00:00 – Intro
00:26 – Golf Champion Overcomes Challenges: Ford Martin’s U.S. Adaptive Open Journey
06:47 – Kipp Popert Shatters Record with 61, Leads U.S. Adaptive Open by 6!
09:41 – One Arm, Unstoppable: Andrew Austen’s Inspiring Golf Journey
12:58 – ‘We’ll Figure It Out’: Stories of Resilience at the U.S. Adaptive Open
1. Golf Champion Overcomes Challenges: Ford Martin’s U.S. Adaptive Open Journey
Ford Martin, a 32-year-old golfer with a congenital clubfoot, showcased incredible resilience during the U.S. Adaptive Open at Woodmont Country Club. Despite facing early struggles, Martin’s determination led him to finish tied for third in the coordination impairment category. The event highlights how adaptive sports can challenge and inspire athletes with disabilities. With support from family and teammates, Martin’s story underscores the power of perseverance and the importance of inclusivity in sports. #GolfWithDisabilities #USSports #AdaptiveGolf #Resilience #trump
2. Kipp Popert Shatters Record with 61, Leads U.S. Adaptive Open by 6!
England’s Kipp Popert, a two-time U.S. Adaptive Open champion, shot an incredible 11-under 61 to take a six-shot lead at the 2023 tournament. Competing in the Coordination Impairment category (cerebral palsy), Popert aims to become the first three-time winner in the event’s short history. Despite recovering from toe fusion surgery, he delivered a dominant performance with 2 eagles, 8 birdies, and a blistering front-nine 29. Can he overcome past challenges and secure history? Watch the full story here.
Keywords: U.S. Adaptive Open, Kipp Popert, golf, cerebral palsy, record-breaking score, adaptive sports, sports news, golf tournament, disability sports, three-peat, Woodmont Country Club, 61 in golf
3. One Arm, Unstoppable: Andrew Austen’s Inspiring Golf Journey
Meet Andrew Austen, a golfer born without his right forearm and hand,
yet he’s ranked 8th in the nation in adaptive golf’s G5 classification.
Discover how Andrew’s passion for golf and his determination to inspire
others with disabilities have led him to compete in the U.S. Adaptive Open.
Learn from his journey, from overcoming childhood challenges to finding
comfort in his own skin through sports and social media.
Keywords: Adaptive Golf, Andrew Austen, Inspirational Stories,
Golfers with Disabilities, U.S. Adaptive Open, Overcoming Adversity
4. ‘We’ll Figure It Out’: Stories of Resilience at the U.S. Adaptive Open
Join us as we take you inside the inspiring world of the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open, where golfers from around the globe defy odds and redefine resilience. Meet players like Vince Biser, who swings with one arm after overcoming a life-altering stroke, and Nick Kimmel, a Marine Corps veteran who continues to inspire despite losing limbs in service. This video dives into their challenges, triumphs, and camaraderie, showcasing how they navigate this prestigious event. Experience heartwarming stories, epic shots, and record-breaking performances, including Kipp Popert’s stunning 61. Discover what it means to persevere against all odds, and why perspective matters most on and off the course.
One, golf champion overcomes challenges. Ford Martin’s US adaptive open journey. Two, Kip Poper Shatters record with 61 leads US adaptive open by six. Three, one arm unstoppable. Andrew Austin’s inspiring golf journey. Four. We’ll figure it out. Stories of resilience at the US Adaptive Open. One. Golf champion overcomes challenges. Ford Martin’s US adaptive open journey. Imagine being told that a simple walk could someday be a difficult challenge. That’s the reality many face with disabilities. Yet some individuals defy those expectations in inspiring ways. And this is the part most people miss. Resilience and passion can push us beyond what medical experts deem possible. On Monday morning at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, Ford Martin prepared himself to face that challenge head on. From the number one T, he took a deep breath to steady his nerves before swinging his driver, marking his opening shot in the US Adaptive Open, an exciting tournament showcasing athletes with disabilities. Now in its fourth year, organized by the USGAA, cheers erupted from his family and friends as they cheered him on throughout the course. This event hits close to home for Martin, a PTOIC native who grew up playing golf just nearby at Congressional Country Club. Despite the pressure of being the hometown favorite and the first to tee off, Martin, 32, quickly immersed himself in the demanding course, one of the toughest he’s faced so far. Out of 96 competitors, only nine finished their first round below par with Martin posting a five over par score of 77. While several players set the pace with scores as low as 11 under 61 by Kip Popert from England, Martin remained undeterred. Known for playing with bilateral neurogenic club foot, a condition that causes his foot to twist inward and downward, he emphasized patience and strategic play. By the end of the second round, with an even par 72, he secured his spot in the tournament’s second stage, making the 36 hole cut. Currently tied for third place in the impairment division, Martin is in a strong position as the tournament headed into the third round. The event recognizes several impairment categories. Upper limb, lower limb, multiple limb amputees, intellectual disabilities, short stature, seated players, and visual impairments. The top performers from each category along with ties advanced to the final round, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to this inclusive competition. Reflecting on this experience, Martin said, “Absolutely incredible.” He relished the opportunity to hit the opening T-shot, describing it as a special moment. Living near his childhood home, practicing at Congressional, and visiting familiar spots like Starbucks added to the comfort, making the week even more meaningful. Martin has a lifetime of perseverance. As the youngest of seven children, he was diagnosed at birth with a rare congenital foot deformity affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 infants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors at the time warned his parents that he might never walk or run properly. Yet from a young age, Martin was active, often competing in sports alongside his brothers, especially lacrosse. He started as a goalie and impressed enough to become a starting player for Georgetown Prep during his sophomore year, a period when his team was a national powerhouse. His dedication led him to 43 consecutive starts for the Hoya, including a memorable overtime victory in 2011 against Landon, securing the Interstate Athletic Conference Championship. His resilience and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Georgetown Prep named the Ford Martin award in his honor, annually awarded to a standout senior lacrosse player. Friends and family continue to support him. Many were at Woodmont wearing gear with his recognizable mustache. Family visitors, including cousins attending a baby shower for Martin’s wife, who is expecting their first child in October, also showed up, emphasizing the close-knit community behind him. “Martin credits his siblings for much of his strength.” “Growing up around my older brothers taught me a lot,” he explained. “I learned how to fall and get back up quickly because falling was just part of the process. going on walks when I was young. I was always the slowest, but my brothers never eased up. They’d say, “Come on, catch up.” That taught me resilience from the start. His story resonates with many other competitors at the tournament. For instance, Kim Moore, a golf professional from Michigan, entered the event second overall among women. Born with a severely clubbed foot, spinoipida, and without a right foot, Moore is no stranger to overcoming physical challenges. She won the inaugural US Adaptive Open in 2022 and continues to demonstrate the extraordinary potential of adaptive athletes. Another remarkable story is that of Amanda Kuna from Hawaii. Diagnosed in 2021 with labor’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a rare genetic condition causing rapid and unexpected vision loss. She became legally blind within 3 months. At just 21, Kuna is aiming to win her fourth consecutive title in the vision impairment category. Then there’s Mike Brown from England, who is both a recent champion and an inspiring figure. Having lost his left leg after a series of surgeries following a severe injury during his service in the British Army’s Royal Artillery, Brown, 47, finished fifth overall after the second round in this year’s competition. His story underscores the resilience of those who have fought through physical trauma and still perform at elite levels. As David Dorne, the golf director at Woodmont, eloquently states, “Once you see their stories, how can anyone complain about a missed putt or a bad shot? Their accomplishments are nothing short of incredible.” And as this inspiring tournament continues to grow, one thing remains clear. Determination, courage, and community support can truly break down barriers and maybe even redefine what it means to be a champion. So, what do you think? Are our perceptions of what the body can handle changing as stories like these become more widely known? Or do you believe there’s still a fine line between inspiration and unrealistic expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments. You might just challenge conventional wisdom. Two, Kip Poper Shatters record with 61 leads US adaptive open by six. Imagine this. A two-time champion steps onto the green and not only matches but shatters his own record, setting the stage for an unprecedented third win in a tournament that’s barely four years old. That’s exactly what happened when England’s Kip Popert stepped up to the tea at the US Adaptive Open on Monday, shooting an astounding 61 in the first round and securing a commanding six-shot lead. But here’s where it gets truly remarkable. Popert accomplished this feat just months after toe fusion surgery. a testament to his resilience and skill. Last year, at the age of 27, Poper etched his name into the annals of the US Adaptive Open by breaking the tournament’s lowest score record with a 65 during the opening round at Sand Creek Station. This year at Woodmont Country Club’s South Course in Rockville, Maryland, he didn’t just match that score. He bested it by five strokes, carding an impressive 11 under 61. This performance puts him in position to become the first player ever to win the US Adaptive Open three consecutive times, a milestone that would be particularly significant given the tournament’s relatively young history. Popert, who competes in the coordination impairment category due to cerebral palsy, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. Multiple surgeries on his lower body have been necessary to alleviate pain in his legs and feet. With the most recent toe fusion surgery in January, leading to an extended break from competition. Despite these setbacks, Popert’s determination never wavered. As he put it, I love the pressure. It means you’re doing something good if you’ve got pressure. I’ve had a lot of months of boredom this year, so give me all of it. During his groundbreaking round, Popert showcased his exceptional talent by making two eagles, eight birdies, and just one bogey with a standout front nine score of 29. Remarkably, he managed to complete this round despite having to abandon his practice session after just four holes due to pain. “Yesterday, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to give it a go, but I managed it well during the round,” he shared. Popert will tee off at 9:06 a.m. Eastern time for his second round. Following this round, the field of 73 male players will be trimmed to the top 20 in ties with the final round scheduled for Wednesday. This tournament is more than just golf. It’s a celebration of human spirit and perseverance. And this is the part most people miss. How these athletes overcome incredible obstacles to compete at the highest levels. But here’s a thought-provoking question. How much does past success influence a golfer’s performance under pressure? Does Popert’s previous victories give him an edge or do they add extra stress? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Three. One arm unstoppable. Andrew Austin’s inspiring golf journey. Imagine being told you can’t do something simply because you’re different. For golfer Andrew Austin, who was born without part of his right arm, that challenge has been his lifelong motivation. From an early age, Austin loved sports, bonding with his siblings through soccer, basketball, baseball, and golf. But he also faced unique obstacles. Despite being born without his right forearm and hand, Austin never saw this as a disadvantage. Instead, he embraced it as an opportunity to prove people wrong. “It gave me this chip on my shoulder,” Austin said. “And that’s why I have such a love and passion for sports. It’s about showing the world that just because you don’t have all your limbs, it doesn’t mean you can’t do everything everyone else can. This mindset has driven Austin to become one of the nation’s top adaptive golfers, ranking eighth in the G5 classification. His journey took a significant turn when he graduated from the College of Charleston in 2020. He rediscovered his passion for golf, a sport he had played as a child, and began to excel. Today, Austin is preparing to compete in the 4th annual US Adaptive Open, a prestigious tournament for golfers with disabilities held at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. But for Austin, the real reward of these competitions is the people he meets and the connections he makes. These last 16 months, I’ve really found myself living into my purpose. Austin shared, “I want to inspire others and show them that anything is possible.” Austin’s social media presence has played a significant role in his mission. With over 13,700 Instagram followers and 18,500 Tik Tok followers, he shares his golf journey and inspires others with his social media alter ego, Jimiad. He’s not afraid to joke about his disability, believing that laughter can break down barriers. Despite occasional staires and awkward moments, Austin credits his parents for instilling a sense of belonging and normaly. My parents made me feel like I wasn’t different. He said, “That’s something that’s really important to who I am today.” Austin’s journey is not without its challenges. He recalls being crushed when he didn’t make his eighth grade basketball team. However, he was given the opportunity to become the team manager and eventually earned a spot on the starting five. This experience taught him that he could overcome any obstacle with hard work and determination. It’s easy to say no or I can’t do it, Austin said. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. As Austin prepares for the US Adaptive Open, he invites the audience to share their thoughts and experiences. I want to hear from you, he said. Have you ever been told you can’t do something? How did you overcome it? Let’s start a conversation and inspire each other to break down barriers and achieve our goals. Four, we’ll figure it out. Stories of resilience at the US Adaptive Open. Resilience and perspective. Unveiling the power of adaptive golf. In the world of golf, resilience is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a testament to the human spirit. And at the 2025 US Adaptive Open, this spirit was on full display. Imagine the South Course at Woodmont Country Club, where 96 golfers from diverse backgrounds and 10 countries gathered. This annual event is a celebration of golf’s inclusivity, showcasing the incredible journeys of athletes who overcome immense obstacles. The competitors, ranging from 16 to 75 years old, demonstrated that golf knows no bounds. Each swing, each putt was a reminder of the diverse paths to success. Among them was Vince Baiser, a 37year-old with a remarkable story. Born with uterero cerebral palsy and having suffered a stroke in the womb, Vince’s journey is a testament to resilience. His childhood battles with epileptic seizures led to a life-changing decision at 16. A hemispherectomy, a surgery that altered his brain’s connectivity, but it gave him his life back and with it a passion for golf. Swinging with just his left hand, Vince’s handicap index is a remarkable three. He’s a seventime champion in his division, but this week he finds himself in a new category, coordination impairment. It’s a classification that sparks debate, highlighting the challenges of categorizing athletes with diverse disabilities. We’d love to see Vince in the one-armed division, his father, Andy, shared. But this week is about more than just winning. It’s about being part of a community, and Vince loves that. As the first round unfolded on Monday, the atmosphere was electric. Despite the muggy weather and intermittent showers, the mood was bright. Ryder Bar, the youngest player at 16, showcased his talent and charm. His upbeat attitude is inspiring, especially considering his own health challenges. “That kid is a natural-b born friend maker,” his mother, Megan, said with a smile. Ryder’s positive outlook is a lesson in itself, especially after his battle with a rare viral affliction that left his right arm paralyzed. But Ryder’s determination knew no bounds, and soon he was back on his bike and playing sports. “We learned that a broken arm was a small price to pay for his happiness,” Megan added. “Anytime he wants to try something new, we just figure it out.” Among writers forsome was Nick Kimmel, a Marine Corps veteran who lost both legs and his left arm in Afghanistan. His story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military. And yet he approaches golf with humility and gratitude. He gets frustrated when he doesn’t play well, his wife Tracy shared. But he reminds me that he has no right to complain. His friends didn’t make it home. The US Adaptive Open is more than just a golf tournament. It’s a source of inspiration, a reminder that adversity can be overcome. And for those in attendance, it was a much needed antidote to life’s challenges. But even for those who missed the deeper meaning, the golf on display was exceptional. Birdies galore, a few eagles, and by day’s end, nine players under par. A new record was set by Kip Popert, an Englishman who posted a stunning 61, the lowest score in the event’s history. On the greens, it was a mix of celebration and sportsmanship. Golfers cheered each other on, but when it mattered most, they focused. Every stroke counted. A reminder that in golf, as in life, perspective is key. So, what do you think? Is golf more than just a game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
