History

Freedom Golf Association (FGA) was founded in July, 2012 by Edmund (E.Q.) Sylvester. E.Q. is a director of the Western Golf Association (WGA), member of the United States Senior Golf Association (USSGA), and a triple amputee.

E.Q. became a triple amputee in 2011, and shortly after leaving the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) attempted to hit golf balls at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club driving range. When long-time friend and Cog Hill owner, Frank Jemsek, asked what he was trying to do, E.Q. replied that he was “trying to hit golf balls without any feet and only one hand!”  Asked if he was getting any help, E.Q. replied that he wasn’t, and the first step towards forming FGA was taken.

Freedom Golf Association was incorporated July 3, 2012 pursuant to the General Not-For-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Illinois and operates under the 501(C)(3) section of the Internal Revenue Code.  
FGA now works to assist individuals with disabilities in many ways:

• Providing professionally run instructional clinics and golf events 
• Engage children, adults and veterans with special needs in FREE golf instruction with other classmates
• Conduct Adaptive Golf training workshops to increase the number of qualified golf coaches to instruct individuals with special needs
• Provide leadership and collaboration with nationally recognized organizations on how to expand/grow adaptive golf programs