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Parks & Rec Business
| [From Amputee Golfer Magazine 2007] Bethpage Black By Bob Wilson Although I can be a skeptic at times, I do believe that things happen for a purpose that belies interpretation. The NAGA National Amputee Championship in 2005 was conducted at Bethpage State Park’s golfing complex, nestled in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. Those of you who follow professional golf remember Tiger Woods winning the U.S. Open there on the Black course in 2002. The park has five courses: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and Black. The Amputee Championship was contested over the Red and Green courses. One might ask, Why wasn't the championship conducted on the Black? The Association has conducted championship events at other prestigious courses during its 58-year history: Baltusrol, Winged Foot and Hazeltine National, to mention a few. The Black course, opened in 1936, was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, and is said to be one of his finest designs. A weathered sign prominently displayed on the first tee states: “The Black Course is a difficult and challenging course that should be played only by low-handicap golfers.” The course is for walkers only, and its slope rating is one of the highest in the Northeast. The no-carts policy has remained in effect for 70 years. On August 1, 2006, this changed. Single-Rider Golf Carts Early in the year, Bethpage purchased two single-rider golf carts manufactured by SoloRider. The user- and course-friendly aspects of the carts and their performance on hilly terrain (Bethpage’s golf courses are not flat) were deciding factors. The carts were placed in the fleet and are available to those golfers who are walking-impaired. However, the carts were allowed on all the park's courses, except Black. During the National Amputee Championship, Martin Ebel (bilateral AK) and Bob Wilson (bilateral BK) were asked to consult with the park's staff about beginning a pilot program to study the feasibility of allowing the single-rider carts on the Black course. The carts would be utilized, rather than the standard two-person carts, which are the norm at golfing facilities, mainly due to their ability to be driven onto the putting surface without causing damage to the turf. Marty and Bob were given tours of the Black course, where sensitive areas were addressed: the aesthetically pleasing, tall, native fescue in the rough throughout the course, the steep slopes found at holes 2, 3, and 4, the thick vegetative areas that require a forced carry at the par-3 holes 3, 8, 14 and 17, limited accessibility to greens on specific holes and the inability of the car to access bunkers around most greens due to the steep slope of the lips. Playing The Black Armed with the knowledge gained from their tours of the Black, Marty and Bob began their experience of playing the course from SoloRider carts at 1 p.m., August 1, 2006. While they were thrilled to be playing the course, the round was also a test to see if others could play from SoloRider carts and what problems could be encountered on each hole. The results would lay the groundwork for establishing guidelines for others to follow in playing the Black. The guidelines would preserve the integrity of the course, provide access to the walking-impaired, and enable players to enjoy the experience safely. Marty and Bob’s disabilities, as mentioned previously, are similar (both bilateral), yet different when it comes to playing golf. Bob can walk (although not long distances), and hits the ball standing on two prosthetic legs. Marty hits the ball from a seated position, and if the cart cannot get him in position to hit the ball, or be allowed to enter certain areas, an accommodation to continue has to be made. Upon conclusion of the round, both Marty and Bob were exhausted. It was a hot and humid afternoon, and the challenges presented by the Black tested both of their golfing abilities to the limit. Findings The following observations were made: 1. The SoloRider performed exceedingly well, enabling Martin and Bob to circumnavigate the course safely. Unsafe areas were noted and alternative routes established. 2. Alternative access points to greens and tees, not those normally used by the walking player, were also delineated. 3. A list of the greenside and fairway sand bunkers that were inaccessible was made. 4. Sensitive vegetative areas were pointed out where the carts would not be permitted. Some people were a bit skeptical at the beginning of the round as to the feasibility of play on the course from single-rider golf carts. It was gratifying to Marty and Bob that they had changed others' minds. In golfing parlance, golf courses are referred to as ladies. Both players remarked that the round (on a U.S. Open course) was an awesome experience, and both were delighted and thankful to have had the opportunity to play the grand lady called Bethpage Black. It is hoped that other walking-impaired golfers who will have access to the Black course will follow the rules established, and do so with the respect she is due and thoroughly enjoy the experience. [Sidebar] “Leave No Trace” The Black Course, Bethpage by Nancy Howatt Wilson Everything changed, yet remained the same. For the first time in history, two men in SoloRider golf carts played Bethpage’s Black Course. From tee to fairway to green, they left no trace. The greens showed no signs of tire imprints from the single-rider vehicles. Technology has finally caught up, providing disabled golfers with a vehicle capable of safely navigating difficult terrain. Playing a course such as the Black required the players to adapt their individual games to the course, not the other way around. Marty Ebel, an above-the-knee double-amputee, is “one” with his single-rider golf cart. The seat swivels to allow him to strike the ball from a seated position. He cannot drive his car into bunkers unless the lip is level with the surrounding grass and the sand in the bunker is firm. He is also restricted from driving into the environmentally sensitive fescue, which makes up the rough on all 18 holes of the Black. If an incline is too steep, he must drop his ball in the safest place available, and play it from there. On the green, he will drive to his ball and bump it a few inches, if necessary, in order to putt. For Marty, as for all golfers, it is about the player testing his ability against the course. Bob Wilson’s challenges are different. A double below-the-knee amputee, Bob is able to exit his cart and play from the fescue. He can navigate some, but not all, of the bunkers on the Black. He can leave his cart at the edge of the green and walk to his ball. Both men are skilled golfers. They know their limitations on the course. On August 1, they were given an opportunity to test the technology--SoloRider’s single-rider golf cart--to determine what modifications to play would be needed for a walking-impaired golfer to enjoy the experience of playing the Black. Bethpage staff will review their observations. History was made that day, with only a whisper. |
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