Button Hole Unveils Inclusive Golf Program with Langevin

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined Button Hole Golf Executive Director Dan Gaughan today to kick off an effort that will create equal opportunities for disabled Rhode Islanders, including wounded service members, to participate in programs at Button Hole. With Langevin’s support, the organization has obtained $9,500 from the National Alliance for Accessible Golf to make Button Hole a model for fully inclusive golf. The grant will allow for the purchase of adaptive golf clubs and bags, as well as on-course “fun days” for the physically disabled.

In addition to the funding announcement, Judy Alvarez, a PGA/LPGA Master Professional, and Gary Robb, chair of the Alliance’s grant committee, hosted a day-long training program for staff, coaches and community partners who are interested in being part of this initiative. The National Alliance is funded by the United States Golf Association and administered through the University of Indiana.

“It’s clear from Button Hole's track record that the staff here has a passion for using golf as a means to improve the quality of life for as many Rhode Islanders as possible,” said Langevin. “Knowing that golf is a recreational activity and adaptive sport that provides numerous social, physical, and health benefits, I am thrilled that they will be expanding their programs to those with physical disabilities.”

“As co-chair of the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus and the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I have seen firsthand the crucial role that adaptive sports play in the rehabilitation and increased quality of life of people with disabilities, especially our injured military service members and disabled veterans who participate as a means of fitness, inclusion and empowerment. This grant will constitute an important stepping stone to expand the reach of these programs and potentially become a national model for fully inclusive golf programs that benefit our youth, families, wounded veterans and communities as a whole.”

Located on the Providence/Johnston border, Button Hole is a non-profit initiative governed by The Golf Foundation of Rhode Island and dedicated to providing a short course and teaching center focused on kids and “golf, the greatest game.” Founded 12 years ago with the mission offering facilities and programs that develop strong character, teach life values, and champion success through golf, Button Hole has worked with more than 15,000 kids, mostly from Providence’s urban corridor, through school, afterschool, and on-site programs.