One-legged golfer Manuel De Los Santos : Playing in the Dunhill Links in Scotland this week, he managed a remarkable individual score of 76 (+4) round Kingsbarns yesterday (combining with his professional partner Richard Bland for an opening pro-am score of 66). The fact that he plays off a 3 handicap is even more impressive when you realise that he is doesn't use a prosthetic leg when he plays golf. Refusing to take a golf buggy, he also insists on walking the full 18 holes using a set of crutches. [video 1] [video 2]
That is unbelievable. I can't believe what fantastic balance he has on one leg. He is an amazing human being.
posted by bperk at 11:00 AM on October 02, 2009
Great post! It's safe to say that the opposition that faces De Los Santos won't have a leg to stand on.
posted by BornIcon at 11:17 AM on October 02, 2009
Wow, bizarro smithnyiu lives in Scotland. Lousy technique, great ball flight. The exact opposite of me.
posted by smithnyiu at 11:58 AM on October 02, 2009
"He is mentally as strong as he is physically strong."
You talk about your all-time understatements. Nothing but admiration for those who face incredible adversity on a daily basis and thrive nonetheless. He says that he goes out onto the golf course and all of his problems just disappear. That's exactly why I play as well, but what he faces seems to trivialize anything that I dwell upon. Thanks for that, JJ.
posted by tahoemoj at 03:43 PM on October 02, 2009
That was the bit of his interview that really hit home for me too, tahoemoj. Inspirational stuff.
posted by JJ at 04:09 PM on October 02, 2009
He sounds like quite a guy. I wouldn't even bet against him in an ass-kicking contest.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 10:13 AM on October 02, 2009