This is not a woe is me article. It’s proof that with belief, a willingness to fail, and some encouraging words from friends and family members, anything is possible. Quick background—by now regular readers will likely know I lost my leg above the knee two years ago due to a bad infection. Back in November 2016 I woke up from my surgery in the Kaiser Santa Rosa I.C.U to the television declaring Donald Trump the new president of the United States. Let’s just say it wasn’t the best day of my life.
Recovery was slow. I spent two and half weeks at Kaiser getting the pain under control and another two weeks at Park View Post Acute center. At Park View I went through occupational therapy where I learned how to use the bathroom and kitchen again. In physical therapy I worked with a tough staff who helped me walk with crutches and get back on my foot again (dark humor is the best).
Almost 18 months later I returned to the golf course. It could have been sooner but I suppose I was waiting for a doctor or counselor to tell me it was OK to play again. On Father’s Day of this year my son Jackson turned out to be that person. He gave me a dozen new Titleist golf balls, a fancy ball mark that said #1 Dad, and a card encouraging me to play again. Talk about a Hallmark moment.
Later that day we loaded up the minivan with our clubs and hit the links at Windsor Golf Club. Fortunately we didn’t keep score that day or he likely would have beaten me. I didn’t play great but I was out there doing the activity I love the most.
Thanks to an amazing new German Ottobock C-Leg 4 from Kaiser and Dave Jeffries at Sierra Orthopedic Lab in Larkfield, I’m now playing much better golf. I have broken 80 from the men’s white tees at both Oakmont and Windsor. I used to shoot those scores regularly but of course my circumstances have changed.
I’ve adjusted my stance, placed the weight on my back foot, and have relied on my hand eye coordination. I hit the ball 75 percent of the distance I used to and my chipping and putting is returning to form.
My golf cart looks like I raided a yard sale. I have a big bag with 14 clubs, two crutches, a cane and a black club holder with a spike on it that I stick in the ground. With my 6-foot 2-inch, 215-pound frame it’s easier that I ride in a cart alone.
I have had a few pratfalls. I fell on my butt in a sand trap and I wiped out on the 16th tee at Oakmont West when I swung a little too hard. And just yesterday I looked like a mountain climber trying to get out a bunker next to the 10th green at Windsor GC. What a sight.
Speaking of Windsor Golf Club, I’d like to thank head PGA golf pro Jason Schmuhl for his generosity with the Junior Golf Program. Yesterday Jason blocked off room for 40 juniors and their parents to play in a year-end event at 1 p.m. I’m sure this was the only junior golf tournament in the history of Sonoma County golf that included pizza, salad, soda and free breathing masks.
About 25 people showed up due to air quality concerns but we were lucky to have a pretty clear afternoon. Before we left for the course I asked my wife if we were terrible parents for making our kids play in the tainted air. Without missing a beat she said, “Yes definitely.”
Sometimes it takes free food and the ability to steer the golf cart for my 10 year-old daughter Katie to play golf. But since she loves getting dressed up and hitting range balls we didn’t have to twist her arm too hard to play. She didn’t quite finish the nine holes but she’s working on it.
Everyone had a blast. Families were laughing and had music playing in their carts. Team members and their younger siblings had the run of the course. It took a long time to finish nine holes but everyone was patient. After the golf, 15 people from three different families ate at Charlie’s Grill. Golf indeed brings people together.
My friend and Windsor resident Devin Savano deserves a huge thanks for being the de facto commissioner of our North Bay Junior Golf League. We couldn’t have done it without Devin and his organization and communication skills. Running tournaments and keeping statistics for eight different teams is no easy feat. Thank you Devin.
With junior golf season over, it’s time for CYO basketball, indoor soccer and less daylight. But remember, it’s always a great time to play golf as the greens at Windsor GC are smooth, the fairways are lush and getting around the course in four hours is a piece of cake.
Happy Holidays.
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