How golf plays its part in helping those with autism
PROFESSIONAL golf is not all about winning The Open and PGA professionals across Ireland can make a major contribution to the lives of those living with autism.
PGA professional Marian Riordan certainly found it an eye-opening and rewarding experience when her club recently held a training seminar and clinic hosted by the UNESCO Chair/ ITT and Els for Autism #GameON Department of Autism Recreation.
The event, which was held at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel in Tipperary, provided training on the characteristics of autism, the relationship between autism and golf, how to host a #GameON Autism Golf Clinic via the #GameON Autism Golf Programme, which was founded by former US Open and Open champion Ernie Els, whose son has autism.
Autism is a growing condition in Ireland and golf is seen as a particularly suitable sport for young people on the spectrum.
The coordinator on the day was Dan Hulsey of the Els Centre of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida.
He has vast experience teaching golf to children, especially those with developmental disabilities and Marian found his seminar a rewarding experience.
“We had a demonstration session with some school kids from St. Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town and it was excellent to see how Dan worked his way through the dynamics of the class,” said Marian.
“It was great to be part of the day. Going forward we are hoping to set up a link with St. Ailbe’s school a nd do a mixed class starting in September.”
Ernie Els #GameOn Autism™ Golf is a new, innovative programme, developed by Els for Autism in collaboration with PGA REACH and the First Tee, which gives children on the autism spectrum access to the game of golf.
The programme is aimed at developing social/communication skills, encouraging social interaction and promoting healthy living through golf.
The programme has been rolled out in Kerry over the last two years, and the first Irish #GameON Club has been established in Castlegregory Golf Club.
The programme encourages participants to learn golf skills while practising specific autism learning concepts, including communication, regulatory, motor and social skills.
The CGI has been supporting IT Tralee research students in their efforts to make golf more inclusive.
PGA Professionals can contact katharina.schlueter@staff.ittralee.ie for more details.