Uncovering the Resurgence of Passion: Issa Nlareb's Journey from Homeless Golfer to Professional Player, Post Recovery from Illness
Issa Nlareb, a professional golfer from Cameroon, has defied the odds and achieved remarkable success in the world of disabled golf. His journey, marked by personal tragedy and resilience, has seen him rise from the streets to the top of the adaptive golf circuit.
In 2018, while competing in Egypt on the Alps Tour, Nlareb contracted bacterial meningitis, a devastating illness that led to the amputation of both his legs and most of his fingers. After a further three months in isolation to rebuild his immune system, Nlareb was eager to establish his new normal as soon as possible.
Nlareb's introduction to golf began at the tender age of 11, when he washed and offered golf balls he found to the players at Yaoundé GolfClub in exchange for money. His first golf club, a three iron, was earned by offering advice to a golfer named "Mr. Davou" on how to improve his shot.
Despite his lack of formal training, Nlareb's passion for the game grew. He learned the game by observing others and reading a book written by two-time major champion Greg Norman. After his mother's untimely death, Nlareb found himself living on the streets near the golf course. However, an aunt who learned of his whereabouts and that he hadn't heard from his father in six years, helped him return home and go back to school to take his caddie exams.
Nlareb's dedication to golf was unwavering, even in the face of severe adversity. In 2019, he returned to the pro game via the African Golf Tour. His first major victory came in 2021, when he played in the third annual US Adaptive Open, where he won the multiple limb amputee category and placed fourth overall for men. In 2022, he won the same category and finished tied for seventh overall in the US Adaptive Open.
Issa Nlareb's story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite the challenges he has faced, he believes he can be one of the top disabled golfers in the world. He competes internationally, including in European events like the Chicago Adaptive Open, and is a member of the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA). His current ambitions focus on advancing his career within disabled golf and inspiring others by demonstrating what is possible despite significant disability.
Despite the lack of a purse for the U.S. Adaptive Open, Nlareb's participation in the tournament is made possible through sponsors and exemptions. In a recent interview, he estimated it would have cost $10,000 to take part in the tournament without these benefits.
Nlareb's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. His remarkable achievements in golf, coupled with his status as an inspiring figure in disabled golf globally, make him a beacon of hope for athletes facing physical challenges.
Issa Nlareb, despite his new physical challenges, continued to pursue his passion for golf, competing in various sports events for disabled golfers. In the year 2021, he won the multiple limb amputee category and placed fourth overall for men in the US Adaptive Open.
His ambitions extend beyond personal achievements; he aims to advance his career within disabled golf and inspire others by demonstrating that remarkable success in sports, even golf, is possible despite significant disability.
