Sparrow Hospital is launching a new summer program that uses golf as a powerful rehab tool.
The young patients involved are learning a lot out on the golf course that is helping them heal physically and emotionally.
The brand new "Pediatric Rehab Adaptive Golf Program" helps kids who are recovering from a stroke or living with cerebral palsy.
The kids had their first practice Monday, and they'll have another shot to hone their skills in July, before actually going out on the golf course in August.
Instructors from "First Tee" are helping out, and Sparrow thinks the annual golf program will only grow as the summer goes on.
"It'll help them build their strength, it will help them build endurance," says Jennifer Deibel, the Department Manager for Pediatric Rehab at Sparrow.
It's all about what's possible.
"They are teaching the kids how to golf but also about leadership and collaborating with other people," says Deibel, "and just being around and being social with other kids."
Golf can be a challenge for some patients, so the instructors are pulling out all sorts of tools, longer clubs and lighter equipment.
