Amputee Golfer in Goslings Invitational
One of golf’s most colourful and inspiring personalities is in Bermuda for the Gosling Invitational which started today [Nov 29]. Ken Green had a solid career in the 1980′s, racking up five wins and competing on the 1989 United States Ryder Cup team.
In June 2009, he was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident which killed his brother, his girlfriend and his dog. Even though his lower right leg was amputated as a result of injuries suffered in the accident, Mr Green vowed to return to competitive golf. Earlier this year, he suffered yet another tragedy when his 21-year-old son Hunter was found dead in his college dorm room.
A colourful character, Mr. Green achieved a bit of notoriety for jumping into a canal in Palm Beach County, Florida to save his dog, Nip, from the jaws of an alligator. In addition he was fined in 1997 as during the Masters he was drinking beer on the golf course while playing.
He is pictured below today at the Belmont golf course. Mr Green shot a First Round 6-over par 76 and is T34th.
Over 100 golfers are taking part in the Gosling’s Invitational which started today. Golfers from both Bermuda and overseas faced off in a professionals vs amateurs format, with the Professional Division boasting a prize purse of $60,000.
Truly an inspiration.
Ken Green is a courageous competitor who understands life’s ups and downs. He is serving as a role model to those who live with amputations, physical disabilities and persons like war vets and the many throughout the world who have fallen and are trying to pick themselves up and carry on.
Ken Green has been one of the greatest influences on my life and the friendship and love that he and his entire family showed to me since 1976 when we became college team and then roommates has always been truly appreciated and reciprocated.
Ken who has won 5 times on the PGA TOUR (Canadian Open, Milwaukee Open (2), Greensboro Open and The International)and was once 3rd on the PGA Tour Money List in 89′ is showing us the “Rocky Balboa Style ” strength of character to get up off of the life’s canvas; dust yourself off and move forward and make a difference. God be with you my BROTHER. Kim Swan JP MP
Ever since the old PBJC days, I have followed Kens career as an old teammate and a fan. Wow, I would not wish his bad fortunes on anyone. But on the other hand he was blessed with great gifts, and had the opportunity of experiencing and being a great champion! Great to see you are back at it, play hard!
John Skemp PGA
Ken Green Shot 71 (1 over Par) in the third round of the Gosling’s Invitational at Belmont Hills Newstead Resort (12 Pars, 3 birdies and 4 bogies).
Ken started off slow with three consecutive bogies on #2, #3 & #4 but settled down with pars before rattling of consecutive birdies on #7 & #8 making the turn 35 (+1).
Consistent play continued with Pars until he birdied the 13th but bogied the hilly #15 followed by all Pars to the clubhouse.
Well Done Fierce Competitor !!!!!!