A Seven Iron, a Driver, and a Putter

David and Mercedes Rizzo watch as their daughter Danielle, who has autism, discovers the joy of adaptive golf. 

Golf is an interesting game, loved by many people. We recently found out that our older daughter is a golf fan. Danielle has always enjoyed watching and participating in sports. She has been an athlete for Special Olympics for a good part of her life, first in the sport of gymnastics and later as a figure skater.

Recently we learned that a nearby country club was holding an adaptive golf clinic, so we signed her up. It was fun to watch. Golf is a complex sport to say the least, but for people who have physical and developmental limitations, it can be especially challenging.  

Adaptive Sports Let Everyone Participate 

The evening started when we arrived and were given a ride from the parking lot to the driving range in a golf cart. Danielle was quite happy with this. We learned from the instructor that this adaptive golf program began last year. The program is called “No Limit Clinic.” It is open to people with disabilities at no cost. There was a wide range of people with different physical and intellectual disabilities. One gentleman had a prosthetic leg. Another had to use a mechanical stander which was attached to his golf cart, stabilizing him so he could swing a golf club. There were several people like our daughter Danielle with language and cognitive issues such as autism.

It was nice to see a wide variety of ages represented, too. The youngest was an elementary school-aged girl. Other participants were in their teens, their 20s, and upward to middle age and even older. We realized that golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  

We didn’t really know what to expect and we were happily surprised. The instructors were very patient and encouraging. They gave tips and instruction, as well as important feedback to each golfer in an individualized way. Danielle is a leftie, and they even had left-handed clubs for her to use. The golf instructors allowed breaks as needed and had light refreshments available, offering plenty of water for everyone to stay hydrated. It was a beautiful late spring evening. The temperature was perfect. There was even a light breeze.  

We never know how Danielle will do with new activities. So, we were glad to see her interested and attentive, as well as smiling and clearly enjoying herself. She struggled a bit with the driver but had an easier time with a 7 iron. Most of all she liked putting on the green and seeing her ball go in the hole. 

Sharing Interests and Talents, and Two Patron Saints 

This was not a Special Olympics event, but the motto of Special Olympics, “Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” seems to fit here. Also, anyone who has ever played golf knows the importance of prayer. We were happy to learn that Saint Andrew is the patron saint of golfers. And while you’re playing, you might throw a few prayers to Saint Sebastian, who is the patron saint of athletes and sports, including golf.

It is beautiful to witness people sharing their interests and talents with others. Clearly Danielle and the others who participated in the clinic benefited from the knowledge and talent of the instructors. We could tell from the smiles on the faces of those running the Clinic that they were pleased with the success of the evening and the happiness they created for those who participated.  

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Copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo
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