Bergen Program In River Vale Introduces Children With Autism To Golf

RIVER VALE, N.J. – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco last week visited children with autism who are participating in the All Par Program at the Valley Brook Golf Course this summer.

Jim Tedesco (third from left) with participants, instructors at All Par.
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: County Executive Jim Tedesco*

Jerry DeMarco

07/05/2016 1:03 p.m.

The county-run All Par Program introduces golf to children with autism in both the classroom and on the practice green.

Instructors present the fundamentals, which are reinforced by teaching assistants using Snag golf equipment, large-face plastic clubs and tennis balls.

The instructors present the grip and stance for a putting stroke and practice these concepts on the practice tee. Targets, placed a short distance from the golfer, are used to convey the importance of distance control and alignment.

Once these skills have had a chance to sink in, chipping is introduced.

The full swing is only discussed after the development of the shorter swings of putting and chipping.

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