By: Alexandra Cowley
acowley@abc6.com
Rhode Islanders with disabilities will get a swing at golf, thanks to a federal grant. Representative Jim Langevin helped Button Hole Golf Course get a $9,500 grant from The National Alliance for Accessible Golf.
The money will help purchase adaptive golf clubs and bags, as well as training for staff who will take part in the program.
Langevin said, "It's using this grant to readapt equipment to the sport of golf and keeping up with folks with disabilities and perhaps our wounded warriors and getting them out on the golf course and getting their competitive spirit going."
One of the people involved in the program is Judy Alvarez, a PGA/LPGA Master Professional. Alvarez has been working with wounded veterans and people with disabilities for a number of years. She helped host an all day training event for staff at Button Hole on Monday.
"You know it's interesting that the game of golf has really stepped up and has had more exposure in helping the vets from current combat theatres, because they're coming back injured, but were keeping them alive," said Alvarez.
Fun days, where people with disabilities can come out and take their first swing, will start up this fall at Button Hole Golf Course.
