Vicki Greene, event coordinator with the Walton Foundation; honorary chair and Champions Tour golfer Jim Dent; 1970 Masters champion Billy Casper; and Leslie Glass, VP of development for the Walton Foundation

Twenty-four adaptive golfers competed alongside 53 community golfers in this year’s State Farm Adaptive Golf Challenge, presented by the Walton Foundation, Atlanta, and raised more than $10,000 for foundation programs.

The 6th annual fundraiser, which took place on April 5, supports Camp TBI (To Be Independent), a week-long summer camp offered free to children and young adults ages 8 to 21 who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, and the free monthly adaptive golf program, which provides specially designed equipment, volunteer golf coaches, and an all-access pass to three local courses to help those 15 and older with acquired disabilities learn or return to the game of golf. “Funds raised this year will enable up to 10 children to attend Camp TBI or up to 36 adults to enjoy the game of golf through Walton’s monthly adaptive golf program,” said Leslie Glass, VP of development at Walton Foundation for Independence.

The adaptive golf challenge is also an awareness builder. A golfer with a physical disability is teamed with three community golfers, who are able to experience the abilities of those with physical disabilities.

Adaptive player Phil Copeland tees off at the first hole at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course during the 6th Annual State Farm Adaptive Golf Challenge, presented by the Walton Foundation.

This year’s event kicked off with Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver presenting 1970 Masters Champion Billy Casper with a proclamation naming it Billy Casper Day in Augusta; recognition of adaptive golf challenge honorary chair, Augusta native and Champions Tour golfer Jim Dent; and a trick and precision golf demonstration by nationally recognized golfers with disabilities.

Sponsors of this year’s event included State Farm, the United States Golf Association, Walton Foundation, News12, Allen-Batchelor Construction Inc, Cells for Life LTD, Creel Harison Foundation, Dawson, Taylor and Company Insurance, Georgia Bank and Trust, Medequip Healthcare, Pharmacare Services, Sodexo, Trattoria Sotto Sotto Restaurante, United Technology Group, and Wachovia. 

For more information on how to support or participate in Walton Foundation’s monthly adaptive golf program or Camp TBI, call (706) 826-5809.

Walton Rehabilitation Health System (WHRS) helps restores ability, hope, and independence to people who need medical rehabilitation and/or community support following temporary illness, injury, or a life-changing disability. WRHS is comprised of Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, a specialty not-for-profit hospital located in downtown Augusta; Walton outpatient therapy centers; Walton Medical Associates; Walton Community Services, which provide independent living settings throughout the CSRA for families with disabilities and for seniors; Walton Wound Care and Infusion Center; Walton Options for Independent Living, which provide employment assistance and other services for those with disabilities; and Walton Foundation for Independence.

[Source: Walton Foundation]