Matt, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a kayaking accident, played out of an adaptive golf cart that raises him into a standing position. Once upright, he can swing every club in his bag. For Matt, the standing cart lets him experience the game the way he always has, taking full swings and playing with his friends and family.
Tom was born with polio and played the Classic from the passenger side of a standard golf cart. For full shots, Tom used the Power2Golf club, a swingless golf club that uses a button to propel the club forward. Around the greens, he relied on the AdapTee slingshot for his chips, and a pendulum putter controlled by his partner to roll in putts. With the right combination of equipment and a helpful playing partner, Tom competed on every hole.
After overcoming a brain tumor in college, Sean has made such a miraculous comeback that he now plays golf like he did before. His presence on the course is a powerful reminder of what hard work, excellent care, and a strong support system can make possible.
Together, Tom, Matt, and Sean show the range of adaptive golf. Some players need specialized equipment, some need a single piece of technology to unlock their swing, and some work their way back to play unimpeded. What matters is that they are out on the course, enjoying the friendships and competition that make golf so special.
Events like the Jerry Segal Classic underscore the importance of adaptive sports programs in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Philanthropy funds the adaptive equipment, specialized carts, and programs that allow athletes like Tom, Matt, and Sean to get back on the course and stay active in the sports they love.
Moss-Magee wheelchair sports teams include basketball, racing, rugby, golf, and tennis. For information, contact Keith Newerla at keith.newerla@jefferson.edu.