Special Needs Golf Clinic a Hole-in-One

PGA Pro Bob Beach brought his free putting and short game clinic for golfers with special needs to Stoughton's last Wednesday, July 20. 

While league play began to wrap up, all eyes were on Cedar Hill’s practice green.

Why would a practice green be such an attraction? The magnetism of the clinic’s participants and engaging coaches, created spectators out of golfers otherwise heading to the clubhouse. 

The New England Professional Golfers Association’s former Teacher of the Year, Bob Beach, shared his “little tricks” for successful putting to the group. Beach, the head pro at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course, is known for his work with special needs children.

With Andrew Robbins, 15, and entering SHS in the fall, Beach used the repeated words “tick-tock” with a pronounced emphasis on either the “tick” (backswing) or “tock” (follow through putt), depending on which was supposed to be swung harder. 

This seemingly simple distance drill technique when used with Andrew, quickly transformed his initial “driving” putts to sinkable ones instead.  

As Andrew’s mother, Mae-Beth, said, “I am amazed at how [Beach] is keeping Andrew’s attention. I love his positive approach.”

The other parents and observers in the grass nearby reaffirmed her sentiments.

Carolan Sampson, Assistant Special Education Director (and Stoughton native), remained after her golf league play to watch the group as well

“I know all these kids and it is great to watch them having so much fun and really getting it,” she said.

Walter Parsley, the Cedar Hill pro, and Mike Riordan, who helped to start the special needs golf program with Beach, assisted Beach during the clinic.

When the clinic was wrapping up, Shawn Barton, 11, asked Beach, “So, when is our next practice?” 

While this was originally slated as a one-time event, Beach said without hesitation that he would schedule another one, perhaps two before the summer is through, to which the parents and kids were thrilled.