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Golf brings self-esteem to youth with cerebral palsy
By MARIE STEMPINSKI
| Article published on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/030408_bhb-01.jpg) |
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| Photo by MARIE STEMPINSKI |
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| Coach Gary Metzger helps Justin Hughes with his grip. |
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TREASURE ISLAND – Cerebral Palsy is one of a group of neurological disorders that affect speech, movement, muscular coordination and more. Experts prescribe a number of therapies for children with this malady.
Physical and occupational therapy and special speech and learning therapies are some examples. But young Justin Hughes has found a therapy that’s both fun and effective. Golf.
Justin, 8, a second grader at St. Judes School in St. Petersburg, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 3. His mother, Elisa, said that while he functions quite well, the condition has affected his walking, speech and other functions.
“Justin is taking occupational and physical therapy. We have also enrolled him in speech therapy classes at school, but golf is his great love,” she said.
Justin’s dad, Paul, agrees.
“Justin started out with golf video games and then, for his eighth birthday, he wanted golf lessons,” he said.
Cerebral Palsy often appears in infancy or early childhood.
According to the Web site, www.KidsHealth.org, published by the Nemours Foundation, there is no current cure for the disorder but it does not get worse with time.
The Web site states, “Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination – so even simple movements like standing still – are difficult. Other vital functions that also involve motor skills and muscles, such as breathing, bladder and bowel control, eating and learning are also affected when a child has cerebral palsy.”
In November, Justin began his golf lessons with Gary Metzger, golf pro at Treasure Bay Tennis and Golf Recreation Center in Treasure Island. He said he especially likes putting practice.
“I like to control the putter. To decide how hard or how soft to hit the ball. The timing has to be just right,” he said.
Elisa said that’s just like Justin.
“He’s very analytical,” she said. “He likes to figure things out. Math is one of his favorite subjects in school.”
Metzger, with years of experience teaching both adults and children, said that golf is a great therapy for everyone.
“It teaches the core values of life,” he said. “Among these are patience, perseverance, respect and honesty.”
Justin’s mother said that they chose Treasure Bay because it was convenient and affordable. She said they chose Metzger because of his reputation with children.
Justin said he likes his coach.
“He’s nice and tries to help everybody,” he added.
His mother echoes his endorsement.
“Coach Gary is very patient. I didn’t know anything about golf. He even lent us a set of clubs for Justin and keeps us up to date on his progress. He’s very good with kids,” she said.
She added that golf is helping Justin.
“It gets him out of the house and he can see himself succeeding," she said. "It’s good for his self-esteem.”
She has this advice for other parents who have children with cerebral palsy.
“Try something different. It’s great to find something they’re interested in, something they can be proud of and feel more like the other kids,” she said. What does Justin say about his golf lessons?
“I want to keep playing when I grow up,” he said, smiling.
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Article published on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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