READERS OFFER WHAT TO DO WHILE RECOVERING FROM INJURY
Just read your column ("Golf," View Neighborhood Newspapers Aug. 5) and wanted to share my experience.
Seven years ago, at the ripe young age of 59, I managed to tear my left rotator cuff in a bike accident, along with a lot of assorted scrapes and bruises. Shortly before that, my company had just sold two golf packages at a charity auction to some of our franchisees. The packages were each two days of golf with the CEO and myself, and the courses included Spanish Trail, Canyon Gate, the old DI and Reflection Bay. From the date of my surgery to tee off was less than nine weeks, and I was motivated to be able to play since I was a relative newcomer to golf and Las Vegas and had only played one of the courses.
Simply put, I substituted intensive therapy for golf. My surgeon and the therapist didn't believe it could be done, and at times it seemed impossible, but I was at the therapy center three or four days a week, and she set me up with exercises I could do at home. With three days to spare, both my surgeon and the therapist agreed I could play. To this day, my repaired left shoulder is better than it had been before the accident, and while I would always like to score better, I usually play 150 rounds a year. I still use some of the exercises I learned in therapy to keep my arms and shoulders in shape.
Good luck with your recovery, may it be quick.
Dave Dahl
Las Vegas
I read your article on Tuesday and loved it ("Golf," View Neighborhood Newspapers Aug. 5). I am also one of the golfing wounded. I decided this year that my 60th birthday gift was going to be a pain-free life. After many years of suffering with knee and back problems, I had a knee replacement in February and XLIF (it's on the internet if you're curious) back surgery for replacement and straightening of three disks in my lower back in June. I did get to play one round of golf between surgeries, but it was in a scramble, so I only had to chip and putt. Now I will not be able to play again until January (hopefully).
At first I was devastated because golf is such a big social part of my life, but my golf friends have remained faithful. When I heard about Tiger's knee surgery, I actually sent him a get well card and told him that for the first time in my life, I had something in common with the world's greatest golfer. We both would be playing golf again around the same time!
Fortunately, I have another hobby: sewing. I've got this great embroidery machine and am spending a lot of time creating. Perhaps you have another hobby you have forgotten about that you might like to get into again.
Time flies, and you'll soon be back on your feet and living life as you did. (At least that is what I keep telling myself).
Shelley Lipsky
Las Vegas
GOLF HELPS MANY WITH CHARITY, GOOD LIFE LESSONS
Re: Wade Boteler's comments ("Letters to the Editor," View Neighborhood Newspapers, Aug. 12).
It is obvious that Mr. Boteler is suffering from putter envy. If he would take the time to look into the game of golf, he would find programs like The First TEE and many others that benefit kids of all backgrounds, but especially the less fortunate. Golf is an honest, personal game with a bounty of life's lessons. Many of golf's greatest came from less than humble beginnings. The PGA Tour is the biggest contributor to charities, as are many of its members. Golf, as in life, rewards those who choose to make the effort and strive to be all they can be. We NEED these kind of positives in today's world. Mr. Boteler's comments, however, were ALL negative. If you think you can or you think you can't, either way, you are correct. After receiving a lifetime achievement award recently, Jack Nicklaus said, "Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your legacy." Mr. Boteler, your character is showing.
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