As golf basks in historic Masters, Georgia nonprofit aims to advance access to sport

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – After a historic weekend at the Masters that saw Rory McIlroy become the sixth golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam, golf is enjoying its spot in the limelight.

It’s also learning to adapt to new players of all skill levels and disabilities.

Dan Schlatterer is in the latter group.

“I had a stroke 10 years ago while I was working in a hospital, ironically,” he said.

The former trauma surgeon and diehard Buffalo Bills fan now struggles to use his left hand. He plays golf using only his right.

“Golf has motivated me to work on my leg strength and my balance,” he said. “That’s why I love coming out here.”

“Out here” is the driving range at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, a site used by the nonprofit Georgia State Golf Association’s (GSGA) Adaptive Golf program.

“Anyone with a physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment can learn and enjoy this great game of golf,” said program director David Windsor.

That openness is a hard contrast with what can seem like an impossible sport to access, even as the game furiously promotes its growth.

Tuesday’s program welcomed nearly two dozen participants. Volunteers helped multiple blind golfers, provided specialized carts for paralyzed players, and provided adaptive training for other physical conditions.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Schlatter said. “It’s never good enough, which is sort of like life, I suppose.”

For some, it’s a light after a tragedy or trauma.

“Golf is helping me get my life back,” said golfer Chris Johnson.

“It is great therapy without ever saying the word ‘therapy,’” added Windsor.

Because more than any other sport, golf isn’t played with the eyes, or the feet, or with strength. Golf is mainly between the ears.

“They can do something that they thought was not possible again,” Windsor said.