About AGA

The Adaptive Golf Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization also known as Adaptive Golf Foundation of Atlanta, GA, exists to provide you with the most relevant information, resources and expertise regarding every adaptive golf element, from training and program implementation processes to playing opportunities.

What is Adaptive Golf?

Adaptive golf is for ANYONE, regardless of age, gender, race, ability, or disability. It means understanding how to apply one's abilities to enjoy the game of golf and life to its fullest potential. Adaptive golf means making any modification(s) (big or small) to how the game is learned and played via some form of a modified/adapted swing technique, equipment used, and/or the delivery of instruction. Adaptive golf won't just change your game, it'll change your life!

With over a decade of support from our board members, volunteers, supporters and a great team of award-winning PGA Professionals and therapists from around the country, The Adaptive Golf Association is clearly the authority on adaptive golf. Conducting workshops for individuals and coaches for community program development since 1998, AGA was responsible for developing and sustaining the country’s first, year-round adaptive golf program. AGA offers you and/or your organization the most experienced staff and advisors when it comes to the “program” development process, logistics and consummate operations.

History of the AGA

Sonny Ackerman, a retired US Marine who lost his leg in an unfortunate accident, founded what has always been known as the Adaptive Golf Foundation for over a decade in Atlanta, GA, as a way to bring golf to those with disabilities that otherwise would not be exposed to resources essential to learn, play and enjoy a game abundant with life-enhancing, restorative values.

An avid golfer, Sonny refused to give up playing golf just because he wore a prosthetic leg. Unable to find guidance or support to relearn the game, he had to overcome many obstacles and teach himself to adapt on his own. He did this successfully, winning six Senior National Amputee tournaments (3 U.S. and 3 Canadian) and was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Through his own experiences, Sonny recognized the need to help individuals with physical challenges and provide them an opportunity to learn and play golf for both rehabilitation and recreation.

In 1997 with the support of the United States Golf Association, Sonny began conducting training workshops and clinics educating hundreds of students, PGA Professionals, Physical Therapists and dedicated volunteers within communities nationwide.

Sonny passed away in 2006, but his dream lives on through the organization he founded, now known as the Adaptive Golf Association.