UGA Golf Course Hosts Destination Dawgs

Monday, November 4, 2024

by Amara Jinadu, UGA Golf Course Student Public Relations Assistant

A photograph of several people standing on the green listening to an instructor..

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, the University of Georgia Golf Course hosted Destination Dawgs, a University of Georgia program that helps students with intellectual disabilities learn and grow their skills in various areas. This was not the first time the course has collaborated with the program, and it will most likely not be the last. 

A photograph of people at the driving range.

John Crumbley, PGA Head Professional at the course, taught students golf basics, including driving, chipping, and putting.

Destination Dawgs was launched in January 2017 to help graduates successfully navigate adulthood. The program is open to students aged 18-25 and consists of four semesters, starting each August. Before enrolling, students must complete a prerequisite Summer Leadership Institute. Upon completing the program, students receive a UGA certificate in College and Career Readiness.

To achieve its objectives, Destination Dawgs employs the STAR Person-Centered Planning Model. Students focus on five key areas: Career Development and Employment, Academic Enrichment, Campus and Community Engagement, Building Independence, and Self-Determination. The fully inclusive program provides students with a UGA email address and a UGA MyID.

After an introduction to golf, John demonstrated different types of strokes. The group then proceeded to the green where he explained the difference between putting and chipping. 

A photograph of several people gathered around a hole.

Afterward, students practiced their different strokes with each other to enhance their skills. They took turns celebrating each other as they aimed for the holes or practiced reading the green like professional golfer Tiger Woods.

"It was exciting to have the Destination Dawgs students at the UGA Golf Course. Most of the students had never been out there, so having an excited group of students in 40-degree weather at 8:00 AM was a Wednesday win, said Kristina Britton, Destination Dawgs Mentor Coordinator. “This was an opportunity for the students to understand what golf is, the objective, and golf club handling, but how it also teaches patience.”

Collaboration and inclusion are important to both Destination Dawgs and the UGA Golf Course. The golf course will continue to host events that offer learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public. To learn more about Destination Dawgs visit the Institute on Human Development and Disability website.