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Golf Gratitude: How golf is a sanctuary for many autistic individuals

Published

2 years ago

Oct 31, 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the strong connection between golf and autism; a relationship celebrated not just for the therapeutic benefits of the game but for the unique opportunities it presents for individuals on the spectrum. With its sprawling greens and rhythmic swings, golf provides a sanctuary for many autistic individuals, allowing them to engage in an activity that is as calming as it is challenging.

One of the standout aspects of golf is its emphasis on routine and repetition. For many autistic individuals, routine can be a source of comfort in a chaotic world. Golf offers a structured environment with consistent and reliable rules and rhythms. Whether it’s the systematic approach to lining up a putt or the repetitive motion of the swing, these consistent routines can be incredibly comforting for individuals with autism.

Anyone who plays the game knows well that golf is a sport where patience is a virtue. Unlike many fast-paced sports, golf allows players to take their time, reflecting on each shot and each decision. This slower pace can be a boon for autistic individuals who might become overwhelmed by the speed and intensity of other sports. On the golf course, time stretches, and anxiety can often melt away, replaced with a focused concentration on the task at hand.

Another aspect that adds to the appeal of golf for autistic individuals is the calming effect of the golf course itself—a haven of natural beauty. The golf course can be a sensory delight, filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the satisfying thwack of a well-hit ball. For individuals with autism, who may be particularly attuned to sensory input, this environment can offer a wealth of calming and enjoyable experiences. The wide open spaces and lush surroundings allow for a serene escape from the burdens of everyday life, promoting a sense of relaxation and peace.

Another significant benefit of golf for autistic individuals is the social aspect interwoven with its play. Golf is often played in groups, offering a structured way to interact with others. Unlike large gatherings that may be daunting for some, the smaller group interactions on a golf course can be easier to manage and predict. These settings offer a fantastic opportunity to build social skills, develop friendships, and forge connections with others in a way that feels natural and unforced, promoting a sense of ease and comfort.

Ernie Els and His Connection to Autism

One of the most compelling examples of golf’s connection to autism comes from the legendary golfer Ernie Els. Known affectionately as “The Big Easy” due to his smooth swing and laid-back demeanor, Els has become a prominent advocate for autism awareness. His personal journey with autism began when his son, Ben, was diagnosed with the condition. Motivated by this deeply personal connection, Els founded the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009.

The foundation’s mission is to empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, providing comprehensive resources, research, and education. Ernie Els’ dedication to supporting autism initiatives extends beyond conventional advocacy; he invests his time, reputation, and resources into ensuring that individuals on the spectrum receive opportunities to flourish.

Through initiatives like the Els for Autism Golf Challenge, the foundation has raised significant funds to support its programs and services. These efforts have not only raised awareness but have also highlighted the transformative power that golf can have for individuals with autism.

Patient 1: A Love for Golf

Delving into the history of autism, one cannot overlook “Patient 1,” Donald Triplett, the first person to be diagnosed with autism. Triplett’s story is remarkable not just for his pioneering diagnosis but also for his passion for golf. Growing up in a time when autism was little understood, Triplett found solace and joy on the golf course.

Triplett’s love for golf gave him a lifetime of enjoyment and a sense of normalcy. His ability to focus intently on each swing and each shot echoes the broader appeal of golf for many on the autism spectrum. The game allowed him to connect with others, develop social skills, and engage in a structured activity that brought immense satisfaction.

Photo of Donald Tripplet from John Donvan and Caren Zucker, producers of “In A Different Key: The Story of Autism.”

His story is a testament to golf’s profound impact, offering both a therapeutic outlet and a source of personal achievement. Triplett’s life, intertwined with the game, serves as an inspiring example of how golf can foster inclusion, passion, and fulfillment for individuals across the autism spectrum.

The Strong Positive Connection Between Golf and Autism

The game of golf provides a remarkable avenue for expression, learning, and growth for individuals on the autism spectrum. Its blend of routine, patience, natural serenity, and social opportunities makes it an ideal sport for many autistic individuals. With advocates like Ernie Els and pioneers like Donald Triplett highlighting the connections between autism and golf, the sport continues to enrich lives, illustrating how it can unite us all in the pursuit of joy, friendship, and understanding.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

To learn more about my thoughts on the upcoming week in golf to come, go to my new weekly column, “Fairway Focus,” on RG.org.

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

3 weeks ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ben A

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

2026 The Memorial – Monday #1

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

4 weeks ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping 440 LST
Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Ping PLD Anser

News

Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

Published

4 weeks ago

May 31, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX

3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX

7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

GolfWRX

Golf Gratitude: How golf is a sanctuary for many autistic individuals

News