Getting into the swing of golf

Lachlan Foulsham coaches Ryan Stott 22 of Newnham in the use of the para golfer machine worth 40 grand

APRIL 2017 | David Claridge

Lachlan Foulsham coaches Ryan Stott, 22 of Newnham, in the use of the paragolfer machine which cost $40,000.

SOMETHING INSPIRING happened at the Prospect Golf Club in March.

Golf lovers who had lost the ability to play sport, were encouraged to attend as golf enthusiast and founder of Empower Golf, James Gribble came to show locals with disability, that hurdles can be conquered and fun can still be had.

“At Empower Golf we try and facilitate golf for people who can no longer play after accident or illness or someone who has never been able to play,” James explained.

“What we’re trying to do is establish Empower Golf Hubs in Tasmania where there are facilities set up with all of the access and equipment to run golf clinics so people can play on a regular basis.

James, a quadriplegic after an unfortunate accident stumped medical professionals by recovering as much as he did and then put his determination and corporate background together to create Empower Golf.

With his Paragolfer, a German made all-terrain wheelchair, James could be elevated into a standing position so that he can swing a club and continues to play a sport he loves. He shared the vehicle with other wheelchair bound people, giving them a feeling they probably never thought likely again.

“People can use the paragolfer for pretty much any sport; fly fishing, basketball, archery or even if people simply want to meet people at eye level or want to stand up at a bar to order a drink.”

It is James’s dream for golf clubs all over Australia to have a paragolfer for people with a disability to hire and use as he does.

Empower Golf is based in Sydney and has been running for three years. This year they plan to run 200 of these clinics in Australia. They have 10 hubs so far, aiming for 30 by the end of 2017.

Photo | Mike Moores