to win by seven shots at 21-over. Eli Villanueva shot an 8-under 63 in the final round to win the Senior Division by 14 shots, giving him his second title in three years

The inaugural USDGA Championship was held in 2018 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, with 48 golfers from eight countries participating

Known as “The Ultimate Golf Experience, ” PGA Golf Club is owned and operated by the PGA of America. The facility features 54 holes of championship golf designed by legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. PGA Golf Club also features the best in golf instruction taught by PGA of America Golf Professionals and the PGA Gallery, with memorabilia exhibits that trace the history of the game, all within one spectacular golf destination.

Designed by Tom Fazio, the Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club is named in honor of Samuel Ryder, the namesake and founder of the Ryder Cup. With its majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards, the Ryder Course has a distinctive Carolina-feel

For more information, please visit usdgagolf org

NONPROFIT BRINGS ADAPTIVE GOLF TO COMMUNITY

WESTERNAMPUTEEGOLFASSOCIATIONBRINGSGAME, COMMUNITYTOADAPTIVEGOLFERS

By Lee Anne Denyer | kcra.com |

Published: February 2, 2026

ROSEVILLE, Calif. The Western Amputee Golf Association (WAGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing golf and its community to amputees and golfers with special needs across eleven Western states, including California.

"Sometimes life throws you a par. Sometimes a bogey, " said Tim Healea, the association's president.

"It's therapeutic It's self-driven It's self-competitive ”

Healea has found parallels between life and golf over his many years of play Circumstances in both, he says, can change in an instant

“I've been an athlete my whole life I've always been a competitor, ” he said “In 2001, rheumatoid arthritis started eating my ankles and had to have my right leg amputated in January. And then the following year in January, had to have the left leg done ”

Despite having both legs amputated, golf remained constant for Healea Now he’s focused on bringing adaptive golf to others facing a wide range of physical and mental challenges.

"It was five weeks and I had my prosthetic on and I was swinging the golf club, " he said

WAGA supports adaptive golfers with more than a dozen disability classifications, ranging from limb differences to neurological conditions, like Down syndrome.

Established in 1968, it provides support to adaptive golfers through tournaments, workshops, and events.

"We all love the game and if we haven't discovered the game, when we do, they love it, " Healea said

The organization relies on community support to continue its mission

Golfers who have lost a limb or the use of a limb are encouraged to get involved

This April, WAGA is teaming up with the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance for a tournament and public golf clinic at Sierra View Country Club in Roseville from April 19 to 21. Registration for adaptive golfers is still open.

UPCOMINGEVENTS

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Do you have an upcoming adaptive golf tournament or event that you want people to know about?

Would you like to share your tournament stories and results with the adaptive golf community?

Just let us know by the start of the month and we'll do our best to get in the upcoming edition!

Email your news to info@accessgolf.org.

GAIN is your community ... a free networking forum to foster better access to adaptive golf experts across the country and resources to serve the community of golfers with disabilities and those that lead and support these efforts.

All are welcomed on GAIN ... those seeking information about adaptive golf, the ADA and more with those that can provide the answers.

ADA & Accessibility

Competition & Rules

Facilities, Programs, Adaptive Golf Cars

Calendar of Events

Open Forums