Local nonprofit tees up for a golf outing

FINDLAY — BFF; Journeys is hosting its 2nd annual Irons for Inclusion Golf Outing on Friday at Hillcrest Golf Course, to benefit the nonprofit's Adaptive Golf Program. Founded in 2022 by the owners of Bridges for Freedom (BFF), Denny Jarrett and Angie Buttles, the 501c3 nonprofit focuses on using creativity to develop opportunities for people with disabilities. Unlike its counterpart BFF, the nonprofit focuses less on daily services for people with disabilities and more on activities like the Adaptive Golf Program. "The first words I hear out of their mouth is, 'I can't golf.' I'm here to tell them, 'You can, and we will,'" Jarrett said. "So I go through the process of helping them golf to their ability instead of golfing to their disability." As director of BFF and Adaptive Golf Coach for Journeys, Jarrett has dedicated over 20 years to coaching and volunteering in several different sports in the Special Olympics. In 2021, he started training as an Adaptive Golf Coach through the Adaptive Golf Coach Academy. In 2022, he earned additional Adaptive Golf Coaching training through the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance. "The fact that they want to go out and learn the game of golf or try to get better in the game of golf, impacts me on a daily basis," Jarrett said. "Seeing them out there absolutely impacts me to want to coach better." The program is a part of the USAGA, serving members of the community including wounded veterans and physically, intellectually and sensory-challenged individuals of all ages. Dedicated to breaking down barriers for golfers with disabilities, the program provides one-on-one coaching, small-group practices and customizable equipment to meet each individual's unique needs. Adaptive tools for golfers with disabilities include raised tees for wheelchair users, SNAG (Starting New at Golf) gear for kids and modified grips for stroke survivors. The Irons for Inclusion golf outing is the primary fundraising event of the year for the Adaptive Golf Program. Registration costs $260 for a team of four or $65 per person. Costs include 18 holes, entry into course contests, coffee and muffins provided by Shepherd's Cup, a cart, hot dogs provided by Western Tavern and lunch from Heavenly Pizza. "It's all about having the community come out and having a good time," Jarrett said. "When you go to outings, it's always for a good cause." Prizes will be awarded throughout the event with a silent auction, 50/50 raffles and a variety of contests on the course including Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and a Putting Challenge. New this year will be the Heckle Hole. As golfers tee up and finish out the hole, two hecklers will be providing lighthearted commentary and jabs to test the golfer's focus. Two athletes from BFF; Journeys Adaptive Golf Program will be participating in the outing with one individual assisting in handing out hot dogs and promoting the program. "They are the two most energetic individuals. When they get to the driving range, that's all they want to do," Jarrett said. "We also have one girl who is volunteering at the outing and she found out that she is our biggest salesman for the golf program. The more that she gets to get out and talk to people, the more she feels that she's making a difference." Local businesses or organizations can show their support through multiple sponsorship levels; ranging from a $100 hole sponsor to a $1,500 event sponsor. Sponsorships come with varying levels of additional perks such as food and drink tickets, company logos displayed at the golf course and signs. All proceeds from the event fund essential programs, clinics, adaptive equipment and tournaments. Jarrett runs the program by himself. Each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, he takes two out of the seven athletes to a driving range for individualized coaching. In the coming years, Jarrett hopes to continue to grow the program. "We are currently looking for more coaches, so that way our clinics can get bigger and we can run them on the weekends," Jarrett said. "That's our focus, to grow our program we're going to need more coaches." For more information on Irons for Inclusion 2025 and BFF; Journeys, visit https://www.bridgesforfreedom.com/irons-for-inclusion-2025.