DAVID WINDSOR, PGA – PATRIOT AWARD

Adaptive Golf Academy – Sarasota, Florida

Aug 04, 2015 – In recognition of his personification of patriotism through the game of golf, David Windsor, PGA Director of Golf at the Adaptive Golf Academy in Sarasota, Florida, was honored with the 2015 Patriot Award. He has instructed adaptive golf classes every week for the past 15 years, designed for physically or cognitively challenged juniors, adults and disabled Veterans. The idea was sparked after being invited to work alongside a local therapist to introduce golf as a means of rehabilitation. Gaining extensive knowledge and program experience in these processes, Windsor developed the Adaptive Golf Academy in 2006, as the education platform to train PGA Professionals (and physical/occupational and recreational therapists) on the underlying attributes of the game. He also gave instruction on how to conduct community programs with continuity, safety and effectiveness. Ultimately, the developing programs allow for veterans and individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges to enjoy golf and seamlessly assimilate into their communities. The Adaptive Golf Academy often collaborates with PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. As golf is a proven activity that positively impacts the lives of military veterans nationwide, Windsor was integral in the growth of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the signature military program of PGA REACH. Windsor is often responsible for training PGA Professionals in new PGA HOPE markets, to ensure all instructors are comfortable working with Veterans that may be dealing with challenges, such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) or the loss of limbs. Windsor began the Tampa VA Hospital adaptive golf programming in 2007, with the help of PGA Professional Ken Juhn of Terrace Hill Golf Club, and has since expanded programming to 11 locations across the country, including eight VA hospitals. Windsor received the North Florida PGA Section (NFPGA) Patriot Award in 2011 and 2014, along with recognition as NFPGA Teacher of the Year in 2008.

SOURCE: PGA