GRAND BLANC TWP., Mich. (WNEM) – Before professionals hit the greens for the Ally Challenge, McLaren held a special adaptive clinic Monday morning, Aug. 19.

The Ally Challenge begins this week at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc Township, but first, more than 40 golfers and coaches with U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance took to the driving range to work on all of their skills, from driving to putting.

“To sum it all up, it’s really about golf therapy. Utilizing golf as therapy to provide the opportunities that create the high fives and smiles we’re seeing here today,” said Johnathan Snyder, executive director of U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance.

One family was excited to see their daughter—who has cerebral palsy—get the opportunity to play with specialized equipment.

“Our family is really into golf, so for her to get the opportunity to play is it’s really cool, the equipment they have out here, the special adaptive golf cart she uses,” said Clarkston resident Mike Thurman.

When asked what she thinks of the program, Thurman’s daughter Allison said, “It’s amazing.”

Organizers with McLaren Healthcare said they are thrilled with the growth of their adaptive golf program and they hope to expand.

The Ally Challenge will officially tee off on Friday morning, Aug. 23 at Warwick Hills.

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