No Boundaries

Jul 11

No Boundaries

Posted In: Spirit of the Game By: admin 0 Comments

By: Kristi Gomen

LUCK happened that night in April when I stood and watched the publisher of Golf Fitness Magazine being interviewed for a golf/talk radio program in Orlando, FL. FORTUNE, however, happened as I sat with Ken Peck, double amputee and Marketing Director for the National Amputee Golf Association and learned about his passion—golf.

My fortune was not in a monetary value, nor was my luck in a business deal, but far more greater than money or business; a life lesson was to be learned by all standing around listening to him being interviewed that night, a lesson in one person’s true spirit of the game and the tenacity of their soul.

It was with talking with Ken Peck and learning how this double amputee, chose to seize the day, the moment and of course the golf course. This man, I learned has more excitement and energy for life and the game of golf than some of the most “golf fit” pros.

Although, Golf Fitness Magazine, was being interviewed to talk about just that, “golf fitness,” Ken was there to talk about the First Annual Celebrity Amputee Golf Tournament, that was being held in Clermont, Florida the following Saturday.

Most readers are probably thinking, “What was that radio producer thinking when he scheduled airtime to talk about golf fitness and then scheduled time to promote an amputee tournament?” Well, that producer could not have been more on target or in sync when understanding the true theory behind golf fitness.

Golf fitness, is not just about total body workout. It is about a total body, mind and spirit workout. It is just as much about strengthening and conditioning your body as it is about strengthening and conditioning your mind — it is about being mentally fit. Mentally fit, I can assure you from my conversations with this fine group of people is one thing that they all excel in, however, not only are they mentally strong and fit, but their core strengthening and conditioning workouts produce healthier golfers that can do just about anything, a non-amputee can do, thus keeping them golf strong and golf fit.

So, after listening to Ken’s interview concerning the tournament, I had to learn more about this wonderful organization and golf group.

NAGA (National Amputee Golf Association) was started in the early 1950s by group of about 12 men with amputations. Dale Bourisseau, a veteran of WWII, looked up comrades with similar injuries and encouraged them to try golf as a means of recreation and to try to regain some of their “spirit” back, as a result of their injury. As this core group began to play, they teamed up with Possibilities Unlimited, a group of people with disabilities in Cleveland, Ohio and the rest is history. .

Over forty years later, and over 2000 members strong in the USA and 17 other countries, NAGA is now hosting tournaments across the country, raising money for their FIRST SWING program and the NAGA Educational Scholarship Grant.

The First Swing program hosts over 30 clinics across the U.S. each year. This program teaches people with disabilities how to adapt to the game of golf with their new challenges. Many, through this program, have realized the adaptability of golf as a rehabilitation medium. First Swing Seminars also grant CEU credits to PGA, LPGA, Physical Therapists and many others in the fitness and physical therapy field.

In addition to the First Swing program, the NAGA also provides educational assistance to an amputee and or his or her dependents annually. A 4 year Bachelor’s Degree is awarded each year to those that qualify.

So in addition to spreading the spirit of the game amongst all at these tournaments and clinics, the NAGA is hard at work helping others always.

As my team of photographers experienced the tournament in Orlando that weekend, one thing I certainly noticed Monday morning, EVERYONE had a smile in their heart as big as the smile on their faces when talking about the tournament. If a picture says a thousand words, than you can truly see from the pictures in this story what a wonderful time was had by all at the 1st Annual Celebrity Amputee Tournament.—

In conclusion, the admiration that we all have for this awesome group of golfers speaks for itself. Considering our topic of Golf Fitness, these fine men and women show no boundaries, they are limitless in their ability to play the game of golf. I have truly been touched by each and everyone’s story of determination, tenacity and the will to live life to the fullest, while taking any obstacle head on—even one of the most challenging personal obstacle of all—the game of golf.

“LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND 90% HOW YOU RESPOND TO IT.”—Jeff Lewis (Quadruple Amputee, after finishing a 4 mile marathon in 90minutes.)