Victorian teenager Kayne Crompton is on a mission to encourage greater participation within All Abilities golf.
It’s been a little longer than three years since Kayne Crompton was captivated by watching Cameron Smith play golf on TV and pleaded for his parents to buy him a set of clubs. He’d never been exposed to the sport previously, yet there was a draw that was undeniable.
Sixteen years of age at the time, Kayne’s autism made social interactions challenging and starting a new sport intimidating. It wasn’t easy, yet he persisted. Kayne pushed past feelings of discomfort being among new people in an unfamiliar environment at his local par-3 course and worked tirelessly on mastering the physical-movement patterns necessary to get the ball in the air.
Now Kayne has completed the training necessary to become a National Program Deliverer with Golf Australia and recently graduated from the PGA Institute with a Diploma of Sport. The impact golf has had on his life is significant.
Kayne’s enthusiasm for golf was embraced by the membership at Kyabram Parkland Golf Club near Shepparton and his circle of friends has expanded by participating in Special Olympics golf events in Victoria and on the Gold Coast. His next aim is to find more ways to help people with a disability learn and fall in love with the game as he has done, through beginner programs and more tournaments for people with disabilities in his region.
Such was his passion, Kayne enquired as to what was necessary to begin the PGA of Australia’s Membership Pathway Program. His golf is not at that level yet, so Kayne sought an alternative entry point into a golf career through the PGA Institute. Kayne and his family attended a PGA Institute Open Day, and he would later be awarded a PGA of Australia scholarship, making an immediate impression on those within the educational arm of the PGA.
“It was quite evident that Kayne had a passion for golf and working in the industry,” said Suzanne Burns, senior manager – RTO for the PGA of Australia.
“He enrolled with us and completed his Diploma of Sport within a 12-month timeframe. As a remote student, he remained focused on his aim of completing his studies within the year and we congratulate him on such dedication and focus.
“Both the PGA Institute and the PGA of Australia are committed to the growth and building the capability of the golf industry workforce. Kayne is an example of what can be achieved when chasing your dreams of a successful career in golf and being goal-orientated.”
The Diploma of Sport through the PGA Institute is tailored to expose students to practical scenarios that they could face in a club environment, with Kayne particularly drawn to the study areas involving events and technology, including simulators and launch monitors. It has not only given Kayne a clear pathway to a career in the golf industry, but a sense of self-confidence that he wants others who face similar challenges to also experience.
“Growing up, I didn’t really socialise much, didn’t really like socialising,” said Kayne, who has also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Kyabram Fire Brigade. “Now golf’s got me out in the wider world. I talk to a lot more people now and get to participate in the community a lot more.
“Because I didn’t come into golf as a natural golfer, I kind of know the struggles you go through to get good at the sport. So as much as it was a hard road for me to get good at the sport at first, I could use that knowledge to help others.
“I want to see more All Abilities golfers in competitions and get it out there that this is what the golf world has to offer for people with a disability. And that they are not on their own through the journey.”
The PGA Institute offers a wide array of pathways into a career in the golf industry. To explore your educational opportunities within golf, visit golf.com.au/study-and-work
