By Elena Burgé, Community Relations Coordinator, Cordova Recreation & Park District
Golf can be more than just a sport. For many, it’s a way to build confidence, foster friendships and enjoy the outdoors. At Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD), the "Life Without Limits Through Golf" (LWLTG) program is redefining what the game can offer by opening it up to people who may never have thought the sport was accessible to them. Launched in early 2023, this innovative program provides children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families a chance to experience golf in an inclusive, welcoming environment. In partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Sacramento and Northern California (UCP), CRPD is creating a space at Cordova Golf Course where everyone can experience the joy of learning, playing and connecting on the green.
The partnership began with a trial golf clinic, designed to test the adaptability of traditional golf instruction for participants with developmental and physical disabilities. This pilot program highlighted the unique potential for inclusion at Cordova Golf Course, showing that, with thoughtful planning, golf can be accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all abilities. LWLTG is now a year-long introductory golf program, with monthly two-hour clinics led by Class A Professional Golfers' Association professionals. These clinics are designed to be both welcoming and engaging, providing instruction on the fundamentals of golf through fun and interactive on and off course activities. Each session also incorporates essential elements like exercise, warm-ups, “family time” and socialization, all contributing to a holistic experience that promotes self-confidence, camaraderie and an active lifestyle.
UCP, originally founded by a group of parents seeking resources and support for children with cerebral palsy, has expanded its mission over the past 60 years. Today, it serves individuals with a range of developmental disabilities, including autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome and epilepsy. By partnering with UCP, CRPD is bridging the gap between recreational opportunities and specialized support.
Funding was one of the main hurdles in bringing the LWLTG program to life. Adapting golf instruction to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities requires not only specialized equipment but also extensive training for staff. To make this program accessible, CRPD applied for the Northern California Golf Association Foundation’s Reach Grant, a grant aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the game of golf. The awarded $25,000 grant enabled Cordova Golf Course to purchase adaptive equipment and teaching supplies for LWLTG and to offset registration costs for families who may not otherwise be able to afford the program. This financial support has been instrumental in CRPD’s ability to provide a welcoming, cost-effective program, ensuring that no one is prevented from participating due to financial constraints.
Since its inception, LWLTG has seen significant demand and participation. The initial trial clinic welcomed 20 UCP participants from the Greater Sacramento area, and since then, more than 80 individuals have participated, with each session reaching maximum capacity and generating waitlists. This positive response highlights the community’s interest in inclusive recreational opportunities and underscores the importance of expanding such programs.
Looking to the future, CRPD is committed to broadening the scope of its inclusive programming. CRPD hopes to adapt other recreational offerings, from sports to arts, to ensure individuals with developmental and physical disabilities can enjoy the full range of CRPD’s resources. By creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, CRPD is working to build a community where each person, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive.
The LWLTG program stands as a testament to CRPD’s dedication to inclusivity, wellness and community engagement. Through this program, CRPD and UCP are helping participants achieve greater independence, develop new friendships and boost their self-confidence, all while discovering the joy of golf. For CRPD staff and instructors, the reward lies in the impact they have on their participants' lives, with the smiles, progress and excitement at each clinic being the program’s truest measure of success.