CRIS LAMDIN
Adapting His Swing
Parkinson’s disease has taken the game of golf away from those suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. Those with Parkinson’s get to the point during the progression of the disease when they refuse to play golf because their handicap/score becomes too high, and/or people do not want to play at their pace.
Today at 74 years old, I have lived with Parkinson’s for almost ten years. I have been married for over 45 years and have three wonderful children and six grandchildren. In 2000, we bought a property in Spring Island because the topography of the area between Okatie and Beaufort reminded me of where we grew up on the South Shore of Long Island. The beauty, the feeling of home, and the notion of having our children and grandchildren experience a more free-play lifestyle drove us to settle in this uniquely wonderful community.
During the 25 years of pre-Parkinson’s golf play, my golf game was never great, but I enjoyed my afternoons on the course filled with fun conversation, and, as with many golfers, some frustration of not playing as well as I wanted. But I always expected my game would get better. Playing golf was relaxing, sometimes irritating, but always socially stimulating. I love being outside in the beauty of nature. I love being with my friends and family on the course. I loved the game.
Over the last several years, I have struggled immensely playing golf. It has been morale crushing to the point that I thought of giving up. My body is not as young, and due to my progressing Parkinson’s, it has become very stiff. My body is so rigid that I can no longer stand up straight, making the primary tenant of any good golf swing (the ability to turn your torso and hips to get distance through striking the ball) nearly impossible. My body no longer allows me to swing or turn my torso. When I play, I can no longer get meaningful distance. The slow rate of my swing made it impossible to get to the fairway from the men’s tees and made it impossible for me to keep up with my friends. I was missing out on the social connection of golf and leaving completely exhausted — mentally and physically — after nine holes of golf.
So why do I continue to torture myself, break down my self-esteem, and play? Because I am not going to let this disease called Parkinson’s win! I will not let it take away the beauty and challenges of life. I will not let it take friendships and experiences away.
I was determined, took action, and scheduled a lesson with Billy Sampson (Head Instructor at the Spring Island Club). I forewarned him about my mental state, and, when I arrived, he allowed me to vent my frustrations and listened. Then he turned to me and said, “I believe I have a solution to the swing problem. I have been researching ways for people, such as yourself, to improve your swing. So, let’s give it a try.”
Mr. Billy told me to swing my club like a bat. He took me through a couple of strokes, and I quickly realized I could hit the ball 35-55 yards longer. It was life-changing. I took not one but two strokes off per hole. It allowed my body the rest it desperately needed, and I enjoyed conversations with my friends.
Mr. Billy also began to go through my clubs. He spoke to me about the fact that people with Parkinson’s have difficulty with speed and torsion, and that I needed to adjust my swing and my clubs. We needed to work on finding suitable woods and hybrids with the correct shaft weight that will allow me to maximize my new swing.
I left the golf range that afternoon with a little more bounce in my shaky step. Once again, feeling like this disease will not win, I have a plan.
I recently partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolina Chapter. I hope to bring together local individuals and businesses to join the fight against Parkinson’s disease. “Playing for Parkinson’s on Tabby Links at Spring Island” will be held September 24-25 and provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to play on the Old Tabby Links.
I encourage all those with Parkinson’s not to give up! Take charge and find a solution. Be a part of our event on Spring Island! Be a Sponsor! Be a Player! Be a Donor!
http://Parkinson.org/springislandgolf
