Para-golfers are a group of remarkable individuals who have defied physical disabilities to excel in the sport they love. Over the years, these golfers have not only inspired others but have also proven that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Here are 15 para-golfers who deserve recognition for their exceptional skills and achievements.
1. Casey Martin – Born with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, a congenital disorder that affects his right leg, Martin became the first golfer with a disability to play in the US Open in 1998.
2. Chad Pfeifer – A veteran of the Iraq War, Pfeifer lost his left leg below the knee after an improvised explosive device exploded near him during combat operations. He went on to win three gold medals at the Warrior Games and has played in multiple PGA Tour events.
3. Brendan Lawlor – An Irishman born with Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome (a rare bone disorder), Lawlor became the first disabled golfer to compete in the EDGA Scottish Open last year.
4. Dennis Walters – Paralyzed from waist down due to spinal cord injury when he was just 24 years old, Walters started performing trick shots while sitting on a modified golf cart since late seventies and has been entertaining fans across USA ever since.
5. Mike Gostigian – A former professional snowboarder who lost his left arm in a car accident, Gostigian now competes as an adaptive golfer and won gold at both national and international level championships over past few years
6. Brandon Canesi – Born without hands or feet due to genetic condition called Hanhart Syndrome; Canesi learned golf at age nine by watching YouTube videos and playing with plastic clubs before going on competing against able-bodied players through high school varsity team
7. Tony Bennett – Blind since birth but picked up golf after listening to it on radio and watching videos – Bennett has won a number of blind golf tournaments over the years including National Blind Golf Championship in 2018.
8. Miah Wheeler – Born without a right arm, Wheeler is now an accomplished para-golfer who has represented the U.S. at multiple international events and co-founded the Adaptive Golf Association.
9. Andrew Jensen – Former professional golfer who lost his leg due to blood clotting caused by bacterial infection but persevered through rehabilitation process to return playing professionally again and also became national amputee champion last year.
10. Geoff Nicholas – A former Australian PGA Tour player who suffered a stroke in 1993 that left him paralyzed on one side of his body, Nicholas went on to become an adaptive golfer and won three gold medals at the Paralympics.
11. Ellen Hume – Multiple sclerosis patient since age 20; Hume didn’t pick up golf until she was almost forty, but then quickly turned herself into top female para-golfer winning Scottish Open title twice among many other competitions
12. Ian Bishop – An Army veteran who lost both legs above the knee in Afghanistan, Bishop is now an adaptive golfer who competes regularly and aims for selection to represent Team USA at upcoming Invictus Games
13. Juan Postigo – Born with cerebral palsy, Postigo started playing golf only after he had graduated college but still managed to earn two consecutive gold medals representing Mexico at Special Olympics World Summer Games held respectively in Abu Dhabi (2019) & Los Angeles (2015).
14. Joe Grzybek – High school athlete whose promising career was cut short when he broke his spine while diving into pool during summer training; Grzybek found solace in golf during long rehabilitation period and eventually turned pro as disabled golfer competing nationally as well as internationally
15. Billy Cairns – An amputee from Northern Ireland who lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident, Cairns is now an accomplished para-golfer who has played in multiple international events and won the World Disabled Golf Championship in 2019.
These para-golfers prove that nothing can hold you back if you have the passion, determination, and grit to succeed. They are an inspiration to all of us and remind us that there are no limits to what we can achieve.