Michigan Adaptive Golf helps those with disabilities get back to the links

Michigan Adaptive Golf has been helping people with disabilities get back to the links for 15 years.

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GRAND BLANC -- Paul Delaforet was an avid golfer before losing his leg in a car accident 2.5 years ago.

"I've got a pretty good outlook on life for the most part," Delaforet said. "Golf is the one thing I really cherish."

Delaforet found, trying to play in his new reality was almost impossible, until he followed up on a flyer he received from?Michigan Adaptive Golf.??

They?hosted an adaptive golf clinic at Genesee Field House Dome Thursday.

"The [golf] pro fit me with a club and gave me some instruction on how to use it," Delaforet said. "He actually got me to hit it 100 yards."

The organization was started by Monica Haubenstricker 15 years ago with the help of some golf professionals, to help people with varying disabilities get back to the game they love, or jump into something new.

"When people find out it's possible, it's amazing to see the light in their eyes," Haubenstricker said. "It's a wondering feeling."

Their disabilities present challenges for sure, but none too great a little creative thinking can't solve. ?

"Sometimes I call it MacGyvering, changing equipment for those who are seated, or fitting others with special gloves that help them grip," said?Joe Portfilio, a PGA Professional who's been?with the organization since the beginning. "If you know what a golf club needs to do,?I just make things up. We adapt."

The players said just getting out there and doing it, makes all the difference."

"I just thought this will give me something to do and no one will laugh at me if I didn't hit the ball," Caroline Glasscock, who plays in the?Michigan Adaptive Golf League?said. "I've found my game and I love it."

Overall these players games might not be up to par, but at least they're giving it their best shot.

"If I go out and I'm no good at it, it would be a better feeling than if I couldn't play at all," Delaforet said.

Click here for more information on Adaptive Golf?

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