Alvarez has been a teaching pro for a couple of decades and involved with the NAAG since 2001. She spent much of the day at Meadow Brook, showing the golf pros what it's like for golfers with disabilities to try to learn the game and how to instruct them. She used a variety of examples, such as teaching without talking to the student or putting blindfolds on some and using special golf carts with seats for golfers who can't walk.

"When you're working with golfers with disabilities, we truly don't know what they're going through," she said.

Alvarez said she's seen what a difference it can make in people's lives and that people with disabilities just need opportunities.

"Golf should be available to anybody regardless of ability or disability," she said. "There's more to it than just hitting the ball. There's the social aspect of it, the family orientation and building self-esteem and self-confidence. It doesn't matter what your skill level is. You can hit balls on the range or play three holes or nine holes or 18 holes."

Robb added, "We believe golf is a great vehicle to get people with disabilities more active with something they can do for the rest of their lives with family and friends. Success to us is not necessarily in numbers, but that people with disabilities feel more included."

Haacke said playing golf has made a big difference in his life since he saw a notice on a bulletin board for golfers with disabilities.

"There are all kinds of guys like me in the same situation who don't know where to turn," he said. "I know there are others out there sitting on their couch, not knowing what's available to them. You have no idea what your new life will allow."

The Adaptive Open Golf Classes, under the direction of Jeff Burley of the Salt Lake County Recreation Department, have been going since May, with weekly sessions at Mick Riley Golf Course from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays or on Saturday mornings from 9 to 10.

Private golf classes are also available at Mick Riley, which has two special golf carts, worth $5,500 apiece, available for golfers with disabilities.

For questions, call Copperview Recreation Center (801-561-0075) or Mick Riley Golf Course (801-266-8185).

E-MAIL: sor@desnews.com