"I play golf because it's fun, and I can spend time with my father, and my brother, and my friends.  It's good exercise, and, really, because it's fun!"
-Brad Hennefer, age 21


Brad Hennefer is a young man with Down Syndrome.  Brad lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with his family.  In 2008, he was the first individual with Down Syndrome to graduate from Cherry Hill High School East.  Brad also works part-time for Aramark at CH East, as well as at Wegman's Supermarket in Cherry Hill, NJ.  Brad enjoys listening to music, watching movies, hanging out with his many friends, and playing sports.  He has participated in Special 
Olympics basketball, golf and weight lifting, winning several gold and silver medals.  He also was a member of his high school varsity basketball and golf teams. 

As Brad got older, his family noticed that he had substantial talent when it came to golf.  He  continued to play with Bobby whenever he could.  When Brad was 12, Bobby went away to college.  Suddenly there was a void in Brad's golf life.

Enter Rich Smith, Jr.  Through the Variety Club of Philadelphia, Brad was partnered with Rich to play in a few tournaments around the area.  Rich had never worked with a person with DS before, and he right away noticed Brad's talent.  He immediately began working with Brad to develop his game. Due in large part to Rich's help, Brad is now able to play a full 18 holes of golf.  Now that Bobby has returned from college and is a PGA Golf Professional, he and Brad want to provide others with the same wonderful experiences that they have shared.

Brad and the Hennefer and Smith families want to give other people with DS the same opportunities that he has.  Through their collaborative efforts, Golf For Life is well on its way to being a successful program, both in the Philadelphia area and across the country!