About
The Caddie Companion Initiative is about more than pars and birdies. It's about sharing memories, enjoying an afternoon outside with a friend and staying active for a healthy life.
The Mission
Our mission is to enhance the emotional and physical well-being of players living with dementia through social connection, exercise and joy by pairing them with volunteer golfers. Through meaningful time on the course, we support their healthy lifestyle while also allowing care partners peace of mind and much needed respite, strengthening that player’s network of support.
Board of Directors
With a shared vision and sense of community, our team is building a program designed to help as many players and their care partners as possible.
How it started
This idea was born out of my experience with my own father. For years, we played golf together. We have a great relationship, with many of our fondest memories made on the golf course. I'll never forgive him for sinking that 60' putt on the 72 hole of a weekend trip to Florida to beat me by one hole!
In recent years his memory and capacity to play golf on his own has diminished. When I do play with him, I see his mood improve, he has decreased anxiety, and shows an overall uplift of his psychological and emotional well-being. My vision is for The Caddie Companion Initiative (originally called Caddy for Daddy) is to provide a playing companion to ensure a safe, fun and reliable environment for all golfers experiencing the same challenges my dad developed.
Research shows that physical and mental activity for people living with dementia has numerous health benefits for the individual. It also offers their loved ones a break from caregiving responsibilities which is equally as important and beneficial for everyone.