Student Spotlight – James “Tip” Tipton

When USGTF member Anthony Netto was paralyzed from an automobile accident in the 1990s, he desired to remain active in the game. He helped innovate and pioneer the ParaGolfer, a mobile unit that allows paralyzed golfers to play golf from a standing position.

One of those whose life changed through the ParaGolfer is James “Tip” Tipton from Panama City, Florida. Tipton was introduced to Netto’s foundation, Stand Up And Play, and was soon in a ParaGolfer. Tipton told MyPanhandle.com, “To be honest with you it truly saved my life. I was in a dark place for five or six years hooked on opioids, benzos, alcohol, and suicidal ideations, and when I was introduced by the Stand Up And Play Foundation to this cart, it was a game-changer for me, literally not just the game of golf but the game of life.”

Tipton is the director of the Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance which, in partnership with the Stand Up And Play foundation, focuses on helping first responders and children with physical and emotional challenges. Tipton wants to eventually spread his and his alliance’s reach throughout the entire North Florida region, from Mobile, Alabama, to Jacksonville, Florida.