b'CHIP SHOTSRyan Cutter founds Helenaall-abilities academyIn addition to his daily duties a high level, gain national recognition,as PGA director of instruction and qualify for national and internationalat Green Meadow Country Club competitions. And now with the USGAin Helena, Mont., Ryan Cutter dedicated to providing a unified pathwayalso runs a non-profit he created to nurture Americas top young golfers,in early 2023 called the All Abilities Golf Academy. He offers and Golf Canada continuing its successfulfree instructional programs player development program, our ownto people with disabilities and young golf athletes are poised to keepmilitary veterans who are PGA making headlines with their achievementsHOPE (Helping Our Patriots and inspiring the next generation to followEverywhere) participants.in their footsteps. Cutter started the golf academy for These highlights showcase just a few ofanyone with disabilities. Whether the reasons why junior golf is thriving in theyoure a veteran with PTSD or Pacific Northwest. There isnt enough spacesomeone born with a physical in this essay to name and recognize themdisadvantage, the academy will all, especially all the great work happeningintroduce you to the game of at the grassroots level.golf. The goal of the academy Despite all the positive trends, those ofis to provide easy access and us working in the golf industry know thereopportunities in golf for everyone.is always work to be done and challengesAn accomplished player, he is also that need to be addressed to sustain thean ADM-certified PGA Coach and growth of junior golf. The golf industry as adeeply involved with junior golf. whole continues to work towards ensuringHe won the 2021 Western Montana equitable access to facilities and resources,PGA Chapter Assistant Golf and will continue to try and provide moreProfessional of the Year AwardRyan Cutter has competed in two U.S. Adaptive Open national championships.affordable and sustainable pathways forand Youth Player Development young golfers to continue to play the gameAward, in addition to being recognized by the Pacific Northwest PGA as a lifelong sport, and make it more cost- Section as the 2021 Deacon Palmer Award recipient. He competed in the effective for all youth to have access toinaugural U.S. Adaptive Open in 2022, and competed in that national competing at a higher level, regardless ofchampionship again this summer.financial restraints. Cutter was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, and had both of his legs The rise of junior golf in the Pacificamputated at birth. His parents introduced him to golf at a very young Northwest is a testament to the regionsage, and he was able to play golf throughout his high school years. But commitment to the development of youthwhen he went to college, he gave up the game for nearly four years. golf. Thank you to all the golf associations,He then decided to pursue a career in the sport, taking the PGA Golf volunteers, PGA Professionals, parents,Management route at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, coaches, philanthropic supporters, andearning his PGA membership as well as a degree in accounting. everyone else committed to this cause andThere are only a couple single-amputee PGA professionals, and another the future of the game! professional with a form of cognitive disability. Cutter is the only double amputee PGA pro in the U.S. Troy Andrew, PublisherSEPT 2024|PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER7'