When I first started playing golf after my injury, I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel the same on the course again. Golf was my life. I didn't just mourn the loss of my ability to walk—I mourned the loss of the game as I knew it.
Golf wasn’t just something I did. It was part of who I was. And I didn’t want to give that up, even if that meant seeking a different way to play it.
Three years and over 200 rounds later, I've shot my lowest score ever using my VertaCat. A big part of that was driven by my willingness to try more challenging terrain.
I want to share my story with you, not just as a guide for navigating different terrains, but as proof that what feels like the end of your story can actually be just the beginning of a new chapter.
I'll never forget my first attempt at a significant slope after my injury. My hands gripped the controls of my VertaCat. My heart raced as I approached the hill—not from exertion, but from pure panic.
What if I tip over? What if I embarrass myself? What if this is proof that I don't belong here anymore?
What I've learned is that you need to start slow. When I'm helping new players, I first show them what it feels like to be on a sidehill at the slowest speed. It's going to feel uncomfortable at first, but you need to trust the machine. It is designed to handle these situations.
When you're on a side hill or steep terrain, your adaptive cart will warn you with beeping sounds. Start slow. Feel uncomfortable. Trust the process. Learn to work with these safety features rather than against them.
Watch as I tackle challenging hills on the course:
I often get asked on social media if the VertaCat can go into bunkers.
The first time I approached a bunker on it, I asked myself the same question. And the answer is yes. Sand is challenging for any wheelchair user, and I assumed it would be off-limits in golf as well, but the wide tires and power of the VertaCat changed everything.
Here's what I've learned: maintain momentum without making sharp turns. I approach at a medium speed, enter at a slight angle, and keep moving through the sand rather than stopping midway. This keeps you from getting stuck and protects the bunker's edges.
What surprised me most was that I could play well from the sand. With practice, I've regained the touch and feel needed for good bunker shots.
When playing through rough or uneven terrain, I've learned to slow down and approach at an angle rather than head-on. It's also important to position yourself properly before taking your shot.
The stability I feel during the swing has completely changed my game. I feel secure when swinging, knowing I won't fall out. This lets me focus on my swing rather than worrying about balance.
For those just starting out with adaptive golf equipment, I recommend practicing on different types of surfaces. Spend time practicing through the rough, over bare patches, and across terrain changes. Develop the muscle memory to handle these situations during actual play.
Speed control is crucial when navigating rough and uneven terrain–here's my technique:
Through my golfing experience with the VertaCat over the last couple years, I've developed some strategies that help me get the most out of my game:
Do a practice round first. Before a tournament, I test out the course with my adaptive cart to know it can handle the terrain. It helps me avoid worrying about battery life or accessibility
during competition.
Plan your route. I look at each hole strategically, planning my shots but also my path around the course. Sometimes the shortest route isn't the safest or most accessible.
Battery management. With the double battery, I can easily play 36+ holes on a single charge, but for particularly hilly courses, I'm more conscious of power usage. If you're using a single battery, plan accordingly.
Embrace the mental game. My biggest improvement has been mental. I can move on from bad shots quicker. Being grateful to be out there completely changes your perspective.
I didn't think I would be golfing ever again, but I was ready to get back out there. Now I'm posting personal bests and playing in national tournaments. These strategies helped put my fears to rest and gave me the independence to manage everything myself—from planning my approach to handling my own setup.
Here's how I load up and get ready on my own:
For anyone hesitant about trying adaptive golf, I understand your fear. Take it slow, and have someone beside you as you learn. Even just driving around the neighborhood, going over bumps, and feeling how the equipment responds will help.
What I love most about golf is seeing progress. I see players at tournaments who are genuinely happy about their progression, from where they started to competing at a high level.
Don't let hesitation keep you from getting back to what you love. With the right equipment and techniques, you can master any course.