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Ambition. Larry Alford's story is nothing short of a miracle. Golf has been Larry's passion since childhood and he always knew it would play a major role in his future. He worked hard to perfect his game, but tragically in August of 1991 an automobile accident occurred that nearly cost him his life. In fact, it did cost Larry his left arm. Even this could not diminish his dream of becoming a professional tour player. Before the accident, Larry was fast becoming one of the most successful junior golfers in the nation. His tournament achievements placed him sixteenth in the American Junior Golf Association's national listing. In June of 1991, Larry was tied with Tiger Woods going into the final round at Dinah Shore/Mission Hills Tournament in California. It was only in the last few holes that Tiger pulled ahead for victory. Subsequently Larry won many Houston area events and only a few days before his accident he succeeded in fulfilling one of his goals by winning the prestigious Houston Golf Association Tournament of Champions. Larry suffered extensive injuries that included a broken back, collapsed lung, blood clots in his right arm that nearly dictated a double amputation, total destruction of facial structure, and major head trauma. After spending over a month in ICU and two months in brain rehabilitation, this has proven to be only a minor setback for this determined golfer. A golf prosthesis, the only one of its kind in the world designed by his step-father, enabled him to resume play. Despite the grueling surgeries and rehabilitation, Larry's patience, persistence, and positive attitude has allowed him to become victorious once again both on and off the golf course. As Larry so aptly states in a featured Reader's Digest article. "Think of it as something that can make you stronger. I would love to be the first pro golfer with a prosthetic hand. But I also know if I do not succeed, I won't be a failure. We only fail when we don't try - when we don't dream". Larry currently plays to a four handicap. In 1992, The Southern Texas PGA named Larry as "The Junior Player of the Year". The same year Mr. Johnny Miller hosted a benefit golf tournament to raise funds for Larry's medical bills and golf prosthesis. Utilizing all the support from family, friends, and many PGA Tour players, Larry has now turned to charity tournaments as a means to inspire others. To date, Larry has participated in over 500 golf and speaking events and has helped raise over five million dollars for local and national charities. In addition to these events, Larry is expanding his talents in providing the same excitement and inspiration for corporate outings. This unique package includes: golf clinics, on course entertainment w/ The "One-Armed Bandit" Challenge on a designated par three with prizes including hole-in-one packages and inspirational speaking throughout the day to give your guest a time to remember.
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Did you know? The Bandit's lowest round with his golf prosthesis (The Halford Grip) is 68. |
