GRAND FORKS — Golf is hard, but two Grand Forks golf courses are making it more accessible for everybody.
“I’m not finding that one,” said Mason Griffin.
For Griffin, looking for a golf ball means more time with father, Dennis, on the golf course. It’s a sport Dennis taught him to play as a little kid.
“He’s asking me to golf again so it makes me happy that he wants to get here and play more,” Mason said.
Dennis Griffin has multiple sclerosis, which affects his ability to walk. The avid golfer thought his days on the course were over. But this summer, something “pretty special” happened.
Specialized VertaCat golf carts are helping make golf more accessible for people with disabilities. Donated by the North Dakota Association for the Disabled, the carts allow golfers to safely navigate the course and get back in the game.
Matt Henson / WDAY
The North Dakota Association for the Disabled donated the VertaCat golf cart to the Grand Forks Park District and King’s Walk Golf Course. The green fees for the user and a companion are also covered.
“At first trying it … ‘Is this thing going to work? Am I going to be able to swing?'” Dennis said.
But now, Dennis gets on the course once a week.
A leg brace and chest pad keep players like Dennis in place.
The VertaCat can cruise the fairways and rough and drive on the greens to sink a putt.
“Golf is for all and this is just another step in the direction to get as many community members involved in the sport as possible,” said Dan Tannahill of King’s Walk Golf Course.
Golfers like Luke Riley over at Lincoln Golf Course. He’s using the new Buddy Cart. It’s an oversized golf cart with a ramp. It was donated by Albatross Indoor Golf. Riley uses a wheelchair after he suffered an injury in a sledding accident at age 7.
“I try to do everything like anybody else would, so it’s a great opportunity,” Riley said.
Riley only puts on the course. His drive to get out is not about the tee shot.
“I’m not too crazy into it, it’s just more of a fun thing to do with my buddies,” he said.
Luke Riley lines up a putt on the course at Lincoln Golf Course in Grand Forks on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
Matt Henson / WDAY
And now, the Park District is giving some people who thought they may never be able to golf, or golf again, a chance to keep chipping away at their game.
The Buddy Golf cart is free to use, but green fees still apply. The Fargo Park District also provides a VertaCat at Rose Creek and Osgood.
Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.