Phoenix, AZ — The I GOT THIS® Discovery Golf Clinic, presented in part by the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh and friends of I GOT THIS Athlete Sarah Friedman, offered a day of empowerment and discovery for Athletes and volunteers alike at the Bob O’Connor Golf Club. The clinic brought together 12 Athletes, ranging from ages 8 to 54, each paired with a dedicated Playing Partner, to experience the joy and challenge of golf.
Under the professional guidance of Debby Murphy, LPGA/PGA Instructor, and coaches Liz Caplan and Mark Bolla from First Tee Pittsburgh, participants were introduced to essential golf skills, including safety, grip, posture, building motion, and swing. The Athletes rotated through stations focused on full swing, chipping, and putting, each led by the three coaches.
“The beauty of an I GOT THIS Discovery Golf Clinic is that everyone involved discovers something,” shared the Executive Director of the I GOT THIS Foundation, Tracy Hupko. “Volunteers discover a new program to get involved with, instructors discover a universal way to deliver lessons, Athletes discover a new sport, and parents often discover that their child is more capable than even they may have thought.”
This clinic marks the first step in a potential lifelong golf journey, with the hope that Athletes will continue to pursue the sport by joining an I GOT THIS® Golf Camp. Clinics like these take place nationwide, spreading joy and inclusivity through sport.
Abigail Kraus, a senior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying Early Childhood Education and Special Education with a Minor in Educational Technology expressed her enthusiasm as a volunteer, stating, “I have to say that this was an extremely moving experience to work with these amazing athletes. I am grateful to have been part of such an impactful event and to support an organization that stands for ability, courage and community.”
Some parents participated as Playing Partners and others cheered from the side. Jacki Smith, mother to athlete Adanna, shared, “We were absolutely thrilled with the format of the I Got This program—especially the way each step was broken down into clear, simple, and visual instructions. As a visual learner myself, it was incredibly encouraging to see an instructor who truly understands and masters this teaching style.” She went on to say, “It’s a fantastic, inclusive program that makes learning both accessible and enjoyable.”
To learn more about bringing an I GOT THIS® Discovery Golf Clinic or Golf Camp to your area, visit igotthis.foundation/contact.
For more information, please contact:**
Tracy Hupko
I GOT THIS Foundation – Executive Director
Tracy@igotthis.foundation
(602) 703-3001