How golf can help students with Autism

TGA Premier Junior Golf together with Autism Ontario will impact and enrich lives

SAULT STE. MARIE - TGA Premier Junior Golf (TGA), the global after- school youth sports enrichment program, will partner with Autism Ontario to teach the game of golf to 12 autistic students this summer.

The TGA/Autism Ontario golf classes will begin on July 14 at Silver Creek Golf Course in Garden River, Ontario, and run for six weeks into mid August with plans to continue into the fall and beyond.

TGA, new to Canada this year, has become a popular outlet for special needs and autistic students who get to experience and learn the game of golf in the safe setting that is their schools.

TGA’s specialized curriculum, designed specifically for schools, has been found to be a perfect fit for Autism Ontario.

The TGA program provides multiple learning stations set up for the students to fit with their respective levels of function.

“I was first introduced to the positive impact golf could have with individuals affected by Autism through a video testimonial from a parent of an autistic child in another TGA franchise program,” said Darren Hore, owner of TGA of Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Sudbury. “As I researched it more, I uncovered many success stories that involved golf and Autism and I wanted to bring that kind of program to the Sault Ste. Marie area.

“The repetitive nature of developing a proper golf swing and related skills is an area that connects with autistic children,” Hore explained. “The game of golf is something they can do by themselves and continually improve at with practice. A child with autism may not have the same initial level of motor skills as other children, but with their dedicated mindset and fine-tuned focus on golf drills, they can outwork other children and become better players. Whether it is on the course or off, the game can provide newfound opportunities for children and adults with Autism.”

Autism Ontario is the leading source of information on Autism in the Province of Ontario and has provided the funding so that the students along with a parent/ support worker can take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.

The classes will provide an introduction to golf with plans to continue beyond and add more students to the TGA program.

In addition, the Autism golf program will coincides with TGA of SSM and Greater Sudbury's involvement with GiveGolf.

Between July 18 and Aug. 18, TGA of Sault Ste. Marie will be participating in Canada's largest charity golf event. TGA of SSM’s owner is pledging to play a minimum of 144 holes of golf during that month of time with the goal of raising a minimum of $5,000 in support of Autism related charities in Canada.

For more information about this event, please share this campaign page

About Autism Ontario

Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on Autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the Autism community.

Members are connected through a volunteer network of chapters throughout the Province of Ontario.

A Board of Directors composed primarily of parents of individuals with Autism along with a host of volunteers and respected professionals provide expertise and guidance to the organization.

Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about Autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.

The association and chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research and advocating for programs and services.

About TGA Premier Junior Golf

TGA Premier Junior Golf (TGA) is an innovative franchise model for self-starters who enjoy working with children in a business venture that provides a unique entry into youth sports, education and the golf industry.

Entrepreneur Magazine named TGA a “Top 10 Franchise Value” in 2010 based on total startup costs, as well as No. 295 on the Magazine’s Franchise 500 rankings in 2012.

In addition, the publication has ranked TGA among the top children’s fitness, low-cost and home-based franchises.

TGA is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance and Lights on After School, and is a corporate advocate and national partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness, Golf Coaches Association and National Council of Youth Sports.

TGA’s curriculums are also approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA) under the Rules of Amateur Status.

For more information about TGA Premier Junior Golf, visit www.playtga.com or follow @TGAJuniorGolf on Twitter.