NAGA Aiding Getting People Back on Their Feet

Amputees have many crossroads to face in trying to get back into a normal life routine. For those who enjoy golf, one association, the National Amputee Golf Association, has seen to it that they have that opportunity to get on the links.

“Since its inception, NAGA has touched thousands of lives, amputees as well as other disabled/handicapped individuals,” said Robert “Bob” Wilson, executive director, editor of the Amputee Golfer magazine, and founder and coordinator of the First Swing golf program.

“Regardless if the amputation (loss of a hand or foot at a major joint) was caused through trauma, disease or birth defect an individual learns that to play the game of golf, all one has to do is hit a ball. This being the case, anyone can play the game. Therefore, playing golf is recognized as an outstanding form of rehabilitation therapy—both physical the psychological—in order to restore self-esteem, confidence and pride,” Wilson added.

According to Wilson, the exact number of amputees in the U.S. is not known. It is estimated that of the 54 million disabled in the U.S. today, at least 10 percent are amputees. “As word of the Association through the media, the Amputee Golfer magazine, our First Swing program, prosthetic and rehabilitation facilities spreads, many are learning that they can play the game,” Wilson said.

NAGA (www.amputeegolf.org) currently has an active membership of 3,000 and is supported in its activities by four Regional Associations that conduct tournaments and grass roots activities in their areas.

“Although War and diseases have greatly reduced the number of amputations, NAGA expects a modest growth in the foreseeable future,” Wilson said. “If NAGA could attract additional sponsors to support its activities (tournaments, First Swing, magazine) and thereby reduce the cost of the individual to participate in them, the number of participants would increase at a faster rate. The benefits of participation, improved mental and physical health, self-assurance, enhances self-assurance in increases an individuals’ life expectancy. Our efforts take the ‘dis’ out of disability and show that it is ability that counts.

“Throughout our history, stories of courage, inspiration, ability, etc., abound. Personally, having played golf prior to my traumatic accident, if I had not learned of the Association while undergoing rehabilitation, I don’t know where my life would be today. Encouraged by the fact that other amputees did play golf and that they were leading productive lives, I believe, provided a part of the encouragement needed to be productive and lead a ‘normal’ life,” added Wilson.

At the Hazeltine National GC during the week of Sept. 8, NAGA will be conducting its 55th National Championships. A field of 165 amputees from 11 countries will be competing.

For more information on NAGA, log onto: www.nagagolf.org