Metropolitan Golf Association Announces Plans for Adaptive Golf Programming
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (February 20, 2024) – The Metropolitan Golf Association is pleased to announce that it is embarking on an Adaptive Golf Initiative, adding golf programs for individuals with physical, intellectual, and neurological impairments to its service offerings through the MGA Foundation.
In the first year of programming, the MGA will collaborate with local groups and organizations to provide introductory clinics to juniors and adults with intellectual impairments. These clinics, beginning in April, will be designed to provide opportunities to share golf with those who may not have experience with the game and will further strengthen the MGA’s commitment to its mission to champion, invest, and advance the game and its future through services for the Met Area golf community.
“There are more than 5.7 million adaptive golfers in the United States, according to the National Golf Foundation, many of whom live in or near the Met Area,” says Brian R. Mahoney, MGA Executive Director/CEO. “We believe expanding our programming to include opportunities for the adaptive community will make a positive difference in the lives of many. We’re eager to share the game and look forward to building new relationships with this community.”
The MGA Foundation is the charitable vehicle for growing the game in the Met Area and supporting the MGA’s mission. The MGA’s adaptive offerings will be supported and conducted by the MGA Foundation. “We are excited to launch a new initiative through the Foundation's programming that will offer accessibility to the game for all communities,” says Johanna Gavin, Director of the MGA Foundation. “The MGA has never wavered from its commitment to grow the game, and we are eager to provide opportunities in adaptive golf.”
Ryan Kayton has joined the MGA staff as the Manager, Adaptive Golf to develop and implement this initiative, with plans to expand the offerings in future years. Kayton brings a strong golf background to the MGA, having worked at Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport, N.Y., and Dix Hills Park Golf Course in Dix Hills, N.Y., where he oversaw day-to-day operations and led junior golf instruction and programs. Previously, he assisted the Metropolitan PGA Section with tournament operations and is an Ernie Els “Game On” Autism Golf Certified Instructor. He competed on the men’s golf team at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, N.Y., where he graduated from in 2023 with a degree in business administration. He is pursuing his MBA, also at St. Joseph’s University.
“I'm thrilled to join the MGA staff and be part of an organization that embraces diversity and brings positive change to the world of golf,” says Kayton. “The Adaptive Golf Initiative is a fantastic opportunity to make the sport more accessible. I'm excited to contribute to creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the game regardless of their abilities.”
On the 2024 competitive golf schedule, the MGA will conduct one of six sectional qualifiers throughout the country for the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open Championship on April 24 at Haworth Country Club in Haworth, N.J. Because of surging interest in the event, this is the first year that players will have to qualify for the championship, which Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan., will host in July.
Related: MGA to Conduct U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifying
Further details on clinics for the 2024 season and additional adaptive offerings will be shared on mgagolf.org. The MGA is actively seeking volunteers for event assistance. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Ryan Kayton at ryan.kayton@mgagolf.org.