Access Requirements are NOT the Same for ALL

Let's Talk About Geofencing. The bad news is, we get our share of calls about access still being denied or unreasonably restricted at golf courses. The good news is we get opportunities to help golf course operators and the golfers themselves better understand solutions are less complicated than many seem to think.

For example, geofencing that keeps golf cars from going beyond a certain point.

This is great technology from a course management perspective but operators must understand that ONE setting for individuals with disabilities, or those who may require additional access will not work for everyone. 30 yards from the green as an example may be OK for one golfer, but could absolutely be considered a denial of access to another.

Our advice? Put the effort into seeking access, not denying it. The course may certainly protect its property from damage that may occur when the course is too wet, safety matters exist with chemical applications, or due to other course maintenance, etc. If this is not the case, the best advice we can give operators is to have your access policies published and easy to find AND train your leadership and staff to understand tailored solutions may still be required.

It takes more effort to find yourself in an "access denial" scenario than to provide access. Be reasonable and seek access for your golfers. That is the solution that changes the game for everyone.

Learn more through the National Alliance for Accessible Golf Education Hub, a no-cost education platform specifically designed to educate golf facility leadership, staff and more related to the ADA and the game of golf. To comment about this issue, please join the conversation on GAIN - the Golf Access and Inclusion Network®.

Listen in on Wednesday, Sep 18th!

Join Ricky L. Potts, Jr., CCAM, CML CMP, host of the Wednesday Match Play Podcast presented by Epic Golf Club and Dave Barton, PGA, National Alliance Executive Director as they discuss boosting the participation of people disabilities in the game of golf. You can access Episode 422 when it airs on Wednesday, Sep 18th via http://rickyleepotts.com/podcast

• New Adaptive Golf Carts Set to Hit the Green in Springfield
• Adaptive Golf - Check it Out with Chelsea
• Adaptive Golf Clinic at Ally Challenge Promotes Inclusivity in the Sport

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is the industry leader in inclusion— working to ensure the opportunity for all individuals with disabilities to play the game of golf and is represented by major golf, recreation and therapeutic organizations across the country.

Thank you to our golf industry friends and supporters who contribute in so many ways to our mission of increasing participation of individuals with disabilities in the game of golf.

Please contact our Executive Director, davebarton@accessgolf.org if you and/or your company are interested in helping us further enhance our educational and resource offerings and grow our grant funds used to increase the participation of individuals with disabilites in the game of golf.