Golfers with disabilities ready to tee off

NEWPORT COAST - Using portable computers mounted on wheelchairs

along with a device that tracks head movement, 15 people without the use

of their arms or legs, most of them quadriplegics, will tee off in a golf

tournament, playing with able-bodied golfers, at Pelican Hill Golf Club

on Aug. 18.

The invitation-only event, called Real Abilities Charity Golf

Tournament, will include dignitaries and government officials from Canada

and the United States.

It benefits those who are physically challenged through Teddy’s Star

Foundation, which supplies Environmental Control Units to those who

cannot afford it.

The event is sponsored by Madentec, a leading provider of the

technology that will allow people without the use of their arms to golf

using a wheelchair-mounted computer running Microsoft Links LS golf

software.

A replica of the Pelican Hill layout is stored in the computer

software. The user uses a reflective dot on the forehead and moves the

head to move the cursor. Then, they can click using face movements,

achieving 100% control of the computer without the use of hands.

The golfers with disabilities, including 39-year-old Corona del Mar

resident and former surfing star Kyle Anderson, will play 15 holes of

golf in wheelchairs at Pelican Hill in a best-ball gross format.

The event will include a golf clinic for people with disabilities by

Fore All, exhibits and demonstrations of the technology, a press

conference at 11 a.m. and an awards banquet that evening. Details: (310)

394-2228.