An inspirational golfer who lost both legs and all but two fingers after contracting bacterial meningitis at a golf tournament has been awarded a membership by London Golf Club to help him on his golfing journey.
Issa Nlareb, 34, was first introduced to golf at the age of 11 when, after the death of his mother, he started working as a ball boy at a local club to earn money in his home country of Cameroon. After a few years, he progressed to caddying and eventually started playing the sport himself.
His talent was evident from the start, and at one point he was the top-ranked player in Africa. The tournament in Egypt in 2018, however, changed the trajectory of his life forever.
The week of the tournament he contracted bacterial meningitis, breaking both legs, all the fingers on his left hand and all but two fingers on his right hand.
But after a few years, it became clear that he missed golf too much to give it up – and to his delight, Nlareb realized that he could still hit the golf ball better than most. Thus began the slow rise of the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability (WR4GD).
In August, the Cameroonian was one of 30 golfers from six countries competing on the London Golf Club’s International Course as the EDGA inaugurated the London Golf Club G4D Shield.
Following an excellent opening round of 4 under 68, Nlareb’s second round of 78 in difficult conditions was enough to see him finish one shot ahead of the chasing pack.
The world number 12 recently returned to the prestigious Kent area, and upon arrival was given club membership so he can train and train while in the UK.
Ben Stimson, director of golf at London Golf Club, said: “Issa Nlareb is an incredibly inspirational person – her story of resilience can teach us all how to respond to life.
“His passion for the game of golf is contagious, and we are pleased to be able to offer our world-class facilities to support him on his journey for years to come.”
Nlareb said: “I like to play golf here. The practice facilities are in excellent condition. The course is very challenging, and everyone has been extremely welcoming. I look forward to using London Golf Club as a practice venue when I am in England and would like to thank the club for this kind gesture.”
Nlareb will defend his title at London Golf Club in 2025 when the London Golf Club G4D Shield returns.
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