A year ago almost to the day, Shawn Robertson was a 40 year old CPGA Professional working at Black Diamond Golf Club in Pontypool, Ontario. He played golf every day, often with his then 13 year old son Lucas. Life was good, very good he was as they say ‘living the dream’. Today Robertson continues to live a dream but his dream is much different now. It was July 11th 2010 when Shawn’s life would change forever. On his way back from a day of teaching at Black Diamond and travelling on a dirt road to avoid construction, a bee landed in the lap of his best buddy Bill Nikoruck who was driving at the time. Just a second later the two long time friends went crashing into a tree. “Bill was well enough to dial 911 and the jaws of life took 45 minutes to free me from the wreckage but thanks to the paramedics, the ambulance drivers and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre professionals, I'm here and well Robertson told me recently.
There was also 70 nights at Sunnybrook Hospital and hours of surgeries to rebuild his pelvis and then the amputation of a piece of his right leg as well. Seven weeks of rehab later and the Peterborough native received his first prosthetic leg on October 17 of last year. 10 days later but 3 and half months since the accident he finally returned home for good to his family.
“I have my second chance. You only know what that’s like when you go through something as unique as this. I can tell you that I am thankful for the positives it has brought (there are too many to name) and look at everything much, much differently these days. I figure, if I can do it, anyone can.”
So, that’s exactly what Robertson is going to do. In just his first season playing and teaching golf as an amputee the Crestwood grad is already starting to give back to game he loves so much. He’s planning a special day at The Quarry Golf Club this fall. The inaugural Special Needs Golf Day will take place September 17th and will allow players to experience the 17th and 18th hole from the 100 yard markers through the green regardless of how long it takes or how many shots it takes. The golf club will have a single rider cart for anyone with paralysis, the seat swivels and elevates so that the golfer can be raised to swing with more ease.
Robertson says The Quarry’s vision is to provide a helpful place where those who have a passion for golf, but are otherwise not able to participate because of vision, hearing, prosthetic or wheelchairs issues. He says anything goes “Even those grieving the loss of a loved one who loved golf are welcome, people can get scared, we want them to fall in love with golf again, that’s what its all about” added the now 41 year old.
In the meantime Shawn Robertson is practicing what he’s preaching. He set out Monday night on the 1st anniversary of his accident to play and walk 18 holes of golf for the first time in a year. Although darkness brought an emotional night to a quick end after 15 holes, Robertson says he was fine and could have played 27 if time was on his side. Who was on his side was his son. “Lucas walked with me and played a tremendous game - best of his life. The mood was breathtaking. I witnessed my son's prowess with pride and excitement” he said after the round. No doubt others watching at The Quarry on this special occasion were saying the same about Lucas’s father. If they weren’t, they should have been.
Diller’s Divots: The Special Needs Golf Day is sponsored in part by the Kinsmen Club which has made Robertson an honorary member. Liftlock Golfland will supply the range balls for the event. For more information contact Darren Stalteri or Shawn Robertson at 705 292-0019 or visit www.quarrygolf.ca.
