California Eagles Ice Cream Social at Haggin Oaks

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014 the MacKenzie Putting Course at Haggin Oaks was filled with matching yellow and blue shirts for the California Eagles Annual Ice Cream Social.

The California Eagles programs from William Land Golf Course and Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, gathered around the MacKenzie Putting Course at Haggin Oaks to participate in their annual Ice Cream Social and String Putting Contest. Over 85 players participated in this unique program.
The California Eagles is a golf program for athletes of all ages with special needs. The program includes, but is not limited to, those with Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Attention Deficit Disorder, Deaf, Blind, or recovering from Heart Attacks and Strokes.

The purpose of the program is to give persons with special needs the opportunity to learn and enjoy the great game of golf. The ultimate goal is to have all of the athletes play golf well enough so they can participate with friends, family and others.

This program was originally started 21 years ago by Tenured Professional Dick McShane. Dick is still a very active role in the California Eagles and coaches along side Director of Junior and Disabled Golf, at Haggin Oaks, Kelli Corlett. Together their passion for teaching is seen through the participants. The California Eagles program would not be a success without all the amazing volunteers that donate their time each week.

Golf instruction is provided by volunteer coaches assisted by Haggin Oaks Golf Professionals. The teaching/coaching is geared to the level of communication skills and talents of each participant in the program. Using The First Tee curriculum, the coaches teach life enhancing values, including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, courtesy, confidence, responsibility, perseverance and judgment through the game of golf.

The California Eagles Golf Program continues to grow thanks to the generosity of Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, William Land Golf Course, The Morton Golf Foundation, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento and the dedication of our volunteer coaches and golf professionals.

Contact Janie Bucher – (916) 765-0870 or click here to request more information by email or to sign up.

The California Eagles is a golf program for athletes of all ages with special needs. The program includes, but is not limited to those with Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Attention Deficit Disorder, Deaf, Blind, or recovering from Heart Attacks and Strokes.

The California Eagles began in 1983. Dick McShane, Golf Professional at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, was asked by the parents of five special needs eight year olds to teach them the game of golf. Today the program continues with approximately 70 participants. In 2003 a second group was started in the south area of Sacramento at William Land Park Golf Course.

The California Eagles meet from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday at Haggin Oaks, and from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. every Monday at Land Park. The program runs from mid-April to mid-September, registration being open throughout the entire season.

In addition to weekly golf instruction there are several tournaments, putting contests and social events. Golf clubs are provided for each athlete. The Eagles also participate in the Special Olympics Northeast Region Golf Tournament at Haggin Oaks.

Contact Janie Bucher – (916) 765-0870 or click here to request more information by email or to sign up.