The Mobility Impaired Golf Association (MiGA) hosted the MiGA 9-11-06 Golf Clinc and Tournament Monday (Sept. 11) at Tualatin Golf & Country Club in Tualatin, Oregon. This was the second annual tournament for the association, but first since MiGA was founded in 2005. The event honored Iraq War veterans who have been killed or permanently disabled. Mike Adams, Casey Martin and Derek Gemmet – founders of MiGA were the tournament hosts along with Tualatin Golf & Country Club PGA Professional Sean Fredrickson.
“Although we cannot bring back the ones who lost their lives or replace the limbs that were lost while defending our country, MiGA’s goal is to help reconstruct their lives physically, psychologically and socially through the game of golf,” said MIGA co-founder Mike Adams.
A one-hour clinic conducted by former PGA TOUR player and University of Oregon head golf coach Casey Martin was held prior to the tournament. He along with PGA Professional Derek Gemmet educated people on how mobility-impaired individuals can play and enjoy golf. Bryan Anderson, a triple amputee Iraq war veteran, and other mobility-impaired golfers from the Portland (Ore.) area participated in the clinic. Martin and Gemmet demonstrated how to use mobility-equipped carts while hitting drives, chips and putts. They also gave information about chat lines, golf instruction e-learning, and other resources provided for disabled golfers located on the migolf.org and playgolfamerica.com web sites. A DVD of the clinic is available on the MiGA web site at www.migolf.org.
PGA Professionals nationwide have made a commitment to help instruct individuals with disabilities. The PGA of America’s Play Golf America web site (www.playgolfamerica.com) has a section designated to individuals with disabilities. There are databases available to find PGA Professional instructors, facilities, programs and tournaments for individuals with disabilities in any area by inserting a zip code.
All proceeds from the event will go toward helping MiGA build its membership, serve its members and bring public awareness to the association. Funds will help MiGA build a web site that includes forums and resources, build strategic relationships and offer grant and funding opportunities for mobility-impaired golfers.
