News

Golf Gratitude: How golf is a sanctuary for many autistic individuals

Published

10 months ago

Oct 31, 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the strong connection between golf and autism; a relationship celebrated not just for the therapeutic benefits of the game but for the unique opportunities it presents for individuals on the spectrum. With its sprawling greens and rhythmic swings, golf provides a sanctuary for many autistic individuals, allowing them to engage in an activity that is as calming as it is challenging.

One of the standout aspects of golf is its emphasis on routine and repetition. For many autistic individuals, routine can be a source of comfort in a chaotic world. Golf offers a structured environment with consistent and reliable rules and rhythms. Whether it’s the systematic approach to lining up a putt or the repetitive motion of the swing, these consistent routines can be incredibly comforting for individuals with autism.

Anyone who plays the game knows well that golf is a sport where patience is a virtue. Unlike many fast-paced sports, golf allows players to take their time, reflecting on each shot and each decision. This slower pace can be a boon for autistic individuals who might become overwhelmed by the speed and intensity of other sports. On the golf course, time stretches, and anxiety can often melt away, replaced with a focused concentration on the task at hand.

Another aspect that adds to the appeal of golf for autistic individuals is the calming effect of the golf course itself—a haven of natural beauty. The golf course can be a sensory delight, filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the satisfying thwack of a well-hit ball. For individuals with autism, who may be particularly attuned to sensory input, this environment can offer a wealth of calming and enjoyable experiences. The wide open spaces and lush surroundings allow for a serene escape from the burdens of everyday life, promoting a sense of relaxation and peace.

Another significant benefit of golf for autistic individuals is the social aspect interwoven with its play. Golf is often played in groups, offering a structured way to interact with others. Unlike large gatherings that may be daunting for some, the smaller group interactions on a golf course can be easier to manage and predict. These settings offer a fantastic opportunity to build social skills, develop friendships, and forge connections with others in a way that feels natural and unforced, promoting a sense of ease and comfort.

Ernie Els and His Connection to Autism

One of the most compelling examples of golf’s connection to autism comes from the legendary golfer Ernie Els. Known affectionately as “The Big Easy” due to his smooth swing and laid-back demeanor, Els has become a prominent advocate for autism awareness. His personal journey with autism began when his son, Ben, was diagnosed with the condition. Motivated by this deeply personal connection, Els founded the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009.

The foundation’s mission is to empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, providing comprehensive resources, research, and education. Ernie Els’ dedication to supporting autism initiatives extends beyond conventional advocacy; he invests his time, reputation, and resources into ensuring that individuals on the spectrum receive opportunities to flourish.

Through initiatives like the Els for Autism Golf Challenge, the foundation has raised significant funds to support its programs and services. These efforts have not only raised awareness but have also highlighted the transformative power that golf can have for individuals with autism.

Patient 1: A Love for Golf

Delving into the history of autism, one cannot overlook “Patient 1,” Donald Triplett, the first person to be diagnosed with autism. Triplett’s story is remarkable not just for his pioneering diagnosis but also for his passion for golf. Growing up in a time when autism was little understood, Triplett found solace and joy on the golf course.

Triplett’s love for golf gave him a lifetime of enjoyment and a sense of normalcy. His ability to focus intently on each swing and each shot echoes the broader appeal of golf for many on the autism spectrum. The game allowed him to connect with others, develop social skills, and engage in a structured activity that brought immense satisfaction.

Photo of Donald Tripplet from John Donvan and Caren Zucker, producers of “In A Different Key: The Story of Autism.”

His story is a testament to golf’s profound impact, offering both a therapeutic outlet and a source of personal achievement. Triplett’s life, intertwined with the game, serves as an inspiring example of how golf can foster inclusion, passion, and fulfillment for individuals across the autism spectrum.

The Strong Positive Connection Between Golf and Autism

The game of golf provides a remarkable avenue for expression, learning, and growth for individuals on the autism spectrum. Its blend of routine, patience, natural serenity, and social opportunities makes it an ideal sport for many autistic individuals. With advocates like Ernie Els and pioneers like Donald Triplett highlighting the connections between autism and golf, the sport continues to enrich lives, illustrating how it can unite us all in the pursuit of joy, friendship, and understanding.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

To learn more about my thoughts on the upcoming week in golf to come, go to my new weekly column, “Fairway Focus,” on RG.org.

News

Tour Rundown: Bend, but don’t break

Published

3 weeks ago

Aug 4, 2025

Ronald Montesano

I’m going to gush in this intro paragraph, to get the emo stuff done early. I’ve not pulled harder for a professional to win, than Cameron Young. I coach golf in New York state, and each spring, my best golfers head to a state championship in Poughkeepsie. I first saw Cameron there as a 9th grade student. I saw him three more times after that. I reconnecected with Coach Haas from Wake Forest, an old interview subject from my days on the Old Gold and Black, the Wake newspaper. He was there to watch Cameron. After four years at Wake Forest, Young won on the Korn Ferry Tour, made it to the big tour, almost won two majors, almost won five other events, and finally got the chalice about 25 minutes from the Wake campus. Congratulations, Cameron. You truly are a glass of the finest. #MotherSoDear

OK, let’s move on to the Tour Rundown. The major championship season closed this week in Wales, with the Women’s Open championship. The PGA Tour bounced through Greensboror, N.C., while the PGA Tour Americas hit TO (aka, Toronto) for a long-winded event. The Korn Ferry lads made a stop in Utah, one of just two events for that tour in August. The many-events, golf season is winding down, as we ease from summer toward fall in the northern hemisphere. Let’s bask in the glory of an August sunrise, and run down a quartet of events from the first weekend of the eighth month.

LET/LPGA @ Women’s Open: Miyu bends, but she doesn’t break

Royal Porthcawl was not a known commodity in the major tournament community. The Welsh links had served as host to men’s senior opens, men’s amateurs, and Curtis and Walker Cups in prior years, but never an Open championship for the women or the men. The last-kept secret in UK golf was revealed once again to the world this week, as the best female golfers took to the sandy stage.

Mao Saigo, Grace Kim, Maja Stark, and Minjee Lee hoped to add a second major title to previous wins this season, but only Lee was able to finish inside the top ten. The 2025 playing of the Women’s Open gave us a new-faces gallery from day one. The Kordas and Thitikulls were nowhere to be found, and it was the Mayashitas, Katsus, and Lim Kims that secured the Cymru spotlight. The first round lead was held at 67 by two golfers. One of them battled to the end, while the other posted 81 on day two, and missed the cut. Sitting one shot behind was Miyu Yamashita.

On day two, Yamashita posted the round of the tournament. Her 65 moved her to the front of the aisle, in just her fourth turn around a women’s Open championship. With the pre-event favorites drifting off pace, followers narrowed into two camps: those on the side of an underdog, and others hoping for a weekend charge from back in the pack. In the end, we had a bit of both.

On Saturday, Yamashita bent with 74 on Saturday, offering rays of hope to her pursuing pack. England’s Charley Hull made a run on Sunday closing within one shot before tailing off to a T2 finish with Minami Katsu. Katsu posted the other 65 of the week, on Saturday, but could not overtake her countrywoman, Yamashita. wunderkind Lottie Woad needed one round in the 60s to find her pace, but could only must close-to’s, ending on 284 and a tie with Minjee for eighth.

On Sunday, Yamashita put away the thoughts of Saturday’s struggles, with three-under 33 on the outward half. She closed in plus-one 37, but still won by two, for a first Major and LPGA title.

PGA Tour @ Wyndham: Young gathers first title near home

Cameron Young grew up along the Hudson river, above metro New York, but he also calls Winston-Salem home. He spent four years as a student and athlete at Wake Forest University, then embarked on tour. This week in Greensboro, after a bit of a break, Young opened with 63-62, and revved the engine of Is this the week once more. Runner-up finishes at the Open, the PGA, and a handful of PGA Tour events had followers wonder when the day would come.

On Saturday, Young continued his torrid pace with 65, giving him a five-shot advantage over his closest pursuer. Sunday saw the Scarborough native open with bogey, then reel off five consecutive birdies to remind folks that his time had, at last, arrived. Pars to the 16th, before two harmless bogeys coming home, made Young the 1000th winner of an official PGA Tour event (dating back to before there was a PGA Tour) throughout history. What’s next? I have a suspicion, but I’m not letting on. Mac Meissner closed with 66 to finish solo 2nd, while Mark Hubbard and Alex Noren tied for third.

Korn Ferry Tour @ Utah Championship: Are you Suri it’s Julian?

Who knows exactly when the flower will bloom? Julian Suri played a solid careet at Duke University, then paid his dues on the world’s minor tours for three years. He won twice on two tours in Europe, in 2017. Since then, the grind has continued for the journeyman from New York city. At age 34, Suri broke through in Beehive state, outlasting another grinder (Spencer Levin) and four others, by two shots.

Taylor Montgomery began the week with 62, then posted 64, then 68, and finally, 70. That final round was his undoing. He finished in that second-place tie, two back of the leader. Trace Crowe, Barend Botha, and Kensei Hirata made up the last of the almost quintet. As for Suri, his Sunday play was sublime. His nines were 32 and 31, with his only radar blip a bogey at ten. He closed in style with one final birdie, to double his winning margin. Hogan bloomed late…might Suri?

PGA Tour Americas @ Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates

Some tournament names run longer than others. This week in Toronto, at the Heathlands course at TPC Toronto, we might have seen the longest tournament title in recorded history. The OVOPBVCCBMA was a splendid affair. It saw three rounds of 62 on Thursday, but of those early risers, only Drew Goodman would stick around until the end. 64 was the low tally on day two, and two of those legionnaires managed to finish inside the top three at week’s end. Saturday brought a 63 from Patrick Newcomb, and he would follow with 64 on Sunday, to finish solo fourth.

Who, then, ended up winning the acronym of the year? It turns out that Carson Bacha had the right stuff in TeeOhhh. Bacha and Jay Card III posted 63 and 64, respectively, on day four, to tie for medalist honors at 23-under 261. Nathan Franks was one shot adrift, despite also closing with 63. If you didn’t go low on Sunday, it was about the check, not the championship.

Bacha and JC3 returned to the 18th hole twice in overtime. Card nearly chipped in from the thick stuff for birdie, while Bacha peeked and shoved a ten-feet attempt at the win. On the second go-round, Card was long with his approach, into the native grasses once more. He was unable to escape, and a routine par from the fairway was enough to earn the former Auburn golfers a first KFT title.

Card III and Bacha both miss their birdie tries on the first playoff hole.

We’ll play 18 again @OspreyOpen. pic.twitter.com/vNpHTdkHDg

— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) August 3, 2025

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2025 Wyndham Championship

Published

4 weeks ago

Jul 29, 2025

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is live this week from the final event of the PGA Tour’s regular season, the Wyndham Championship.

Photos are flowing into the forums from Sedgefield Country Club, where we already have a GolfWRX spirit animal Adam Schenk WITB and plenty of putters for your viewing pleasure.

Check out links to all our photos below, which we’ll continue to update as more arrive.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.

News

BK’s Breakdowns: Kurt Kitayama’s Winning WITB, 3M Open

Published

4 weeks ago

Jul 28, 2025

Brian Knudson

Kurt Kitayama just won his 2nd PGA Tour event at the 3M Open. Kurt is a Bridgestone staffer but with just the ball and bag. Here are the rest of the clubs he used to secure a win at the 2025 3M Open.

Driver: Titleist GT3 (11 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 7 TX

3-wood: Titleist GT1 3Tour (14.5 degrees, A3 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 TX

7-wood: Titleist GT1 (21 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 9 TX

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB (4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-12F, 56-14F), Vokey Design WedgeWorks (60-K*)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Newport 2 Tour Prototype
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy 1.0PT

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS (with Mindset)