High-fives. Giggles. Cheering. The whack of a club hitting a golf ball. All happy sights and sounds during two golf clinics hosted by KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Pediatrics on Monday, June 22, at First Tee – Greater Wichita.

The clinics — Adaptive Golf Clinic and Tee Off Against Cancer — provided hands-on experiences for nearly two dozen area children to learn and enjoy golf in a supportive, adaptive environment. The clinics were created specifically for children with physical and/or cognitive challenges, and children battling or recovering from cancer.

“We are committed to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for children and families in our community — and our state — especially those facing medical and developmental challenges,” said Brian Pate, M.D., KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Pediatrics chair and professor.

Through professional instruction, interactive games and creative play, participants could build confidence, coordination and a sense of belonging — while reinforcing that golf can truly be for everyone.

“It was wonderful to see the kids have fun discovering something that they previously felt was not an option for them,” said Sid Sivamurthy, MBBS, KU Wichita Pediatrics Medically Complex Clinic medical director and associate professor. “It was heartening to see parents watch on with amazement. I loved how we could engage with our community partners in such a relaxed environment. Most of all I loved watching the PGA pros genuinely enjoy engaging with these kids. This is truly something that touches all involved.”

Small groups of youth could participate in up to four different activities. The Hole in Fun indoor area taught putting skills designed for fun, repetition and confidence-boosting. The Pro Zone area included PGA professional instruction in four indoor-outdoor bays and focused on basic putting and swing fundamentals using adaptive techniques. Hit the Green provided an outdoor opportunity that encouraged movement, teamwork and skill reinforcement by local golf coaches. The Clubhouse Fuel area was the location for lunch by Chick-fil-A and snacks. Participants also decorated their own keepsake golf balls and gifts for the PGA professionals. Representatives from Hooey Golf provided goodie bags and a selfie station, plus demonstrated trick golf shots.

Title sponsor this year for the Adaptive Golf Clinic was Little Stars Therapy Services.

"Some of the most meaningful moments happen when children are given the opportunity to participate, succeed and feel included,” said Nicole McLain, LMLP, LBA, BCBA, chief executive officer, owner/founder of Little Stars Therapy Services. “We are honored to partner with KU Wichita Pediatrics and First Tee – Greater Wichita to create experiences that celebrate every child’s abilities while building confidence, joy and connection for families across our community."

The clinic was designed to serve as a launch point for a sustainable adaptive golf program at First Tee – Greater Wichita – part of Little Stars Therapy Services sponsorship. That program will allow participants to continue engaging in structured programming beyond the annual golf clinic.

"Golf has a way of meeting kids where they are,” said Trent Jones, executive director, First Tee – Greater Wichita. “Watching a child light up after sinking their first putt or making solid contact for the first time, that's what this clinic is about. Every kid deserves to feel that, and we're grateful to KU Wichita Pediatrics and Little Stars Therapy Services for helping us make sure they do."  

Title sponsor this year for Tee Off Against Cancer was MHI Brands.

"I knew I was doing the right thing sponsoring this event," said Martin Park, MHI Brands president, "because when I watched the personal interaction the kids had with Drs. Hall and Pate, as well as the staff of the pediatrics department, I knew straight away that the kids were getting not only the best help medicine could give, but they were getting it in the most personable and sincerest way possible. This experience made me feel good about my decision to help in this small way." 

Nathan Hall, D.O., associate professor, KU Wichita Pediatrics, believes the Tee Off for Cancer event highlights the profound impact of community support on children and families facing cancer.

“Events like this are critically important not only in raising awareness, but also in demonstrating to our patients that they are surrounded by a compassionate and committed community,” he said. “The atmosphere throughout the event was overwhelmingly positive, and it was truly inspiring to see so many individuals come together in support of these remarkable children. It was especially meaningful for the kids to meet and interact with professional golfers. Moments like this reinforce that no family is facing this journey alone.”

Both clinics were also supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas in conjunction with the Wichita Open.

Above, left: A golf clinic participant receives an autograph from one of the PGA professional instructors.

How to help

Read about your options to support KUSM-Wichita Pediatrics, including educating new physicians, and developing and enhancing programs to improve care for all Kansas children.