Golf tournament hits a hole in one for inclusion

Parks & Recreation, May, 2004

Each year 144 golfers descend on Las Vegas, Nev., to participate in the Annual Tee it Up Classic. At first glance, it doesn't seem like a big deal, considering Las Vegas has long been a stop for the Professional Golfers' Association of America, Ladies Professional Golfers Association, and the PGA Seniors' Tour, and on any given day host countless local and regional tournaments. However, it doesn't take long to realize there is something just a little bit special about the Tee it Up Classic.

The tournament is one of the few national venues that hosts a fully inclusive field. Each year, more than one-third of the field is comprised of individuals with physical disabilities. The competitive format is played over 36 holes, the first day utilizing a best ball format, and the second a two-person best scramble.

The city of Las Vegas first hosted the event in 1998, and through a United States Golfing Association (USGA) grant purchased ten single rider golf carts. "The availability of golf carts was key to the tournament's ability to draw from a national field," says John C. Chambers, manager of the city of Las Vegas Adaptive Recreation Division.

The Tee it Up Classic was awarded the 2002 Nevada Recreation and Park Society's Program Excellence Award, for Inclusive Program, and to date has drawn participants from five countries and 32 different states. Prior to the Sunday start, there is a two-hour Adaptive Golf Clinic for all participants and their family. For the past two years the clinic has been hosted by Nike Learning centers. "The Tee it Up Classic is truly a venue that promotes and enhances golf for the good of the game," says Frank Shaw, European PGA member and Nike regional representative.

Tim Chew, general manager of the Las Vegas Golf Club says "Hosting the tournament and housing the city of Las Vegas Adaptive Golf Program has definitely been a win-win scenario. The city of Las Vegas has provided resources in adaptive equipment and personal expertise regarding access and inclusion, and we are one of the few courses that have staff trained in disability awareness and sensitivity. We are happy to be able to provide quality customer service for individuals of all abilities, and I am proud that our staff has the knowledge and training to recognize individual differences and provide a quality golf experience for individuals of all abilities." The Fifth Annual Tee it Up Classic will be held May 18 and 19.

For more information please contact Lonny A. Zimmerman, lzimmerman @ci.las-vegas.nv.us.