I’m often asked, what organizations or individuals comprise the National Alliance for Accessible Golf? What makes us an “alliance”? We’re not an association, and we don’t collect dues from individuals or organizations. My answer? If you believe golf is a game for all, then you are a welcomed part of the Alliance.
The National Alliance is an assembly of like-minded individuals and organizations that recognize the continuing need to advocate for individuals with disabilities to bring them into the game. Along with advocacy, the Alliance delivers the resources and education golf facility owners and operators require to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act, their responsibility to deliver accessible and inclusive environments, and actions to take to do so.
The Alliance evolved out of several working groups in the mid-1990s involving representatives from academia, the golf industry, health care and more as it became apparent the ADA addressed “buildings” but did not yet address equitable access to the golf course itself. An outcome of these working groups was the creation of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf in 2001 to serve as the golf industry education and resource center related to the ADA.
Equitable access includes providing a barrier-free physical environment, permitting golfers with a disability to access areas of the golf course as easily as any golfer may. These areas include practice areas, teeing grounds, greens and accessible routing throughout the course, notwithstanding publicly accessible areas of the clubhouse, such as the pro shop, locker room, dining room and more.
There is a history of GCSAA involvement related to the ADA and golf. Present at these early working groups was George Renault, CGCS, from Burning Tree Club, Bethesda, Md., who served as GCSAA president in 1998. GCSAA has held a board seat with the Alliance since our beginning.
The relationship between the Alliance and GCSAA has continued with Chava McKeel, GCSAA director of government affairs, who has served on the Alliance board of directors since 2012. Golf course superintendents play a crucial role in ensuring facilities are, and remain, accessible to individuals who require additional access afforded them by law.
GCSAA support contributes to the Alliance’s ability to deliver resources and education to the industry. This includes the GCSAA membership, along with the other member-based associations in golf including the NGCOA, PGA, LPGA and CMAA. These organizations, as well as the ASGCA, GCBAA, NCA and others, are also involved on our board and facilitate the availability of several free resources, including: the National Alliance Education Hub (where GCSAA members can earn education credits for completing the Onboarding Training Series); a self-assessment process to help facility leadership evaluate preparedness for golfers with disabilities; the Golf Access and Inclusion Network; the Adaptive Golf Cars, Programs and Facilities Database; and Golf Inclusion Monthly magazine.
Contributions from GCSAA to accessible and inclusive golf were recently on display at the USGA’s Fourth Annual U.S. Adaptive Open at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md. Ryan Severidt, CGCS, Woodmont CC’s director of grounds, the club’s staff and membership presented a venue that delivered a world-class golf competition. The event will return to Woodmont CC next year, then in 2027 will head to Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Ore.
The USGA has established an amazing event and was also involved in the establishment of the Alliance. We remain appreciative of the USGA’s support and guidance.
The high level of golf that is played at the Adaptive Open is a testament to the drive and determination these golfers have. To get to this level, they had to start somewhere to learn the game. That “somewhere” is where the Alliance, GCSAA and our supporters and partners live … at any one of the thousands of golf facilities around the country that provide avenues to bring individuals with disabilities of all ages and demographics into the game.
Many golfers with disabilities may never aspire to play in competitive events. However, all of these golfers, whatever their disability or impairments, share a common trait with all of us who love golf, which is, it’s just really nice to be out there and part of the action with family and friends. Being included has a tangible quality-of-life benefit.
GCSAA and its membership help make this possible. Thank you.
Dave Barton, PGA, is executive director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. For more information on the Alliance, visit accessgolf.org.