BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATE
Reaches an Untapped Market and Grows the Game
Because individuals with disabilities have millions of dollars in discretionary income and over 18 million have indicated an interest in playing golf but are not, there is untapped market potential. By reaching this untapped market, golf courses can help their bottom line, while introducing and engaging this new market sector in growing the game. Contributes to Professional Development A Certificate offers the PGA/LPGA professional and health and disability professionals a unique qualification that can elevate their marketability for employment. Additionally, the certificate would “tell” a potential employer that this particular professional has the ability to draw additional clientele. This may open up increased opportunities for golf or rehabilitation facility and the professional. Protects the Golf Participant with a Disability It is important for golf professionals to understand characteristics of disability, as well as associated contraindications, particularly for people with newly acquired injuries, illnesses and disabilities. Such knowledge promotes safe instruction and play and minimizes risk. Helps to fulfill our Moral Obligation From a moral and societal perspective, offering people with disabilities an opportunity to engage in healthy activity only benefits all of us. By promoting wellness and health, and minimizing secondary disability-related complications, such as social isolation, depression, substance abuse, domestic abuse and suicide, both the individual and our society is healthier. Golf professionals are in a unique position to be stewards of golf, provided that the golf professional not only understands adaptive and inclusive golf techniques, but also understands the characteristics and contraindications of various injuries/ illnesses as they relate to the specific activity of golf. |     |
