Love of golf drives local non-profit organization
by Jen Ball | Staff Writer

SARASOTA — As a seasoned golf professional, David Windsor has spent countless hours helping children and adults improve their game while teaching them the basic fundamentals of golf.

But it wasn’t until Windsor moved to Florida in 1999 that he learned just how valuable the game of golf can be. It was there that he first came in contact with Florida Adaptive Golf.

Founded in 1998, Florida Adaptive Golf is a not-for-profit organization designed to give individuals limited by a disability or personal injury the chance to learn to play golf, using specialized adaptive equipment, while helping to improve their quality of life and personal well being.

“They come out for more than just golf; it’s the camaraderie and socialization,” said Windsor, the director of operations for Florida Adaptive Golf Inc. in Sarasota. “It’s more of a refreshing vitalization, because they’ve got something more to look forward to.”

During the next year, Windsor watched as individuals suffering from disabilities and personal injuries, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, strokes and amputation, came out once a week to use the golf course. While on the course, Windsor noticed participants were able to forget about their limitations, as they not only learned how to play the game of golf, but also learned valuable life skills.

“It gives everyone their independence and confidence to get out on their own,” Windsor said. “Independence goes a long way. It means the world to them.”

Windsor was 14 when he picked up his first golf club. He later earned a degree in golf management from Mississippi State, and over the years, Windsor has worked his way up through the professional circuit, competing in different pro-am tournaments and becoming a PGA member in 1998.

“You never really know anyone’s true color until you play golf with them,” Windsor said.

Sarasota resident Michael Motycka was born with spina bifida, a developmental birth defect of the spinal column that confined him to a wheelchair. In 2004, he became involved with Florida Adaptive Golf, participating in its weekly programs. A year later, his father, Steve, suffered a brain injury, and for the past two years, the pair have been playing the game together.

“Golf can strengthen values and family ties, because now they are able to go out and play the game together,” Windsor said.

Florida Adaptive Golf offers programs for people of all ages, including junior and young adult after-school programs, summer camps, adult adaptive golf sessions, and veterans clinics, among others.

Contact Jen Ball at jball@yourobserver.com.

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