Iraq War Veteran and Amputee Makes History on Web.com Tour
Retired U.S. Army Corporal, Chad Pfeifer made history yesterday on the Web.com Tour, becoming the first amputee to compete at the PGA’s developmental level.
Pfeifer, who lost his left leg in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq in 2007, gained entry to this week’s Albertsons Boise Open through a sponsor’s exemption. The 33-year-old completed his round on Thursday to a ton of fanfare, posting 4-over-75 at the end of his first day.
“It’s pretty cool,” Pfeifer told reporters afterwards. “To have all these people following me around and cheering for me is pretty special for me. A big part of that gallery is family and friends, so it’s nice to get the cheers.”
After sustaining his injury in Iraq, Pfeifer returned to the U.S. to begin rehab in Texas. It was here that the American was first introduced to golf as part of his recovery. Competing in his first tournament in 2009 before winning the National Amputee Golf Championship in 2011.
With the golf community already getting behind him, Arnold Palmer gave him a surprise phone call during Thursday’s ESPN SportsCenter, the inspirational player has made his ambitions of moving up in the professional golf world known.
Stating he plans to attend Q School later this year, with his ultimate goal being to one day play on the PGA Tour. But don’t think he’s expecting any special treatment on the way.
“I do just want to be one of the guys golfing out there, from the playing competitors side I don’t want them to look at me and say oh this guy is one leg trying to cut it out here, so hopefully I can prove myself,” Pfeifer said. “But I do enjoy sharing my story and getting it out there so hopefully people can get out and enjoy the game. It’s a lifetime sport and everyone can enjoy it.”
