CNN
Issa Nlareb’s Journey to Golf
Issa Nlareb’s golf swing is impressive, especially considering he only took his first lesson five years after turning professional. Before that, he had relied on observing players and reading Greg Norman’s book for guidance.
A Challenging Childhood
At just 11 years old, Nlareb faced tragedy when his mother passed away. Living near a golf course, he started gathering lost golf balls to make a living and eventually became a caddie. His life took a drastic turn in 2018 when he contracted bacterial meningitis at a tournament in Egypt.
Facing Adversity
The illness left Nlareb in a dire situation; he suffered sepsis, fell into a coma, and had to have both legs and most of his fingers amputated. He doubted whether he would ever play golf again.
Resilience and Passion
Despite the numerous hurdles in his life, Nlareb remains optimistic. In an interview with CNN Sports, he expressed his confidence in becoming one of the best disabled golfers worldwide.
From Streets to Golf Courses
After losing his mother, Nlareb lived with his father and stepmother in Yaoundé. At 11, fed up with his situation, he ran away and started living on the streets, where he discovered golf. His first interaction with the game came after he retrieved golf balls, which he cleaned and sold to players for a dollar.
Path to Professionalism
Without formal training, Nlareb spent years developing his skills by watching golfers. He eventually turned pro in 2009 after progressing from caddying to playing complete rounds. His ambitions were high as he trained for more success on the African tours but faced a life-altering illness in 2018.
Overcoming Setbacks
After his amputations, Nlareb abandoned thoughts of golf, believing he would never play again. However, with encouragement from friends and his daughter, he returned to the sport, modifying his technique with help from a strap to grip the club. By 2019, he was back in the competitive scene, marking a significant comeback in tournaments.
Braving the Future
Now, Nlareb is working towards his dreams but acknowledges the financial strains. Competing in events remains challenging due to the lack of sponsors. Still, he emphasizes his passion for golf, stating, “I can’t live without golf. Golf is my life.”
