Giving their best shots

By TOM CHARD, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright © 2002 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

E-mail this story to a friend

	Staff photo by Doug Jones Santo DiDonato of South Portland, left, joins instructors and other participants on the driving range during a golf clinic for the physically challenged.
	Staff photo by Doug Jones Steve Dunwoody of Falmouth, a former Navy and airline pilot, says he expects to improve with more play this summer. He receives tips from Kevin Roberts of the Woodlands.
	Staff photo by Doug Jones Sonny Ackerman, right, with Dale Erickson of Yarmouth, had the idea for the clinics and brought one to Maine for the first time.

SCARBOROUGH — Dan Maxfield wants to play golf with his buddies. Steve Dunwoody hopes to get proficient enough to challenge his younger brother. Simple enough things, right?

For most golfers, yes, but not for Maxfield or Dunwoody. Three years ago, Maxfield, 22, lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. In February of the same year, Dunwoody was paralyzed in a skiing accident.

Both are naturally competitive and aren't willing to let their disabilities hold them back. Maxfield, 22, played football at Oxford Hills High. Dunwoody, 44, is a former Navy and Delta Airlines pilot.

Maxfield and Dunwoody were among 28 physically challenged individuals at the first Maine Adaptive Golf Training Clinic on Wednesday at Nonesuch River Golf Club in Scarborough.

The group received instruction from organizer Sonny Ackerman, physical therapists, volunteers and two local golf pros, Bill May of Riverside and Kevin Roberts of The Woodlands.

Each participant took turns hitting several balls off a tee as instructors offered tips and encouragement. There were wheelchair participants like Dunwoody, amputees like Maxfield, stroke victims and a young man with Down syndrome.

Ackerman, an Atlanta native, started clinics to help teach physically challenged golfers 10 years ago. He holds about 30 clinics a year around the country. Wednesday's clinic was the first in Maine.

Ackerman knows the challenges of playing with a disability. A longtime golfer, he lost part of his leg after a freak accident at his home in 1984. An awkward fall off a five-step ladder was enough to destroy his ankle and lower leg.

After a year of depression over the injury. Ackerman wanted to play golf again.

"I was at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta doing rehab and mentioned that I would like to start golf clinics for the handicapped," Ackerman said. "The people thought it was a great idea."

Ackerman set out 10 years ago to help teach other physically challenged people how to enjoy the game. He hasn't stopped since.

"The number of clinics has grown every year. I'm busier now than when I worked full time," Ackerman said. "I don't play as much golf as I used to, but my handicap has dropped.

"I work with the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America. Those organizations are making a real push to promote the game to the physically challenged."

Ackerman estimated that 20 percent of the nation's 54 million disabled people are capable of playing golf.

"Even if only 10 percent of that 20 percent actually play, that would be tremendous boosts to their mental and physical well-being," Ackerman said.

"It would also be a shot in the arm to the golf economy. The game is always looking for new players."

One of them could be Maxfield, who was a defensive end at Oxford Hills. He still has a strong build from his football days and could develop a decent long game once he plays a few rounds.

"I got a letter about the clinic and thought it would be a good opportunity to try golf," Maxfield said. "I looked at it as my entry back into the athletic world. It's not going to be easy, but I'm willing to give it my best shot.

"I have some friends who play and I would like to join them."

An athlete all his life, Dunwoody, who swam at the University of Maine in the late 1970s, said he doesn't plan on slowing down just because his legs don't work.

On Wednesday, he was consistently hitting the ball while swinging a metal wood with his right arm. His shots were low and they traveled a short distance, but Dunwoody was pleased.

Just hitting the ball and getting out on a sunny day were worth it.

"For my first time out, it's going not that bad," he said. "I was just starting to learn golf before my injury. I'm starting from the beginning, but I expect to get a lot better. I'll be on the course this summer."

Ackerman said golf is considered one of the best rehabilitation sports for the physically challenged.

"You're outside in the fresh air. It makes you stronger," Ackerman said. "Golf improves your hand and eye coordination and your balance. It recharges your batteries."

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

To top of page