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Engaged Golf: Making Golf Accessible for Those with Dementia

The sound of "Fore!" resonates through the beautiful courses of Moore County, but for some, dementia can turn this beloved game into a challenge. In a heartfelt effort to re-engage individuals living with dementia and give them hope in their favorite pastime, the Engaged Brains Project alongside Pinehurst residents Sue Wright and Lorelei Milan have introduced a new initiative known as Engaged Golf.

Dementia, known as brain change, unfortunately, can strip away the joys of many hobbies, including golf. With the support of board-certified neuropsychologist Dr. Karen D. Sullivan and funding from The Foundation of FirstHealth's Reid Fellowship for Healthcare Transformation, this initiative seeks to create a more inclusive environment for those still passionate about the game.

Dr. Sullivan passionately highlighted the program's essence: "The game of golf signifies a social connection that fosters community ties. It’s not solely about counting strokes, but about enjoying the camaraderie on the course."

After joining an information session regarding The Engaged Brains Project last summer, Wright and Milan were compelled to rally around the cause. Wright remarked, "Hearing Dr. Sullivan talk about the connections missed due to brain changes profoundly resonated with me, leaving me to think about golf's role as a social activity. Lorelei and I immediately thought of carrying this message forward with Engaged Golf."

They joined forces with fellow dementia champions Laurie Fabian and Lori Lee, who have successfully completed the Positive Approach to CareÒ training. The group subsequently formed a committee with nearly 20 community members, such as John Petrovsky from the USGA Green Section, to bring Engaged Golf's ideals to life. Petrovsky shared his views, stating, "Golf is not just my career but a way for me to appreciate the healing power of this game. It's a privilege to be part of a community that can merge its love for golf with advocacy for those living with dementia."

To cultivate a sense of belonging, Engaged Golf organizes various activities, including putting socials and small group outings tailored for individuals living with dementia and their families. The goal is to create an inviting space where players and caregivers can come together while preserving their connection to the game.

Engaged Golf successfully attracted the attention of residents like Bonnie Becker-Jones and her husband Clive, who despite undergoing challenges associated with dementia, are enthusiastic about participating in these events. Becker-Jones expressed her excitement, stating, "This initiative represents a fantastic chance for us to reconnect with fellow golf lovers and form new friendships."

To tackle the stigma often associated with dementia, Engaged Golf aims to implement cognitive strategies that simplify the playing experience. This includes providing pocket scorekeepers for golfers and equipping them with discreet cards they can share with fellow players, allowing them to communicate their condition and how best to engage with them on the course.

Key statements on the card convey sentiments such as, "I'm living with brain changes that affect my game. I appreciate your understanding as I navigate these challenges. Thank you for your patience."

These efforts are further supplemented with a Golf Assist card that outlines common difficulties faced by players with dementia, along with suggestions for thousands of golfers. Some helpful tips include maintaining a friendly and simple communication approach, breaking instructions into manageable steps, and cherishing the moments shared outdoors.

Dr. Sullivan emphasizes how hobbies, such as golf, go beyond mere socialization. She cited scientific evidence supporting how engagement with hobbies boosts brain health. "Lifelong commitment to hobbies has been shown to stimulate the creation of new neural connections, thus reinforcing cognitive resilience against age-related brain diseases."

The core objective of Engaged Golf is to reach every golf enthusiast in Moore County experiencing brain changes, fostering engagement through a series of events. They kicked off their journey with an inaugural gathering on February 19 at The USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame. Participants engaged in a tour of the facility with insightful presentations from esteemed speakers, fostering awareness and excitement around the project.

In closing, the Engaged Brains Project encapsulates the spirit of Pinehurst—where golf symbolizes community, health, and joy. This initiative not only seeks to break down barriers for those living with dementia but is also dedicated to nurturing connections that can profoundly impact lives. Those interested in obtaining more information about upcoming events and social meetups can visit their website for registration and inquiries.