'Gotta keep going': amputee golfers gather for clinic, finding healing in NJ

BRANCHBURG, N.J. - In life and in golf, it's what you do with your shot that matters.

Doug Carmen is making the most of his shot three years after a motorcycle accident claimed his leg.

"People in the hospital were asking me like, 'Oh, I don't know how you're dealing with this,' and just, 'I'm just happy to be here honestly, you know?'" said Carmen, a resident of Oxford. 

He fell into a brief depression, but the game of golf helped him to heal.

"It just made me feel really normal again," said Carmen,  "and that's why I started taking it more seriously. It's something I love to do now."

He's one of dozens of adaptive golfers participating in Allcare Orthotic and Prosthetic Services' inaugural amputee golf clinic. On a beautiful fall day at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, the Rochelle Park-based company brought together people from all walks of life to learn and play together.

"I'm going to try to beat all the guys," said Katie Florez, a resident of Elmwood Park. "I'm the only female, so we'll see how it goes."

Like Carmen, Florez lost her leg in a motorcycle accident, too. But here, she says she feels normal, knowing those around her know what she's going through.

"I lost my limb, but I didn't lose my courage," said Florez, "so I just gotta keep going."

"My job is to make sure people get their life back," said Jim Spiegel, vice president at Allcare, an amputee and avid golfer. His company is picking up the tab for the clinic, knowing how much the golfers have already spent in medical costs.

"Whether you play a good game or a bad game, it makes no difference," said Spiegel. "It's about going out there, having fun and connecting with the community."

PGA Golf Professional Kieran McCarthy donated his time giving individual lessons. "Things that we take for granted, what we have, and learning from what they do, I'm learning every day," said McCarthy.

In life and in golf, no matter what, you will get another shot. It's up to you to give it your best.

"Give it your all every day," said Kevin Herbert, an amputee golfer from Marlton. "Wake up, know that it's a blessing, and just know you get what you put into it."