Question:
Thanks for the interesting post. I don’t live too far from Emporium (southern Clearfield Co.). I’ll have to look into ‘Stubby’. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I’m right-handed and use my right arm as the trailing arm. There seem to be different opinions as to which would be the best way to go. However, I am committed to playing in this manner and don’t want to try to start all over. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I can’t recall where I read that the best one-armed golfers use the arm as you would whn throwing a ball–the trailing rather than the leading arm. It makes sense if you consider the huge arc that can be created without the leading arm thwarting its progress in the backswing. The downswing would then be very much like a baseball pitcher’s motion–leading with the right shoulder then elbow.
The best one-arm golfers use the forward arm to swing the club. In The Search for the Perfect Swing there are sequence photos of two one arm golfers. When you first look at the pictures, they look exactly like any pro. The book states that these one-arm swingers can drive up to 280 yards. Of course, they don’t have to worry about the right arm casting the club. The book allows that the rear arm is usually better for the short game. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jeff N
Response:
I believe Australian Jack Newton, who lost his right arm by walking into a spinning plane propeller, plays off 14. The point being that the leading hand is the most desirable to retain. If he can play off 14 with one hand maybe I should take to myself with an axe. just a thought Richard C
Response:
Reminds me of a great line I heard. I was playing in a charity golf outing in Detroit and Bud Lynch (the PA announcer for the Detroit Red Wings) was walking off the 18th green. Bud only has one arm (can’t remember which one). Someone asked him "Bud, how’d you him ‘em?" Bud’s response was a classic. He simple smiled and said, "One handed."
Response:
I can’t recall where I read that the best one-armed golfers use the arm as you would whn throwing a ball–the trailing rather than the leading arm. It makes sense if you consider the huge arc that can be created without the leading arm thwarting its progress in the backswing. The downswing would then be very much like a baseball pitcher’s motion–leading with the right shoulder then elbow. Jeff N
Response:
Tom — are you with me? I grew up on a course in small-town Western Pa. There was an incredible one-armed golfer there, known fondly as "Stubby", and I’ve watched him tee off many times, always to my amazement. The guy was a scratch golfer, this was 20+ years ago, and I don’t even know if stubby is still breathing, but I bet if you contacted Emporium Country Club, Cameron County, Pa., someone there would remember him and his yechnique. I wouldn’t have wanted to play against Stubby. I guess he had a short game, too. he had a full left arm and right arm was severed at the elbow. How ’bout you? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Thanks for the messages. They’re starting to trickle in. And they’re all very interesting. I think golfers make up a generally pretty supportive community. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My brother-in-law is missing his left hand, all he has left is a "nub". He bought some K-mart special clubs and we went out to the range. Me being a 10 handicap, I showed him how to hold the club and he watched me swing. In fact, he watched quite a bit of golf before he even got his clubs. So, he hits about 20 balls to get the feel of it. I show him how to aim and he starts hitting again. Now, he doesn’t hit the ball far, about 60 yards with a pitching wedge, but he hits the ball very consistently. I COULDN’T BELIEVE how well he hit the ball, WITH ONE HAND!!! Actually, his "nub" stabilizes the top of the club. He hit his other clubs and hit them all very well for NEVER swinging a club. We will be playing our first 18 in the next few weeks, so I am anxious to see how he does. Just thought I would let you know as you mentioned a "handicapped" golfer. I always wonder what would be the best way to play if I had my choice which hand to lose. (some mafioso punishment) I suspect the best thing to do would be to keep my stronger right hand, but play it backhanded. (Are Phil Michelson & Wayne Gretsky backhanded golfers?)
Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My brother-in-law is missing his left hand, all he has left is a "nub". He bought some K-mart special clubs and we went out to the range. Me being a 10 handicap, I showed him how to hold the club and he watched me swing. In fact, he watched quite a bit of golf before he even got his clubs. So, he hits about 20 balls to get the feel of it. I show him how to aim and he starts hitting again. Now, he doesn’t hit the ball far, about 60 yards with a pitching wedge, but he hits the ball very consistently. I COULDN’T BELIEVE how well he hit the ball, WITH ONE HAND!!! Actually, his "nub" stabilizes the top of the club. He hit his other clubs and hit them all very well for NEVER swinging a club. We will be playing our first 18 in the next few weeks, so I am anxious to see how he does. Just thought I would let you know as you mentioned a "handicapped" golfer.
I always wonder what would be the best way to play if I had my choice which hand to lose. (some mafioso punishment) I suspect the best thing to do would be to keep my stronger right hand, but play it backhanded. (Are Phil Michelson & Wayne Gretsky backhanded golfers?)
Response:
Hi, I often golf with a one-handed golfer (missing left hand). He drives like a right handed golfer and anything within 150 yards or so he’ll hit lefty. I think he’s around a 15 handicap. -John
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My brother-in-law is missing his left hand, all he has left is a "nub". He bought some K-mart special clubs and we went out to the range. Me being a 10 handicap, I showed him how to hold the club and he watched me swing. In fact, he watched quite a bit of golf before he even got his clubs. So, he hits about 20 balls to get the feel of it. I show him how to aim and he starts hitting again. Now, he doesn’t hit the ball far, about 60 yards with a pitching wedge, but he hits the ball very consistently. I COULDN’T BELIEVE how well he hit the ball, WITH ONE HAND!!! Actually, his "nub" stabilizes the top of the club. He hit his other clubs and hit them all very well for NEVER swinging a club. We will be playing our first 18 in the next few weeks, so I am anxious to see how he does. Just thought I would let you know as you mentioned a "handicapped" golfer. I always wonder what would be the best way to play if I had my choice which hand to lose. (some mafioso punishment) I suspect the best thing to do would be to keep my stronger right hand, but play it backhanded. (Are Phil Michelson & Wayne Gretsky backhanded golfers?)
My instructor said that the left hand should lead the right (for righties) as in a back hand. I can believe it tho I don’t want to, since there is still a fair amount of paralysis on my left side. He can smack the ball pretty good left backhanded. cheers Check out an interesting golfing survey at: http://www.onelist.com/surveycenter/Golf_Polls This survey will expire Aug 29 and will be replaced by another. Dave Diduck, a Collector and Connoissueur of Opinions 1123 Fort St Regina Sk S4T 5R9 Ph: 306-949-8359 Fax: 306-543-3999
Response:
My brother-in-law is missing his left hand, all he has left is a "nub". He bought some K-mart special clubs and we went out to the range. Me being a 10 handicap, I showed him how to hold the club and he watched me swing. In fact, he watched quite a bit of golf before he even got his clubs. So, he hits about 20 balls to get the feel of it. I show him how to aim and he starts hitting again. Now, he doesn’t hit the ball far, about 60 yards with a pitching wedge, but he hits the ball very consistently. I COULDN’T BELIEVE how well he hit the ball, WITH ONE HAND!!! Actually, his "nub" stabilizes the top of the club. He hit his other clubs and hit them all very well for NEVER swinging a club. We will be playing our first 18 in the next few weeks, so I am anxious to see how he does. Just thought I would let you know as you mentioned a "handicapped" golfer. Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jack Newton, an Aussie pro, who lost his right arm and right eye after walking into a propellor on a plane, plays with his one good left arm. He plays R-Handed, so I would suggest that the arm that can be used be the one that faces the the target, as it needs to be the dominant force. Jack, I read, plays off a handicap of 14 or 15 nowadays and can still hit a pretty reasonable ball. Maybe do a web search and see what you can find out about him and what he did to keep playing. Try looking for ‘golf magazine’ – the Oz version. Rod Call the USGA and ask for the telephone number of the Handicapped Golfers Association. They have all kinds of materials. Gary www.USAGolfLinks.com I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I think that is great Kevin. Hope you two have a blast, and your Brother-in-Law stays with the game. At Cave Creek GC in Phoenix, I played with a fellow who, I didn’t know at the time, had lost both legs due to a land mine in Viet Nam. I was pretty sure he lost one, and since he never brought up the subject, we never discussed it. He always wore long pants. Dang good golfer, single digit handicap. One day, he shows up at a Men’s Club tourney in shorts…one leg gone above the knee, the other below the knee. Turned out to be a double amputee. Never bothered him a bit past that point. In fact, he discovered alot of vets played golf…gave us all something to talk about, and laugh about. He was promptly nicknamed "Peg"..and it stuck for the 3 years that he played there, then he moved to San Diego CA. He (later on) even had a golf towel made and embroidered "Peg i I ", one short "I" and one long "I"! 
As I recall..he was the Chairman of the membership committee for, I think, two years, voted by the club membership. I have another story about an amputee..that IS embarrassing (actual story of a customer of mine, Navy medic during Nam, attached to a Marine unit)…he ordered a Title II (suppressed Ruger Mark II .22 pistol). He works as a "Nurse Practioner" with a local group of orthopedic surgeons. It takes some time to clear the paperwork..roughly 120 + or so days….I call his office letting him know it had been approved, and he could pickup the firearm. He comes in the shop couple of days later, and I am restocking a display area, and he pokes me in the butt with a crutch..saying something funny. Still kneeling, I turn around, but I have a bunch of stock boxes between him and me..and I know he has had problems with shrapnel in one leg due to Viet Nam..circulation problems. I see the crutch, and so I spout off…"Well "Doc"..they finally cut that damn no-good leg off..where ya been?" He shows me the bandaged stump of his bad leg…as I nearly collapse.. "Yeah, haven’t had a single problem with it, since I had my practice take it off….Jarhead!" <thud Ever crawl OUT of the carpet fibers? He had one helluva good laugh at that one! Every time I see him..he smiles and pats his prosthesis, and laughs at me…damn swabby! :-)
My brother-in-law is missing his left hand, all he has left is a "nub". He bought some K-mart special clubs and we went out to the range. Me being a 10 handicap, I showed him how to hold the club and he watched me swing. In fact, he watched quite a bit of golf before he even got his clubs. So, he hits about 20 balls to get the feel of it. I show him how to aim and he starts hitting again. Now, he doesn’t hit the ball far, about 60 yards with a pitching wedge, but he hits the ball very consistently. I COULDN’T BELIEVE how well he hit the ball, WITH ONE HAND!!! Actually, his "nub" stabilizes the top of the club. He hit his other clubs and hit them all very well for NEVER swinging a club. We will be playing our first 18 in the next few weeks, so I am anxious to see how he does. Just thought I would let you know as you mentioned a "handicapped" golfer. Kevin
Jack Newton, an Aussie pro, who lost his right arm and right eye after walking into a propellor on a plane, plays with his one good left arm. He plays R-Handed, so I would suggest that the arm that can be used be the one that faces the the target, as it needs to be the dominant force. Jack, I read, plays off a handicap of 14 or 15 nowadays and can still hit a pretty reasonable ball. Maybe do a web search and see what you can find out about him and what he did to keep playing. Try looking for ‘golf magazine’ – the Oz version. Rod
Call the USGA and ask for the telephone number of the Handicapped Golfers Association. They have all kinds of materials. Gary www.USAGolfLinks.com I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t. "Golf is an awkward set of bodily contortions designed to produce a graceful result." Tommy Armour Roger homepage found at http://members.tripod.com/~Motordawg/index.html
Response:
Jack Newton, an Aussie pro, who lost his right arm and right eye after walking into a propellor on a plane, plays with his one good left arm. He plays R-Handed, so I would suggest that the arm that can be used be the one that faces the the target, as it needs to be the dominant force. Jack, I read, plays off a handicap of 14 or 15 nowadays and can still hit a pretty reasonable ball. Maybe do a web search and see what you can find out about him and what he did to keep playing. Try looking for ‘golf magazine’ – the Oz version. Rod – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Call the USGA and ask for the telephone number of the Handicapped Golfers Association. They have all kinds of materials. Gary www.USAGolfLinks.com I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Call the USGA and ask for the telephone number of the Handicapped Golfers Association. They have all kinds of materials. Gary www.USAGolfLinks.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I can only use my right arm to play golf. I have found that very little of the technique used by "normal" golfers works for me, and I have to invent everything myself. I recently read an article about a one-armed golfer with one small tip that helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I have not been able to find much advice or instruction for my situation. I know there are a lot of us out there. I’d like to get more communication among us so that we can share what we have learned about playin this way. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.