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Started in 1988, the First Swing national program was developed by the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA). The intent of the national one-or-two day "Learn to Golf" clinic is to bring golf professionals, physical and recreational therapists, and the physically challenged together to teach, learn, and enjoy golf. On March 2006, a First Swing Seminar was conducted in Shelbyville Kentucky.

Kentucky "First Swing" Clinic

By Amputee Golf Charities

Hard work, good planning, and mega energy was rewarded with many successes at the first of hopefully many First Swing events in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Bud Sanders (National Amputee Golf Association, First Swing Staff), Mike Riley (Head PGA Pro at Standard Country Club), and Jill Farmer (Frazier Rehab Institute) planned a Two Prong Program.

On Saturday March 11th, the Shelbyville Family Activity Center and Clear Creek Golf Course was the host site for the disabilities program. Bud Sanders was joined by NAGA First Swing Staffers, Dan Cox and Les Meade. Les worked with Leroy Sears, a Parkinson's patient. Mr. Sears' second swing with a fairway wood delivered the ball dead-straight-ahead 125 yards. After forty minutes of determined practice, it took Mr. Sears' wife and daughter fifteen more minutes to convince him he had done enough for the day. Bud spent his time with Travis Bailey, a Spinal Bifida patient. Travis's great personality shinned as Bud soon had him lifting the ball into the air. Everyone present had a couple of tears of joy when Travis thanked everyone and told them how “handsome” they were. Talk about Never Quit!

Monday March 13th was PGA day at Standard Country Club, Louisville, Ky. Seventeen PGA Professionals and Assistant Professionals assembled in the clubhouse ballroom. During Bud’s opening remarks, one easily saw this was going to be more than your average clinic - it was going to be a seminar.

Bud introduced Dan Cox and from that moment on there was no need to ask for questions as Bud and Dan answered them on the FLY. Amputee Golf Charities assembled a full amputee roster: AE, BE, AK, BK, Multiple, and Women. Dan in turn brought each to the front as ball placement, hardships, and adjustments were discussed and well understood by the Pro’s and Assistant Pro's. Saving Kenny Green for last gave the audience and all those present the understanding of what can be accomplished with the proper instruction techniques and determination.

At Mike Riley's request, Jill Farmer spoke about liability issues from the ground up describing how private and public golf courses try very hard to eliminate potential problems before they happen. Lunch was then served as everyone enjoyed the fellowship of old friends and new golfers who learned that disabilities need not keep them from enjoying life.

(Kneeling left to right - Les Meade, Tina Carey, Alan Gentry, and Dan Cox; Standing left to right - Mark Calvert, Henry Brown, Kenny Green, Ronnie Alsup, Bob Pollock, Scott Lusk, and Bud Sanders)

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