Challenge Golf

A welcoming environment for every participant, volunteer, and family member.  

By: Sharon Brodner 

My son volunteered with Challenge Golf when he was in high school, learning about it while volunteering at the Dorval Farmers’ Market run by Civitan Club of Oakville. One day he said, “Mom, I think you’d enjoy volunteering here.” I’ve been volunteering ever since. 

What I find invaluable is that this is a free opportunity for individuals who have had brain trauma to come together with others who have similar lived experiences to share their stories, challenges, pain and journey. I am grateful for being welcomed into being part of this group, sharing a space with them, with all their vulnerabilities. 

Challenge Golf runs during the outdoor season at Tee Zone, owned by Bot Construction who graciously donate the accessible lower space to us. For two hours on a Monday afternoon, there are canopies, chairs arranged, and anyone with brain trauma, physical disabilities, or mental disabilities can come and be part of this free golf program. Volunteers set up and take down chairs, bring out equipment, and support participants. There is also an indoor venue so individuals can participate almost year-round. 

Professional coaches come and give tips. There are special events — a Holiday luncheon, Summer BBQ, Volunteer dinner — and we all receive polo shirts, so everyone feels like they are a part of it and a little special. When Family Day Monday had no session, participants wrote heartwarming messages in the group email saying how they would miss everyone for one day and how it feels like we are a family. 

This program has been running for 35 years. We are planning a 35th Anniversary Celebration Gala on April 17, 2027 at the Oakville Conference Centre, with sponsorship opportunities available. The vision is to create a night out where people with limited mobility and access can get dressed up and feel special — where if both sides of your body work, you are not the norm at the party. 

We recently received a $5,000 Retaining Females in Sport grant to purchase golf equipment geared toward women: shorter clubs, different weights, etc., encouraging more female stroke survivors and those with brain trauma to participate. 

Challenge Golf has the potential to attract more participants. I would like to see more female participants. Many individuals who could benefit from our programs simply don’t know we exist.  

Helping us spread the word to community ambassadors, healthcare providers, social media sharing and community groups will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, dedicated volunteers are the heart of everything we do, from coaching and program support to administration and fundraising. We appreciate donations of gently used golf equipment but also warmly welcome the donations in-kind such as venue space, printing services, and event supplies which would help us to reduce costs and allow us to direct more resources to participants. 

Invite people to come out and try a session or just observe. If all those good things happened, it would be great to have two sessions a week. In so doing, this provides carers with a warm welcome and space if they can get their aunt, mother, or neighbour to attend – and the rest will be up to us to make a good impression and want them to return. 

Story curated by Phillip McAllister 

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This post is part of a larger CDH Member Story Project. The intent is to share the depth of our non-profit sector, name how the community can support and imagine together what is possible through the non-profit sector to ensure Halton is a healthy, inclusive and resilient place to live. 

Are you a CDH member and want to share your story with the project? You can get started HERE.