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Golf cart makes course more accessible to disabled players

Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser gets assitance from course professional Dave Hartman to demonstrate the use of a special needs golf cart.

Nick Daggy/Staff photographer Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser gets assitance from course professional Dave Hartman to demonstrate the use of a special needs golf cart.

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Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser demonstrates the use of a special needs golf cart now offered at the golf course.

Nick Daggy/Staff photographer Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser demonstrates the use of a special needs golf cart now offered at the golf course.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser gets strapped in to demonstrate the use of a special needs golf cart with course professional Dave Hartman Friday, April 10, 2009.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Fairfield South Trace employee Dave Meiser gets strapped in to demonstrate the use of a special needs golf cart with course professional Dave Hartman Friday, April 10, 2009.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 3:01 PM Thursday, April 30, 2009

Now anyone who has a love of the game for golf — and can swing a golf club — can play a round at the Fairfield Greens.

The city recently purchased a modified golf cart for players with physical disabilities.

“It’s not really put out there for someone who’s maybe had a knee replacement — this is not what this is for,” said Dave Hartman, head golf pro at Fairfield Greens. “It’s for those who have a severe disability that basically allows them to experience the game.”

Those who use the cart may take it anywhere on the course, including the tee box and putting greens. Nonmondified carts aren’t allowed in these areas.

“This enables them to get in the cart, it straps them in, lifts them up,” Hartman said. “If they have the ability to swing, they can join the game.”

No one has used the cart yet and Hartman doesn’t know how much usage it will receive.

“It’s not so much that it gets used that much, but to make sure you give that opportunity,” he said.

Assistant Fairfield Parks and Recreation Director Bob Schappacher said the cart was discussed by the city’s parks board after a member saw the carts at a Hamilton County Park course.

Once people know about the cart, it’s expected to become popular, Schappacher said.

Hamilton County has about 30 to 40 active users of its eight carts, said the district’s golf manager Doug Stultz. More than 100 people have inquired about the carts, he said.

The district got its first cart in 2003 after Stultz meet with a golfer who has myopathy, a muscular disease resulting in muscular weakness.

“It was something I embraced immediately,” he said. “It’s just a way to get individuals to get out playing.”

A usage plan for the golf cart is still being written. It must be reserved 48 hours in advance, and users must arrive 30 minutes prior to their tee time to learn how to operate it. To contact Fairfield Greens, call (513) 858-7750.

Contact this reporter  at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.

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