March 1, 2010
Abilities of Nationally Recognized Golfers With Disabilities
Showcased During Adaptive Golf Challenge
Augusta, GA—Dennis Walters is a trick golfer who can hit precision shots blindfolded,
through fire, and with unusual golf clubs made from a fishing rod or radiator hose, while
Brad Clayton is a PGA Master Professional who has been named The Carolinas Section
Teacher of the Year.
But their golf expertise isn’t their only similarity. Both Walters and Clayton have
had to overcome disabilities to achieve their successes. Walters is paralyzed from the
waist down, and Clayton is a right-arm amputee. Their love of the game of golf has
fueled their dedication to demonstrate that golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people in
all walks of life, even those who may never have believed it would be possible to play.
Which makes them the perfect ambassadors to kick off the State Farm Adaptive
Golf Challenge on Monday, April 5 (the Monday of Masters Week), presented by the
Walton Foundation for Independence. The 6th annual event teams golfers with acquired
disabilities from across the region with community golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly,
competitive play. It also helps raise awareness of the benefit of sports and leisure
programs for those with acquired disabilities like spinal cord injury, brain injury and
more. “The ultimate goal of the Walton Foundation is to bring people with physical
challenges closer to independence and to a meaningful life with family, friends and
communities,” said Leslie Glass, Vice President of Development for the Walton
Foundation for Independence.
In addition, the event is a fund-raiser for two Walton Foundation programs: Camp To Be
Independent, a weeklong summer camp for children and young adults ages 8 to 21 who
have sustained traumatic brain injuries, and monthly Adaptive Golf Clinics, which
provide specially designed equipment and volunteer golf instructors to help those ages 15
and older with acquired disabilities learn or return to the game of golf. Last year’s event
raised about $9,000 for both programs.
On Monday, April 5, Walters and Clayton will kick off the Adaptive Golf Challenge
at The First Tee of Augusta with a demonstration and mini golf clinic that is open to the
public and is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event will also feature remarks by honorary
chair, Augusta native and Champions Tour golfer Jim Dent and other distinguished
guests. Registration for the Challenge will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Augusta Municipal
Golf Course. Sponsors include News12.
For golfers with acquired disabilities, adaptive carts are available for those who need
them and participation in the Challenge is free (golfers must meet certain criteria). The
Foundation is also accepting registrations for teams of community golfers. For
information on how to participate in or support the Adaptive Golf Challenge, please call
Vicki Greene at (706) 823-8584 or email vgreene@wrh.org.
Note to Media: To schedule interviews with Dennis Walters, Brad Clayton or a
representative from the Walton Foundation for Independence, please contact
Danielle Wong Moores at 706-434-1050.
###
Walton Rehabilitation Health System 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. For more information, visit www.wrh.org.
###