Adaptive Golf Sarasota is made possible by grass-roots, local support from the community through the Adaptive Golf Association, a 501c3 organization specializing in community programs since 1996. Background:
The Adaptive Golf Association (AGA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit who is dedicated to providing individuals with physical challenges the needed resources to learn and play the game of golf while being a resource for individuals to find adaptive equipment and gain access to municipal golf courses. The Adaptive Golf Association was founded in Atlanta in 1996 by Sonny Ackerman, a retired Marine who lost his leg in an unfortunate accident, who turned to the game of golf in his own recovery, going on to win National Amputee golf tournaments to then making an impact on thousands by conducting monthly adaptive golf clinics and traveling the country educating therapists at rehab hospitals. In 1997, Paul Goodlander began weekly clinics in Sarasota, now known as the "longest weekly adaptive golf program" in the country! In 2007, in conjunction with the James A. Haley VA in Tampa, FL, The Adaptive Golf Association has operated a weekly class to aid disabled Veterans and injured Service Members of Tampa Bay in their recovery and transition to civilian life. We are proud to have collaborated with several other Veteran-service organizations such as GOLF SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS, TEE IT UP FOR THE TROOPS, MILITARY ORDER OF PURPLE HEART, PGA OF AMERICA HOPE PROGRAM, AND OTHERS to better serve those in recovery in every community possible. AGA is recognized within the golf industry for their expertise in helping people overcome their obstacles, get back to enjoying the great game of golf and living life to it’s fullest. The AGA has been noted as the worldwide authority on adaptive golf processes, having conducted thousands of combined clinics and workshops for participants and coaches for community program development for almost two decades. The AGA has been conducting the longest-running adaptive golf programs in the world with the monthly clinic in Atlanta, GA (since 1997). David Windsor will act as the lead liaison for state and national AGA program sites. Mr. Windsor is an award-winning PGA of America Teaching Professional with over 25 years teaching experience, voted North Florida Section PGA “Teacher of the Year,” 2-time Junior Golf Leader and recipient of 7 PGA section awards across N. FL and Georgia PGA, selected as the 2015 NATIONAL PGA OF AMERICA PATRIOT AWARD recipient for his unwavering commitment and dedication to serving disabled Veterans and Military members through adaptive golf programs. He is the Director of Instruction for the Adaptive Golf Association and a Program Trainer for the PGA of America’s military initiative, HOPE, “Helping Our Patriots Everywhere” programs, training fellow PGA Professionals and VA therapists across the country to work as a team to enhance the lives of Veterans.
