Get back on the course with Empower Golf (accessible golf tech)
Empower Golfon March 07, 2024
0 CommentsGetting back to activities that you love, or finding new interests, is an important part of recovery after a stroke.
Garry had always enjoyed playing golf, but after his stroke in 2015, he didn’t think it would be possible. But after having a chat with our founder James, Garry decided that he would give it a go, and since then he hasn’t looked back.
We asked Garry a few questions about getting back to playing golf.
When did you have your stroke?
I was an active 65 years old, with good fitness when I had my stroke.
Then I got ill in 2015. I was sick for three weeks, I went to several doctors, but none could diagnose my symptoms. Unfortunately, this led to my body shutting down and that caused my stroke.
What impact did your stroke have on you?
I used to live on a farm. I used to do all the maintenance. But since the stroke I now only do half as much due to my body's balance. Unfortunately, I recently broke my pelvis doing some handy work around the farm. The pace of my life has changed significantly. I had to learn how to do things again.
I had the opportunity to meet the founder and CEO of Empower Golf Australia James Gribble at my rehabilitation centre. He showed me the Paragolfer and I was hooked. I couldn't wait to just give it a go at my golf club, Links Kennedy Bay. At first, they weren't going to allow me to play but after speaking to James, my club allowed me to play golf weekly. The Paragolfer is on-charge at my house as I purchased one outright back in 2016.
The ParaGolfer is an all-terrain wheelchair that raises the user into a standing position, to allow a more conventional golf swing.
How long have you been playing golf, and upon reflection how has playing golf helped you in recovery?
I had been playing golf for about twenty-five years before my stroke. I had given up the thought of ever playing again because my mobility just wasn’t there. I didn’t know that there was accessible tech that could help me to play. It was a game changer for me.
Since my stroke in 2015 I have played in the Paragolfer. Golf is a hard game and the mental challenge that it provides is great for my development as a human. Everyone needs sunshine, to feel the wind, birds chirping and most importantly the great feeling of hitting one right out of the middle. A game of golf takes hours meaning there is a sustained focus on a result which I believe has helped me post stroke.
What advice do you have for other people thinking about playing golf after having a stroke?
I couldn't speak more highly about Empower Golf Australia and the impact that the Paragolfer has had on my life. Golf gives me so much joy and it has allowed me to live as normal a life as possible. My advice to anyone thinking about giving golf a try is to visit the events page at Empower Golf Australia's website and book in a time to see a qualified golf pro. For anyone interested in giving golf a go, Empower Golf Australia runs regular introductory clinics at golf clubs around Australia. Click on the link below to find an event near you - https://empowergolf.com.au/events/. ;
Feel free to contact Ben Tullipan on +61 432 090 887 for any query with regards to finding a clinic near you.
