Disabled golfers enjoy the game

In 2010 Rachel joined Pollak Park Golf Club under head professional Darren Plumb, to start her three year apprenticeship with the Professional Golf Association, after she qualified as a teaching professional with the South African Golf Teachers Federation in 2003.
She has found her time at Pollak Park very rewarding, particularly when coaching children.
“I have had students ranging in age from two years right up to 88 years of age,” says Rachel.
Teaching mentally challenged children are very rewarding.
“One of my success stories is a 20-year-old boy who had a stroke at 18 months of age.
“Steven Gunzenhauser has been a student with me for the last six years and his golf lessons have helped develop his balance, coordination, concentration and even his vocabulary and has helped control his temper,” says Rachel.
There are other boys and girl’s like Steven, who would benefit from the discipline learned in golf, and the teachers at Pollak Park are more than equipped and willing to take on these students.
Rachel adds that they currently teaching four disabled children and one is walking on stilts.
The lessons are conducted by Rachel and Phillip Montgomery on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
“We have a large driving range, excellent chipping and putting greens and an 18 hole golf course on which we conduct their lessons,” says Darren.
Steven’s father Kevin says Rachel is an unsung hero and the driver behind youth development and teaching of disabled children.
For more information, contact Rachel on 083 231 1901, Phillip on 082 854 3223, Darren on 083 387 3147 or the ProShop on 011 362 6757.