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s the 2016 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher & Coach of the Year, Billy Sampson has built a reputation for his innovative approach to coaching. One area where his creativity shines is in his work with players who face physical challenges. For Sampson, welcoming players regardless of limitations isn’t just about instruction – it’s about giving them the confidence to enjoy golf on their own terms.
“The opportunity to coach players with physical health challenges has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” says Sampson, PGA of America Director of Instruction at Old Tabby Links in Okatie, South Carolina. “It pushes me to think differently, taking everything I’ve learned as a teacher and finding new ways to help individuals. Each person’s limitations are unique, but the goal is always the same: to uplift and empower them through the game of golf.”
Sampson has worked with a variety of students, from those recovering from injuries to players dealing with long-term disabilities. He believes that fostering a welcoming environment starts with creativity and a willingness to adapt.
“With a student who had Parkinson’s (pictured with Sampson), we started by trying a baseball swing – something that was more natural for him in the beginning,” Sampson recalls. “Eventually, we moved toward a more conventional golf swing. Sometimes, thinking outside the box is what makes the difference.”
A crucial part of his process is ensuring that the equipment fits the player’s needs.
“When making adjustments to a player’s swing due to a health issue, you have to make sure the equipment matches those changes,” Sampson says. “For my Parkinson’s student, who is taller, we went with lighter clubs, more hybrids, and a driver with more loft and a lighter shaft. These small details make a huge impact.”
Sampson has seen firsthand how one player’s story can inspire others. “The Parkinson’s patient shared his story on a local website, and that gave a woman with a disability the inspiration to begin her own golf journey,” he explains. “You never know who you might reach by sharing these experiences.”
Sampson believes that offering these players a chance to enjoy golf, regardless of their limitations, is about more than the game. It’s about helping people, which Sampson insists should be a priority for all PGA of America Golf Professionals.