The USGA operates a junior golf program for students from the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind (CSDB), located in Colorado Springs. This is an eight-week program that takes approximately 20 kids to a local golf course to learn swing fundamentals and course etiquette. Each year, at least two Fellows plan and oversee the program, including the program’s budget, volunteer participation, and program curriculum.

USGA Fellow Matt Hazzard helps deaf participant Zach Barnes set-up before he swings.

In 2007 programming for the CSDB Golf Team started on March 5th with 16 participants enrolled for the year. Participants included: three blind students, one student with cerebral palsy, and a few special needs students. Programming was held at Cherokee Ridge Golf Course on Mondays and

Thursdays, which also hosts the Pikes Peak Linkers Junior Golf Program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Added to the curriculum in 2007 were in-school classes for CSDB participants to discuss golf vocabulary, rules, and etiquette with the participants.

CSDB blind participants Colin Creamer (left) and Carlos Riveros (right) smile for a picture with their favorite Sertoma Club Volunteer Barrie Town (center).

In an effort to increase communication between USGA Fellows and CSDB staff and participants, Fellows also participated in a ten-week American Sign Language Course. The curriculum of the course included sessions on golf vocabulary, introductions, and basic conversation. The classes were instrumental in Fellows gaining trust and building relationship with the youth in the program.

The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind program offers USGA Fellows the opportunity to implement the mission of the USGA Grants initiative in Colorado Springs, namely, to expand the game of golf to individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

For more information on the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind program please contact Gennessa Guzman at 719-471-4810 ext. 18 or email GGuzman@usga.org