Annual First Swing Golf Clinic Teaches More Than Just Golf – BCTV

by Reading Hospital – Tower Health

Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing and the Eastern Amputee Golf Association recently held the 11th annual First Swing & Learn to Golf Clinic at Sittler Golf in Sinking Spring for patients with disabilities and their families.

More than 40 participants from Berks County and beyond attended the free event, where Adam Benza of the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, and Rick Kline, Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and owner of Sittler Golf, demonstrated adaptive golf equipment.

“The golf clinic gives amputees an opportunity to get active in a low-impact sport and to develop a support system with other amputees,” Kelley Crozier, MD, Chair, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, explained. “This is the favorite support group event of the year and has even converted some to become regular golfers.”

The group received event T-shirts donated by local company M.J. Reider Associates and practiced hitting golf balls on the course. They learned how to swing a golf club, as well as how to adjust their bodies.

“We’re so grateful to the doctors, residents, community, and team at Sittler Golf who all make possible every year,” Jennifer Best, Occupational Therapist IV at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation in Wyomissing, said. “It’s an important event to all of us, and we’re happy that this year was such a success. We’re already excited for next year.”

“This event is very important to our team at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation, and their enthusiasm shows when it comes to organizing it every year,” Charles F. Barbera, MD, President and CEO of Reading Hospital, said. “We love to see people come out and learn something new and engage in a new sport. If they make friends or find support when they’re together, it’s a wonderful thing.”