Date: August 29, 2019
Author: Golf Australia

All abilities welcome at Curlewis

In conjunction with genU and Golf Australia, Curlewis Golf Club is set to host its second all abilities come-and-try clinic.

The free clinic, for golfers with a disability, will be held on Friday, 6 September from 2–4pm The Range @ Curlewis.

Parents, carers and friends are welcome to attend.

A highlight of the day will again be the ParaGolfer, the all-terrain wheelchair that elevates users into a standing position to permit a conventional golf swing.

“We will have qualified PGA all abilities coaches on hand to help anyone who wanted to enjoy what golf could become in their lives,” said Christian Hamilton, Golf Australia’s senior manager of inclusion.

Hamilton is excited the entire region will become accessible for all golfers through the initiative which is set to establish regular all abilities clinics at Curlewis.

“Working with a partner such as GenU is proving to be fantastic, we will be able to make an entire region accessible with the Paragolfer able to move around local clubs and facilities,” he said.

“And we couldn’t be more delighted that Curlewis is leading the charge to get everyone involved.”

Chief executive of genU, Mike McKinstry said the innovative golf machine was an exciting development for golfers who were keen to get back on the course.

“We’re committed to enabling people with disability to live the life they choose, and the ParaGolfer is a great example of this,” he said.

“We all know the benefits of exercise for our physical and mental health, and golf is also a great way to get out there and socialise with family and friends.”

Curlewis general manager Jamie Brigden said the inaugural clinic held in June was a big step towards making the Bellarine golf region accessible for people with a disability. 

“The response to the first clinic was fantastic with attendees ranging in age from 13-92 years old!  Parents, friends and carers attended and the Curlewis team is both excited and proud to be playing a role in eliminating barriers to inclusion and enjoyment of golf,” Brigden said.

“Our resident PGA pro, Steve Brodie, is a fully credited all abilities coach and we are very much focused on encouraging people to discover or reconnect with a game they love.

“We all witnessed first hand people’s enjoyment of the inaugural clinic – and we are looking forward to working with Golf Australia and genU to establish regular all abilities clinics here at Curlewis.”

The all abilities clinic will be held at The Range @ Curlewis, the club’s driving range, mini golf and function facility, adjacent to the club at 1201 Portarlington Road.

To enquire about future clinics, please contact Katie Bourke at genU on email at katie.bourke@genu.org.au or via phone at 0488 100 074.