Revisiting the "Why"

An issue that I addressed in one of the earliest posts on this blog is why I started the junior golf program at Ranken Jordan.  The simple answer to that is the one I gave in that early post:  "Why not?"  However in the months that have passed since writing that post I have been fortunate to have several in depth conversations with some of the kids, their families, Ranken Jordan staff, and other golf professionals around the country who work with physically challenged players.  Through these conversations it has become extremely clear that programs like this are much more than just exposing these kids to the game of golf.  Time spent playing golf is very meaningful to all of those involved, especially the kids.

During these conversations a variety of points have been raised that begin to make you realize what playing golf means to and does for the kids and their families.  Parents have shared with me how great it is to have the opportunity to play a sport with their child.  I have also heard from the parents what it means to the kids.  Take this quote as an example:


"My son has a love for sports.  Due to multiple hip surgeries he has been confined to a wheelchair most of his life. One of the many sports he loves is golf.  When he was a patient at Ranken Jordan he was able to fulfill one of his wishes.  That wish was to play golf.  Ranken Jordan offers children with disabilities so many wonderful opportunities, but their golf program was my son's favorite.  The golf professionals that came in were incredible.  They taught him how to swing a golf club in his wheelchair.  They took one of his dreams and made it a reality.  I was fortunate enough to witness the look of sheer happiness and confidence on his face as he saw that he was able to enjoy sports.  I am so grateful to Ranken Jordan and their program for allowing him to have this opportunity of a lifetime."

It does not take much discussion to quickly realize the significant positive impact golf has in the lives of medically complex children.  Whether it be a wish being fulfilled, showing them how they can play the game of a lifetime, or simply helping with their rehabilitation, the golf program has given these kids possibilities they likely did not realize were available to them.  By taking the kids to the golf course and putting them into single-passenger carts they have seen a level of independence that they did not know was there for them.  We have seen golf be the reason why a kid goes through their daily rehab (and in some cases golf has been the rehab).

These examples bring it back to the original point of why I started this program and why I am so excited every week when I get to the hospital.  The reason that comes to my mind and won't leave is that starting this program was the right thing to do.  I do not have a fancy explanation or long drawn out narrative explaining why.  It was just the right thing to do.  One smile or one high five following a well-struck shot or a holed putt is all the reason that I need.  I am fortunate to see first-hand what I consider to be miracles and hopefully play some small role in the recovery of these amazing kids.  Golf has given a tremendous amount to the more than 1,400 kids (and counting) who have been part of our program.  But the one who has been given the most is me.  To each and every one of the kids who has been to "golf day" . . . thank you.

A Few More Stories

Most of the time when I sit down to write a blog post I try to come up with something different to talk about or at least discuss a topic that I haven't mentioned in a while.  This one, however, is not going to be like that.  Our golf clinic this morning at Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital in St. Louis, MO, was so incredible that I decided to do nothing more than talk about it in this post.  Even after 125 or so golf clinics there are still days like today that leave me totally amazed and defy description.

For those of you not in the St. Louis area this morning wasn't exactly ideal for golf.  Temperatures were in the low 60's and we had a steady rain all morning long.  Yes, many folks would pull on rain gear and tee it up regardless.  But those people don't have medical equipment that has to go with them everywhere and be plugged in to an electrical outlet.  Weather conditions like these show one of the reasons why Ranken Jordan is such a special facility.  Just because it is raining doesn't mean the kids will not be able to play golf.  We simply set up in either Warner's Corner or the gym and they play away!  Rain, snow, sleet, too cold, too hot . . . none of it prevents the kids from getting their golf in.  Not allowing the rainy weather to put a damper on spirits is only one reason why today was such a great day.  Three of the kids who played today left me in awe.

Warner's Corner indoor playground area at Ranken Jordan

The first junior golfer I have talked about many times in the past.  She is always one of the first ones to get to the tee, but today she was absent.  When we went to look for her we found her sitting by a window looking out at the dreary weather.  As soon as I knelt down next to her and asked if she wanted to play golf that big smile that we all know so well spread across her face.  The young lady who not too long ago could not swing the club by herself or play for more than a few minutes without needing to rest was on her way to the gym.  For the next hour she hit putt after putt, chipped a few balls into the net she was using as a target, and sent several shots sailing across the room with her sweet swing.  The entire time the smile never left her face.  I have watched first-hand her improvement as a golfer but most importantly her recovery and physical improvements.  Knowing that golf has played a role in improving her rehabilitation is a constant reminder to me that we are doing good things for the kids in our golf program.

Last week we had two new golfers join us.  The first of those arrived in a wheelchair and wearing a brace around his torso that would prevent him from making a full backswing.  Neither of those things stopped him from grabbing a driver and ripping drives that any seasoned player would be happy with.  Did I mention that was his first time picking up a golf club?  This week he was back and ready for more.  The only difference between last week and today was that he walked in rather than coming in his wheelchair.  During his time hitting balls he needed to take a couple of breaks, but those did not last long as he was anxious to keep working on the small change we made to his takeaway.  One small adjustment was all it took to have him sending shots soaring across the gym and banging off the wall.  Not only was I amazed to see the quality of shots he was hitting but to do so standing up was simply incredible!

Our other new golfer last week came to us in his hospital bed.  He was laying on his stomach but wanted to hit some golf balls.  Naturally we brought him over to an astroturf mat and hat him going before he knew it.  Of course his swing was limited in length but he made up for it in desire.  He constantly asked questions and only wanted to take short rests.  This week was no different.  After spending most of his time last week with the full swing he told us he wanted to learn how to putt this week.  I told him I would also like to learn how to putt but I would have him making putts in no time.  We spent most of our time working from about 6 feet and it was not long before he was routinely making 3 or 4 putts in a row!  Was I impressed, shocked, or in awe?  All of the above.  The great volunteers we have helping on a regular basis also felt the same way.

Days like today make it very easy to go back every week and work with the kids.  They enjoy it, the staff & volunteers enjoy it, and I enjoy it.  Most importantly the kids are having fun and getting better at the same time.  Many of these kids have been told they can't do something when they ask to get involved.  At Ranken Jordan that does not happen.  Our golf program follows in those same footsteps.  Any and every kid who wants to be a part of the program and learn how to play golf is welcomed with open arms.  Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm from week to week greatly contributes to the success of the junior golf program.  But the true definition of success comes from seeing the physical, mental, and emotional improvement in each of the kids as they learn the game of a lifetime.

Another Marathon Complete

Ask any golf professional about charity golf events and they will tell you that they are involved with them on a wide variety of levels.  We all host them at our golf courses.  Many golf professionals are on the golf committee for a cause that is close to their heart.  Play in one of the thousands of charity events and you will likely see at least one PGA Professional playing in the event to help support the charity.  Whatever the specific nature of involvement we all know how important these events are to our golf facility, the individual charity, and the community as a whole.

On multiple occasions on this blog I have written about my involvement with the Gateway PGA Section's Golf Day Marathon.  This is a season long even that asks our Section's professionals to commit to playing 100 holes of golf in one day.  Given our schedules and the amount of hours worked by a golf professional in season this is no small commitment!  The professionals who play get friends, relatives, members, and golfers at their course to pledge their financial support to raise money for selected charities.  This was the second year for the event in the Gateway PGA and on October 7, 2013, we held a "thank you" pro am event at Annbriar Golf Course for many of the generous donors.  The great day of golf was highlighted at dinner by the recognition of the charities and the check presentation.

This year we once again supported Hospice of Southern Illinois, Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital, and the Gateway PGA Foundation.  Two new charities that were involved this year were the Columbia (MO) Golf Foundation and Quincy (IL) Junior Golf.  After hosting, running, and playing in so many charity events it is particularly rewarding to be involved with the PGA Golf Day and see the impact our efforts have on our community through these charities.  I feel comfortable in saying that there is not one golf professional in our Section who has not had a direct experience with at least one of these charities.  In the Quincy area, Gideon Smith, PGA, has introduced a golf in school program to new junior golfers at each of the six Quincy elementary schools and will soon expand to Springfield, IL.  The money donated to the Columbia Golf Foundation will be used for a similar endeavor.  Hospice of Southern Illinois covers 27 counties throughout the area and provides a compassionate service to many people in the region.  The final few days of my mother's life were spent in hospice care and I cannot say enough good things about the work this organization does.  The Gateway PGA Foundation, led by MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, provides opportunities through golf to improve the lives of thousands of kids throughout the entire Gateway PGA Section (for more information on the Gateway PGA Foundation click HERE).

I feel I can talk much more about the work done at Ranken Jordan due to the amount of time I spend at that amazing facility.  While PGA Professionals spend many hours helping a wide variety of charities raise necessary funds, it is not often we see the direct benefit of how those dollars are used.  Every week when I walk through the doors at the building on Dorsett Avenue I see why I happily play 100 holes of golf in one day and encourage other golf professionals in our Section to do the same thing.  "Care beyond the bedside" is not just a phrase tossed around at Ranken Jordan, it is exactly what they do for the kids.  Air hockey, ping pong, Xbox, indoor & outdoor playground equipment, basketball, golf . . . sounds like a typical pediatric hospital, right?  These are just some of the activities you will see the kids engaged in on a daily basis.  At times you will see a child in a wheelchair swing a golf club without assistance for the first time, watch a kid laying on his stomach on a stretcher chip a ball into the bullseye of his target, or maybe you will watch a 13 year old young man take his first steps up to a putting green.  What you will always see are kids laughing, smiling, and playing, while being cared for by a staff who has a level of passion and dedication that is second to none.

2012 Gateway PGA Golf Day Marathon check presentation with Ozzie Smith

This year we were honored to be able to donate $10,500 to Ranken Jordan which brings the 2 year total to just over $21,000.  When you give this sum of money to an organization with a CEO like Lauri Tanner you know that nothing but good things will come from it.  We are very fortunate in St. Louis to have world class medical care like what the kids receive at Ranken Jordan.  As a Section we are also very fortunate to be involved and associated with all of the great charities we support through the PGA Golf Day.  Events like this are a great example of the good things that can be done with and through the game of golf.  And nights like last night, when this game affords me the opportunity to present checks in excess of $10,000 to multiple charities, make me very, very proud to be a PGA Professional.

Benefits In Abundance

Very often when I sit down to write a new blog post I find myself drawing a blank as I try to decide on a topic.  Of course those who know me best would say my mind being blank is not an uncommon occurrence!  What I have come to learn about this particular situation is that I am often overwhelmed by the amount of topics available.  Every week we see kids who provide us with so many great stories and memories that can be told.  After over 2 1/2 years of weekly junior golf clinics you can imagine the number of stories I have to attempt to keep straight!  We have no intention of stopping this program so the volume of stories will just continue to grow and grow.

When I look back from where we are at now to the beginning of the program I often times find myself wondering about the exact role golf has played in the recovery of some of the kids.  This past week at Ranken Jordan I was talking about this topic with one of the therapists when we saw one of our regulars on her way to the "tee" with an ever-present smile on her face.  Looking at her it was easy to figure out the role golf has played in her recovery.  This young lady has consistently been at our weekly golf clinics the entire time she has been at Ranken Jordan.  When she first started coming to golf we had to go hand-over-hand with her and she struggled to sit up in her wheelchair for more than a few minutes before needing a break.  Little by little her strength improved.  As this happened she was able to play golf for most of the hour that we are there every Tuesday.  Earlier this summer her strength had improved so much that she began taking swings on her own!  Now she sits up in her wheelchair for the entire hour, hits golf balls the entire time, and has a permanent smile etched on her face.  Golf has been a way for her to build her strength, stamina, and balance in a fun way and show her that she has something extra to look forward to when she leaves the hospital!

Stories about recoveries like this are not uncommon.  Many times in this blog I have described various stories about kids who have been a part of our junior golf program.  Every one of them has talked about how much fun they have playing golf and how they never dreamed it could be possible for them to play.  Putting a golf club in their hands has served as a catalyst in their recovery.  They are part of a sport that has allowed them to set very realistic, attainable goals . . . and then they work to reach those goals.  In many cases the time spent playing golf has served as part of their actual therapy.  The social and emotional improvements are also very noticeable.  Seeing the kids interact with each other on a weekly basis reminds everybody of the important role golf plays in the lives of these kids.

The other aspect I wonder about from time to time is what this junior golf program has meant to the Gateway PGA Section.  Being involved with a great facility like Ranken Jordan has certainly led to me being involved in a variety of golf tournaments, dinners, and other functions that I otherwise would not have been a part of.  But the Gateway PGA Section has also seen some benefits.  Recently I received an e-mail from our Executive Director, Josh Riley, PGA, explaining how the Section has benefited:

Ranken Jordan – A Pediatric Specialty Hospital is a special place to children across the country and to the Gateway PGA.  Through our charitable arm, the Gateway PGA Foundation, we have been able to donate equipment to the hospital.  The donation of equipment would be fruitless if not for the time that has been put in by local PGA Professionals.  The idea and the passion were brought forth by Kevin Corn, PGA.  The concept is simple from the view point that it is providing a reprieve for kids who battle through countless hours of rehabilitation and medical treatment.  However, the concept is much deeper when you look at the relationships that have been formed and the joy that exudes from a child when they realize they can play golf in their own special way.  The Ranken Jordan program has allowed the Gateway PGA to give back through golf while hopefully improving the outlook on a few kids’ lives.

To me it is a sign of a very successful junior golf program when everyone involved sees benefits.  I will be the first one to jump up and say I have seen countless personal and professional benefits from my involvement.  As you read in Josh Riley's comments the Gateway PGA has seen many benefits.  Ranken Jordan has seen happier kids, expanded therapy options, additional media attention, and donations from the Gateway PGA Golf Day.  The game of golf is growing and adding new players from the participants in our program (as well as family members, friends, Ranken Jordan staff members, etc).  But most importantly, the kids involved have received benefits.  Regardless of how everyone else has benefited or improved, none of it would matter if the kids were not having fun and getting better.

Possibility Awaits

Independence, dreams, possibilities.  These three words present limitless potential for millions of kids around the world.  Many days these kids get up and head off to school to learn what will be the foundation of their future careers.  Other days the kids get up and the  biggest decision they have to make is whether they will play baseball or basketball all day long.  They have the ability to make those decisions because their bodies allow them to.  They are not challenged by a left arm that refuses to work quite right or a right leg that may not be there anymore.  Nor do they have to worry about transferring themselves from their bed to their wheelchair.  Making sure someone is close by to change their oxygen tank (1 of 25 they will go through on a daily basis) is not a necessity.  Many of the kids who are not faced with these issues think they have it "rough" because they didn't get the newest video game as soon as it was released or their iphone is not the most recent model.

One day for any of these kids (or adults for that matter) in a pediatric hospital would most certainly change their perspective.  Spend 2 minutes in a pediatric oncology unit or talk to the kids in the cardiac ward and tell me that the video games or cell phones really matter.  Talk to the kid in the rehabilitation hospital who is learning to walk with his new prosthetic leg and explain to me how you can get upset because you hit your tee shot into the water.  You can't.  Yet while you talk to the kids in any of these areas you will see some common threads.  They are likely smiling more than you are.  Almost all of them (if not all) have a better perspective and outlook on life than you do.  All of them are working for some independence, they are creating and chasing their dreams, and they all want to know what possibilities await them when they are released to go home.

During their time in any type of pediatric medical facility kids will be presented with a wide variety of activities to minimize boredom and keep them smiling.  However many of these activities are designed to keep them in their bed, hospital room, or wheelchair.  Most facilities do not embrace "care beyond the bedside" like I have been witness to.  This is where golf comes in to play.  Golf gets the kids up, out of bed, and moving.  It puts a smile on their face, makes them laugh, and has them interacting with their peers.  Long drive challenges are extended to therapists or golf professionals (and it is amazing how often the kids win!).  And guess what else it gives them?  Golf gives them independence, a new set of dreams, and it gives them possibilities.

Of course golf can and should be incorporated into the therapy of any of these kids.  There are many physical benefits from playing the game.  However as big as the physical benefits are the emotional and sociological improvements the kids see.  Seeing the smile on the face of a junior golfer as he is on the golf course and driving a golf cart for the first time is indescribable.  Watch a girl give a little fist pump after she makes her 5th straight putt and try not to smile.  Or  you can observe the look on the face of the man working in the golf store who clearly does not think Zakki Blatt can hit the driver he has selected.  That man was quickly proved wrong as shot after shot was ripped into the simulator screen.  Golf has given all of these kids a level of independence and allowed them to dream new dreams.  Soon golf will also give them possibilities.

A New Role

Golf Instructor.  Merchandiser.  Tournament Administrator.  Business Analyst.  Golf Car Fleet Manager.  Junior Golf Leader.  Player.  Food & Beverage Manager.  Golf Club Cleaner.  Membership Sales.  Public Relations.  Range Ball Picker.  Caddy Master.  Rules Official.

These are only a few of the many different roles PGA Professionals take on each and every day.  I kept the list short as it could go on for pages.  Many people do not realize the varied job duties that are required from every professional on staff to efficiently operate a golf course every day.  If you ask most people what PGA Professionals do every day they will reply "play golf and give lessons."  Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth for most of us!  During our 12 or 14 hour days we have to assume roles that at times aren't exactly glamorous in order to provide the best possible experience for each of the golfers on the course every day.

Upon entering the golf business most professionals know they are going to work long hours, play very little golf, and give fewer lessons than what they would like.  That is the direction our industry has turned in recent years with no sign of going back anytime soon.  My personal opinion is that many decision makers in the golf business have lost sight of what drives the industry:  the game.  They have forgotten that if people do not enjoy playing and have fun while on the course that they will stop playing, or at the very least play less.  The reason we all entered this profession is because of an inherent love for the game and too often we spend more time in board rooms than on the course interacting with our players.

Times like this are when it is essential that PGA Professionals step up and show that we are the experts in the game.  Yes we can also handle the business but most importantly we are experts in the game of golf.  How do we do this?  One way is to find new areas to introduce potential players to the game and show people just how fun golf can be.  Isn't that why you play a game, to have fun?  You know what happens in every pediatric hospital I walk into and teach the kids how to play golf?  Every one of the kids has fun.  They laugh.  They smile.  They get to know other people who they may have never interacted with if it wasn't for golf.  And while they're at it they get in a little bit of therapy without realizing it is happening.

The kids aren't the only ones having fun.  The PGA Professionals are having fun.  The therapists, doctors, and nurses are having fun, also.  All of us are getting back to the root reason for why we play.  Along the way we are also developing relationship with some of the kids that prove to be very special.  We are providing mentoring without knowing it.  We are giving them hope and something to look forward to when they leave the hospital.  Maybe focusing on the fun is too simplistic of an approach for many in the golf industry to understand.  There are no fancy presentations with colorful graphs and year-to-year comparisons.  All we have is a bunch of kids having fun.  I have had mothers of kids in our program tell me that what we are doing is "magic" and that we have "made dreams come true."  Trying to have fun could be the way to show the child in all of us the magic this game possesses and allow us to see our dreams come true.

Any Questions?

Questions are a natural part of anything involving children.  Juniors are naturally inquisitive and tend to ask about anything and everything imaginable.  Many times the question will simply be "why?" and you feel as if you will never give an acceptable answer!  Other times the question will be more in depth and you will try to figure out how to give an acceptable answer.  The golf clinics at Ranken Jordan are no different as the junior golfers are always throwing questions at us.  Often the questions are the same as what would be heard in any other junior golf program at the thousands of golf facilities around the country.

"How do I hit it farther?"
"Why didn't the ball fly straight?"
"Do you know Tiger Woods?"
"What do you mean I have to hit something other than a driver?"

These questions are asked in every junior golf program regardless of location, amount of experience the junior golfers have, or type of facility the program is at.  Then there are some of the questions I have heard during our golf clinics.  These are the questions that let you know that the program is making a difference in the lives of so many amazing children.

"How can I keep playing golf when I leave the hospital?"
"Will you help me find the right golf clubs and play golf with me when I go home?"
"Can my dad come watch because he said he never thought he would see me hit a golf ball?"
"How can I play golf from a wheelchair?"
"I want to keep practicing; can't therapy wait?"

Some of these questions are easier to answer than others.  One of my favorites is when the kids want to keep practicing and the therapists have to try and explain why they have to go to therapy!  Other questions that I have heard can make your eyes get a little sweaty.  Yet others simply bring a big smile to your face as you realize the impact golf is having on the lives of these kids.  It is always wonderful to see family members come to the clinics to watch the kids play golf.  The looks of amazement, the tears of joy, and the positive comments are truly heartwarming.  Showing the relatives that playing golf is a reality is a major step to keeping the kids playing once they leave the hospital.

The best part of all the questions that are asked is that the inquisitiveness about the game comes from a real interest and enjoyment in what they are doing.  Each of these junior golfers genuinely enjoys having the opportunity to learn to play golf and sees that their medical condition won't keep them from this great game.  As I have mentioned numerous times in several different blog posts a pediatric hospital is not the first place many would think a junior golf program can be successful.  The 1,400+ kids we have seen in the past 2 1/2 years prove otherwise.  Golf is a great healing tool and in our program it is utilized as such.

The game does not just help heal the physical issues the children are facing.  It helps heal their mind and soul as well as their body.  Of course the most obvious improvements are the physical ones, many of which are nothing short of miraculous.  But during my time working with medically complex children I have also seen personality changes in many of the kids.  After talking with them, therapists, nurses, doctors, and family members, it is clear that golf is playing a significant role in many of these changes.  These improvements and changes are in many cases just as important as the physical ones.  I can say with great certainty that there is no better feeling than knowing this junior golf program has played a small role in the healing of so many kids.  Now it is time to get busy and add programs around the country . . . and in the process we will help thousands upon thousands of kids each year.