There was no shortage of heartwarming stories and heroic highlights from Woodmont Country Club on Wednesday. That’s where some of the best disabled golfers in the world gathered for the final round of the 4th-annual U.S. Adaptive Open, displaying their odds-defying skills live on Golf Channel. One of the most incredible shots from the final day came courtesy of vision-impaired golfer Amanda Cunha, who despite a degenerative optical disease, was out there throwing hunting pins just like Scottie Scheffler. Check it out.
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Truly remarkable stuff. It should be said that Cunha is not completely blind. She has Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a rare genetic disease that damages the optic nerve, resulting in a loss of central vision for those afflicted, largely young adults. But with only the benefit of peripheral vision (and some accurate yardages from her caddie), the Hawaiian golfer was able to stick this dangerous approach shot, with water looming left and bunkers long, to 10 feet. It’s also worth noting she played the shot from the middle of the fairway, so it seems her accuracy off the tee is just as good as it is from 100 yards in.
Cunha’s shot was hardly the only highlight of the day, of course. Countless other golfers facing various physical and cognitive impediments also produced unforgettable moments. Cunha’s shot, however, sums of up the resilience and spirit of all U.S. Adaptive Open competitors. So the next time your wrist flares up, the weather turns or the breaks don’t go your way, remember Amanda and all the other competitors like her. If they’re not complaining, then neither should we.
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