Great story. A long time ago I remember grousing about having to put in expensive ADA access features for our clubhouse. Later, at a NGCOA meet, I got to play with a disabled golfer and got a four hour dose of humble pie. We didn’t buy a special golf cart for disabled golfers, as suggested by some programs, because it seemed to me that these would have to be somewhat specialized to an individual’s particular needs. But I did promise myself to work with anyone who wanted to play our course and to figure out how that could be done effectively.
Does anyone know of other courses that provide such carts and services to the public?
The issue really has never come up as dramatically as shown here. Sure, we have our share of old guys with aches and pains and mobility issues but want to keep playing. We’ve never made them take handicap flags on their carts so that they can park next to tees and greens and to avoid getting accosted by other golfers or the grounds crew. That, too, hasn’t been much of an issue here. Just a little training of staff and the occasional explanation to the public.
I’d love to learn more about how other courses handle these issues so we might be better prepared to handle access with as much dignity as possible.