Inspirational adaptive athletes showcase their golf skills at world famous municipal golf course
SAN DIEGO – For the second consecutive year, the City of San Diego hosted some of the best local, national and international adaptive golfers at its annual Torrey Pines Adaptive Golf Championship on Thursday, May 2. The tournament allows golfers with disabilities and other adaptations to compete and showcase their talents at one of the most well-known municipal golf courses in the world.
The event is a collaboration between the city’s Parks and Recreation Department Golf Division and Therapeutic Recreation Services program, which provides adaptive sports opportunities to individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing and participating in recreational opportunities offered to the general public.
“We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to make the Torrey Pines Adaptive Golf Championship happen for a second year,” said Kristi Fenick, Therapeutic Recreation Services District Manager. “Every day we work to promote opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete. Our goal is to create a space where these talented golfers can shine, and I believe we’re doing that.”
The Adaptive Golf Championship is open to all players from amateur to professional. This year, the championship has drawn not only local players but national and international athletes as well. While adaptive golfers from California make up most of the lineup, golfers from Florida, Wisconsin and even Argentina were also out on the links.
The event, held on the Torrey Pines North Course, featured more than 40 adaptive golfers who compete in eight different playing classifications. Course yardages were modified to the appropriate distance for each classification according to the rules set forth by the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA).
The Golf Division intends to continue to develop and expand the event in keeping with the city’s efforts to make golf an activity that is accessible for everyone. All three city golf courses — Balboa Park, Mission Bay and Torrey Pines — offer specialized golf carts to help assist golfers with mobility challenges.
“We’re excited and honored to once again host the Adaptive Golf Championship at Torrey Pines and to have the opportunity to see these athletes compete on such a high level,” said John Howard, Golf Operations Division Deputy Director. “Golf is a sport for everyone, and it is truly inspiring to watch the skill, dedication and perseverance these golfers display.”
The City of San Diego Golf Division operates three golf complexes (Balboa Park, Mission Bay and Torrey Pines) and is dedicated to serving its patrons and players of all ages and abilities while enhancing their enjoyment of the game by providing a high-quality golf experience. For more information, please visit sandiego.gov/golf.
(City of San Diego Release)
