PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR ACCESSIBLE GOLF
GOLF
JANUARY 2026 | ISSUE 36
INCLUSI N MONTHLY
INCLUSION INFLUENCERS: MARK TAYLOR, PGA EDGA HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
ADAPTIVE GOLF HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
NATIONAL PROGRAMS DRIVING ACCESS ADAPTIVE GOLF IS NO LONGER A NICHE INITIATIVE
Image courtesy of Texas Golf Association
IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2026
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 EDGA Head of Development Mark Taylor, PGA about EDGA's "You Can" initiative, sharing knowledge, and more.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Start your year on a mission.
Cover: Mark Taylor, PGA (left) working with James Mines
GAIN SPOTLIGHT
A networking platform and resource center.
EDUCATION HUB SPOTLIGHT EDGA: Learning from the Edges
INCLUSIVE FAIRWAYS
How National Golf Programs Are Expanding Access for Individuals with Disabilities
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE ADAPTIVE GOLF HALL OF FAME The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (Alliance), with participating supporters, announced the launch of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame on Dec 2, 2025.
PAST RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS PRAIRIE LAKES G.C. HOSTS 2025 TEXAS ADAPTIVE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Image courtesy of LPGA Girls Golf
NATURAL STONE. GROUNDBREAKING SOLUTIONS.
GOLF PATHWAY MIX.
“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
Click HERE to Connect with Kafka Granite
A MESSAGE FROM THE ALLIANCE Are you heading to Orlando for the PGA Show in January or GCSAA Conference in February? If so, drop me a note and let’s connect! We kick off the new year with Mark Taylor, PGA, EDGA’s Head of Development who joins us as the lead of hitter for our Inclusion Influencer Interview series. Mark has been with EDGA since 2017 and when it comes to creating coaches and driving access and inclusion, Mark and the EDGA get it done! Our Education Hub spotlight shares how you can access the EDGA’s Learning from the Edges manual via the Alliance Education Hub providing one of the best foundations out there if you aspire to become an adaptive golf coach and/or simply improve on the skills you have now.
Dave Barton, PGA
If you have a story to share for Golf Inclusion Monthly®, just let us know! The earlier the better!
Executive Director
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WHAT WE DO 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.
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. Join the Adaptive Golf Community on GAIN!
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.
www.accessgolf.org • info@accessgolf.org • Phone: (561) 709-8002
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INCLUSION INFLUENCERS AN INTERVIEW WITH MARK TAYLOR, PGA CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW. In this month's Inclusion Influencer Interview, Alliance Executive Director Dave Barton speaks with EDGA Head of Development Mark Taylor, PGA about EDGA's "You Can" initiative, sharing knowledge, and more. Nexus of a Mission...“I think the reason that EDGA was formed in 2000 was to offer an alternate pathway for people with functional differences, or disabilities, limitations, or impairments, however we want to phrase that, to get together and share some experience, play some golf, and really start a sort of a tournament pathway, alternate to the mainstream pathway, that they could travel, meet like-minded people with lived experience and get started.”
Reinventing Myself...“When I returned in 2008, back to home, back to the UK…I went back to university, I did some more studies. I wanted to reinvent myself as a golf coach. I'd sort of had enough of golf coaching. I wanted to find something different to do, something really that challenged me, and I was fortunate in 2008 to find, to start to get some work in schools local to where my golf academy was based here in the UK… there weren't many people working with children with special educational needs and disabilities, the acronym is SEND over here…so I started working with these children with neurodivergent needs, physical disabilities, and I thought, do you know what? This is really challenging and I really enjoy this.” On-line Resources and Education...“We have a lot of new emerging countries coming through that program who want to know more about this space. We’re trying to create these online resources that gives a bit more reach, and give coaches and volunteers, not necessarily always coaches, but even the rehabilitation centers, the occupational therapists, some of the training … to help them get the golfspecific skill set or skill stack that they need to drive participation into our game.” Additional Focus Areas...“It's looking at research and researching new products and new equipment gaps that players with disabilities may have because
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when I analyzed that market, you know, there are some barriers to participation that we needed to address, and we're working quite closely, you know, to try and address those and make a difference on those.” Learning from the Edges...“Learning from the Edges was developed by three people, Dr. Tony Bennett, who you've alluded to, is a fantastic coach, educator, and a master professional in his own right. So, you know, we were very lucky to have his insight to that … and Dr. Kyle Phillpots, who was the director of education for the PGA GB&I for many years, so it wasn't just me taking responsibility for that. We had two good minds, and me alongside as well, to try and help with some of the experience that I've had over the years …it’s a coach education framework to be embedded inside coach education for PGAs.
…we get trainee coaches to understand if they're talking about hand position, hold, or grip, that, you know, a basic example would be, well, what were the considerations you would take for somebody who doesn't have that grip strength, is missing digits, or doesn't have the ability to connect to the club as prescribed in a traditional PGA training program … we’ve done that across around 11 different impairments and functions, where PGAs and workforce providers can drop that in. You're great that you host that and we believe in the EGGA that education should be free.” Impairment Categories and Sports Classes...“A lot of people around the world have been offering golf opportunities for people with disabilities and they've identified their own eligibility criteria, as it may be … I'm lucky enough to still be involved in some of the research meetings … what we have tried to do with the sports classes is basically simplify it. So you'll have those nine sports classes … three standing, two sitting, two intellectual, two visual. I think the nine sports classes do give the user, the player coming to the game also a little bit more clarity, and also for somebody who's maybe observing.”
Help Get People Out of the House...“Very often disability comes with isolation and loneliness and not being able to participate, and not having access … so getting golf on the menu of options for people with disability is a big passion of the EDGA, and that's certainly embedded in the coach education and what we try and deliver.”
The “You Can” Campaign...“The ‘You Can’ campaign was launched at our General Assembly … what we're trying to do here is just give Federation stakeholders an understanding that golf could be something that can be, could be used in developing, you know, new players to the game…between 15% and 25% of the country's population may have a disability and don't know about golf. What we want to do is try and open that up using the players that we have, and if you're familiar, which I know you are with the EGGA website, Ben Evans, our journalist, and his team have done a fantastic job of doing these player profiles. <Golf> for the most part, you know, saved their lives and has given them that chance, that second chance to go again.”
“Our story has always been about people… We have never chased the spotlight but we have worked and served with purpose, often behind the scenes, to build systems, share expertise and then gift those assets to the wider game.” - Dr. Tony Bennett, President, EDGA
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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS START YOUR YEAR ON A MISSION By Dave Barton, PGA, Executive Director, National Alliance The old adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun”, seems to become more true as each year passes further, and further away from my 30s, 40s, 50s … you get the point. I am having fun. I embrace the opportunities my post-Navy career has included and the reality is, each of them have helped steer my approach with the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. Early in the “after Navy” days I elected to get into the golf business, perhaps I am a glutton for punishment, but I am now approaching 20 years as a Member of the PGA of America. Nothing against individuals, mostly seniors like myself, either volunteers or compensated, serving as starters and marshals to earn a benefit, but that is not why I became a golf professional. I am not one to talk about myself, but for context before I relay what ought to be New Year’s Resolutions for many around the country, I want you to understand where the basis for these opinions come from. Shortly after I retired from the Navy in 2005, I attended the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach to begin career #2. This school, formerly known as the San Diego Golf Academy, no longer exists and although zero credits applied to my goal of PGA Membership, it provided a fantastic foundation for the business of golf and, to be honest, a bit of a segue from 22 years in the service. I will say that understanding aerodynamics a bit from my helicopter pilot days has come in handy with understanding spin, ball flights, and how a ball “should” react with a clump of mud on it. That said, understanding is not the same thing as executing. Working as an Assistant Golf Professional in Northern Virginia was my first full time golf experience as a professional and I was fortunate to roll into a Head Golf Professional job reasonably soon. When I say these things outloud, I instantly feel the sensation of half-full and crushed beer cans, partial hot dogs, chewing gum, cigar butts, and soaking wet feet from washing the fleet of golf cars after a full day on the course or full-field shotgun. During this time on the other side of the counter, I can safely say I did not really think about, or consider 5
additional access requirements for individuals with disabilities, nor was I really advised to do so as a new professional, not necessarily a young one. That is not an indictment of any individual or organization who were great, but perhaps a systemic problem related to education and awareness in the golf industry?
receive from course operators and golfers who are often not on the same page. That is solvable.
Regardless, I could have done better and that responsibility always rests with me.
Information on how to accomplish the above is readily available at www.accessgolf.org, or you may reach out to us at info@accessgolf.org for guidance.
What they all have in common is that they are achievable and should be things golf courses who believe golf is a game for all should aspire to accomplish.
After those early years, I tested the water as a full time golf instructor, something I really enjoyed. During this time I was involved with the Salute Military Golf Association as a seasonal golf instructor, a non-profit based out of Maryland. They continue their amazing mission at numerous chapters around the country to “provide rehabilitative golf programs, experiences, and family-inclusive opportunities for post-9/11 wounded war veterans”.
Have a great 2026 and perhaps we will cross paths at the 2026 PGA Show and/or GCSAA Conference in Orlando.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION CHECKLIST FOR COURSE OWNERS AND OPERATORS
I migrated into the “association world” beginning in 2019 with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) in Charleston, SC. Working under the leadership of CEO Jay Karen provided a more comprehensive understanding of the broader golf industry and associations, especially related to the relationships between the leading bodies in U.S. golf including the NGCOA, PGA, LPGA, GCSAA, GCBAA, ASGCA, CMAA, NCA and the USGA.
I will conduct a Facility Self-Assessment to ensure our facility is accessible and inclusive for golfers of all abilities. I will integrate access and inclusion training as part of our onboarding process to facilitate positive experiences for both the staff and customers we support.
Now, and since early 2022, as the Executive Director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, I am involved with an organization established in 2001 by many of those organizations above with the mission of increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf. We are an education, advocacy and resource organization for the industry related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and access and inclusion in the game of golf.
I will publish policies on our website that facilitate communications related to Cart Path Only scenarios, other access considerations, service animals, and the use of adaptive golf cars. I will list adaptive golf cars on the Adaptive Golf Car and Facilities Database for cars we own, share, and/or have access to that facilitate play for seated golfers, or golfers with mobility impairments.
The resources we provide are free and include our education platform, the Alliance Education Hub, GAIN the Golf Access and Inclusion Network® which serves as a community networking platform, Golf Inclusion Monthly®; our monthly magazine, an Adaptive Golf Car and Facilities Database and recently, we announced the establishment of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame.
I will work to create the availability of an adaptive golf car at our facility as we do not have one at this time.
As I led with, I have shared the above as a background to what drives these New Year’s Resolutions I would respectfully request golf course owners and operators make AND achieve!
"What they all have in common is that they are achievable and should be things golf courses who believe golf is a game for all should aspire to accomplish."
Certainly, they are based on personal and professional experiences. Some failures. Some successes. They are also based on the numerous phone calls and emails we 6
GAIN SPOTLIGHT ICYDK
JOIN THE COMMUNITY. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. “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
A networking platform and resource center for golfers, adaptive golf leaders, and anyone to share information, ask questions, and/or provide answers to others. In case you didn’t know, spelled out for anyone still saying “I’m hanging up the phone” or “floppy disc”, GAIN has over 300 participants and is growing each month. Thank you! It’s great to have a website where someone “might” search for info. It’s great to have a “contact us” box where someone can ask for assistance … and “might” get a response. What is guaranteed on GAIN is this: If someone goes there seeking guidance or assistance, they will receive it. This is made possible by the growing network of golfers and industry experts GAIN delivers. Join GAIN today! We look forward to you being a part of this community, whether you are asking, or answering questions.
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EDUCATION HUB SPOTLIGHT EDGA: LEARNING FROM THE EDGES
EDUCATION HUB STATS
Changing Lives Through the Power of Golf Learning from the Edges - Changing Lives Through the Power of Golf as an instruction program to train golf coaches developed by the EDGA. It is shared with permission from EDGA, is endorsed by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, and available on the Alliance Education Hub. Please note, this program is a guide and includes numerous video reviews and practice simulations designed to be conducted with another coach or player. The LFTE Program Guide and a workbook are available for download in the first lesson to help you track your progress through the simulations. The value gained through the simulation work is critical to grasping the basic considerations when working with adaptive golfers. According to Alliance Executive Director, Dave Barton, PGA, “If you want to coach adaptive golf, this is how you get started.”
396 Enrolled Learners
461 Course Completions
274 Training Hours Completed
The Alliance Education Hub is a FREE service available to anyone in the golf industry.
CONTINUE TO THE HUB
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Source: Special Olympics North America
INCLUSIVE FAIRWAYS: HOW NATIONAL GOLF PROGRAMS ARE EXPANDING ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES By Ronnie Miles, Senior Director of Advocacy, NGCOA and National Alliance Board Member
From local driving ranges to national tournaments, the game of golf is undergoing a quiet revolution, one centered around access, inclusion, and community. Over the past four years, golf programs across the United States have significantly increased participation among individuals with disabilities. Thanks to coordinated efforts by national and regional organizations, adaptive golf is no longer a niche initiative; it's becoming a foundational part of the game’s future.
This shift reflects a larger cultural change in how the sport is structured and promoted. For decades, golf has been perceived as one of the more exclusive sports, in part due to equipment, space, and accessibility barriers. But national leadership, grassroots advocacy, and specialized adaptive programming are actively reversing this narrative.
Between 2021 and 2024, national golf programs recorded a more than twofold increase in participation, with total numbers growing from just over 15,000 to more than 31,000. The growth is not only substantial— it’s also broad-based, encompassing both individuals with mobility and intellectual disabilities across all age groups.
Several national organizations have played a critical role in this transformation:
Organizational Impact: Who’s Leading the Way?
US Special Olympics: With participation increasing from 2,124 in 2021 to nearly 9,400 in 2024, the organization has become a cornerstone of inclusive competitive golf. All of its programming serves individuals with intellectual disabilities, and its infrastructure has enabled widespread access and awareness.
National Participation Trends
As shown above, the most notable growth came in programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which grew from 8,138 participants in 2021 to 20,767 in 2024—an increase of over 155%. Programs serving individuals with physical disabilities also experienced a healthy 42% increase, climbing from 7,238 in 2021 to 10,272 by 2024.
First Tee: One of the most recognized names in junior golf, First Tee grew to over 10,000 participants by 2024. More than 8,700 of these were individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the organization’s success in expanding its reach and adapting curricula for diverse learning needs. 9
local golf courses, national governing bodies, and adaptive sports organizations will be key to expanding reach even further.
USAGA (United States Adaptive Golf Alliance): USAGA member programs consistently reached over 6,200 individuals in both 2023 and 2024. Their tournament-ready structure and member programs serve as a model for inclusive programming excellence in sport.
As participation continues to climb and barriers fall away, golf stands to become a model for how traditional sports can embrace inclusion—not as a niche, but as a core value.
LPGA Professionals & LPGA Girls Golf: These programs are particularly notable for their focus on gender and youth inclusion. Combined, they reached nearly 4,700 participants in 2024, empowering girls and women with disabilities to find their place in the game. PGA Jr Golf: With a steady rise from 172 participants in 2021 to 391 in 2024, PGA Jr Golf provides foundational instruction and early exposure, setting the stage for lifelong engagement. The Role of Regional Leaders: Spotlight on Scottish Rite for Children
While national programs dominate the numbers, regional organizations like Scottish Rite for Children demonstrate the critical role of localized efforts with national impact. Though based in Texas, Scottish Rite serves pediatric patients and youth golfers from across the country. Their participation rose steadily from 41 in 2021 to 101 in 2024.
Source: Scottish Rite, Tee it Up for Teaching
Source: firsttee.org
Scottish Rite’s model is particularly effective at early intervention and long-term development, offering specialized equipment, medical expertise, and a community-focused environment that builds confidence and skills. Their impact proves that you don’t need a national footprint to make a national difference. Why This Matters
Adaptive golf is more than a set of accommodations—it is a pathway to empowerment. The therapeutic, social, and developmental benefits of golf are now being extended to communities that were previously left out. These programs offer far more than physical activity— they foster independence, confidence, and connection. Importantly, this growth isn’t just organic—it’s strategic. Organizations are investing in coach training, equipment adaptations, family engagement, and inclusive events. The result is a sustainable, scalable model for national impact. The Road Ahead
With momentum clearly on their side, these programs are poised to continue reshaping the future of golf. Continued collaboration across healthcare providers,
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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE ADAPTIVE GOLF HALL OF FAME By Dave Barton, PGA - Executive Director, National Alliance The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (Alliance), with participating supporters, announced the launch of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame on Dec 2, 2025. The nomination window for candidates for the 2026 Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame class is NOW OPEN until March 31, 2026. Nominations will not be accepted past this date. Candidate criteria and nomination guidelines can be found at Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame. The Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame creed, Aliis Servire - To Serve Others, provides the baseline trait for candidates to be considered for induction. Entrance into the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame will be based on “Service and commitment to the creation of pathways into the game of golf for individuals with disabilities.” We encourage anyone interested in nominating a candidate to review these guidelines as they explain what is required in a nomination package as well as the submission process. Only one nomination will be accepted per candidate, so please coordinate with those whom you may share interest in related to a nomination. According to Dave Barton, PGA, Alliance Executive Director, “With 2026 being the first year of the Hall of Fame, and with greatly appreciated participation in the United States and abroad, it is projected the Selection 11
NOMINATION PACKAGE ELEMENTS AND JUSTIFICATIONS Service and Leadership to the Game Growth of Game Impact (statistics) Initiatives Previous Golf Industry Awards and Honors, or awards received from others for service to the adaptive golf community Endorsements (2 max) Headshot, 2-3 supporting images, optional video (1)
START NOMINATION
Committee will initially look more to the past then the present at individuals who laid the foundation upon which the game now grows.” Nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Committee between April 1 - May 31, 2026 and inductees will be notified in June of 2026.
PAST RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS 2025 ARIZONA ADAPTIVE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
December 8-10 Papago Golf Club, Phoenix, AZ 85008 Men's Overall Champion, Max Togisala Women’s Overall Champion, Sophie Howard SCORES & RESULTS
2025 FLORIDA ADAPTIVE OPEN
December 16-17 Innisbrook Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor, FL Men's Overall Champion, Kenny Green Women’s Overall Champion, Cassie Sengul
UP COM ING
SCORES & RESULTS
PHOTO: SOUTHERN INTRIGUE LLC
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PRAIRIE LAKES G.C. HOSTS 2025 TEXAS ADAPTIVE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP By Destany Hall, Outreach and TGA Foundation Manager
Click HERE for 2025 Texas Adaptive Golf Championship Results The 2025 Texas Adaptive Golf Championship held October 20–22 at Prairie Lakes Golf Course in Grand Prairie, marked a significant milestone for adaptive golf in Texas. This year’s event was the first conducted under a new partnership between the Texas Golf Association (TGA) and the City of Grand Prairie, a collaboration created to expand adaptive golf programming, access, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the region. In addition to hosting the championship, the TGA also staged two complimentary adaptive golf clinics at Prairie Lakes earlier in the year, in May and October. The clinics were led by PGA Professional instructors Alan Rasberry and Phillip Pyle, who provided hands-on instruction tailored to participants with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Their adaptive teaching approach offered a welcoming, confidence-building environment that encouraged individuals to explore the game at their own pace. “We want to reduce barriers that prevent people from playing golf,” said
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Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of the TGA Foundation and Outreach. Prairie Lakes, featuring three recently renovated nine-hole layouts designed by Texas Golf Hall of Fame architect Ralph Plummer, provided an ideal test for the field. Competitors representing multiple impairment groups played 36 holes of WR4GDcounting stroke play on the White and Blue nines, with the course offering both challenge and approachability. The competition showcased impressive performances from adaptive golfers across the country. Drew Rice claimed the Men’s Overall title with rounds of 70 and 77 (147), while Pete Sanders earned the Senior Men’s Overall title after shooting 83 and 84 (167) over the two days. To view the full leaderboard, click here. For the City of Grand Prairie, hosting the clinics and the championship aligned with its mission to expand accessible recreation. “This partnership is about accessibility, connection, and community,” said Ray Cerda, Director of Parks, Arts & Recreation.
“We’re thrilled to be part of something that inspires others to embrace the sport in meaningful ways.” The TGA has supported the Texas Adaptive Golf Championship since its inception in 2022 by providing staff, volunteers, and rules officials each year. Building on the strong momentum of 2025, Prairie Lakes Golf Course will once again host the Texas Adaptive Golf Championship on October 19–21, 2026. In addition, the TGA will lead two adaptive golf clinics at Prairie Lakes in 2026, scheduled for May 12 and September 29, further expanding opportunities for adaptive golfers throughout the year. Together, the TGA and the City of Grand Prairie are advancing a model of accessible golf that expands opportunity, builds community, and ensures every golfer has a place to learn, compete, and thrive.
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JOIN THE COMMUNITY. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. 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
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