I Got This Foundation receives grant from USGA and National Alliance for Accessible Golf

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (National Alliance) have provided a $12,500 grant to the I Got This Foundation.

The organization was founded by Amy Bockerstette in 2019 to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

Through the I Got This Foundation, Bockerstette, a collegiate golfer and advocate for individuals with disabilities, helps intellectually disabled golfers to compete in leagues, join high school teams and earn college athletic scholarships. Bockerstette is a Special Olympics athlete in golf, swimming and volleyball, an LPGA-USGA Girls Golf alumna and was recently appointed to a two-year term on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

“I am so excited that we can help more people learn to play golf,” Bockerstette said.

The grant money will be put toward the organization’s new initiative: a golf academy for people with intellectual disabilities. The I Got This Foundation Golf Academy began on April 6 and is providing instruction and playing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities from One Step Beyond and Gigi’s Playhouse of Phoenix. The academy will run through May 30 at two host golf courses in Arizona: Palmbrook Country Club in Sun City and Paradise Valley Golf Course in Phoenix.

“The efforts of Amy and the I Got This Foundation to create a more inclusive and welcoming game will have a lasting impact,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “We proudly consider her part of the USGA family and continue to be inspired by her attitude and determination.”

In 2018, the USGA announced plans for a championship for players with disabilities and additional details will be announced next year.