Manuel de Los Santos Takes the Headlines at Dunhill Links

This week in St. Andrews sees Manuel de los Santos taking part in the Dunhill Links Championship. Despite many famous celebrities and professionals taking part in the tournament it is the 25-yeard old from the Dominican Republic who has been grabbing the headings. Manuel looked certain to pursue a career in Baseball until he was involved in a traffic accident which resulted in the loss of his left leg. Despite his disability Manuel has quickly become one of Europe’s top disabled golfers, and will go up against some of the best golfers in the world around Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Having lost his left leg aged just 18 Manuel still to this day he refuses to wear a prosthetic limb which in my opinion makes it even more difficult for him. Instead he has relied on his poise and wonderful swing to accomplish a handicap of just three. The Dominican Republic-born golfer also insists on using crutches to get between shots rather than riding a buggy. “I’m an athlete. I walk…My dream has come true.”

Mr de los Santos only began playing golf after moving to France with his Spanish wife Elena following his accident in 2003. His desire to play golf came when his wife brought home the film The Legend of Bagger Vance one evening. The film, which stars Will Smith, is about a golfer prevailing over adversity.
While watching the film Manuel noticed that his familiar baseball swing was not to dissimilar from that of a golf swing.  He was instantaneously captivated. “I hit four balls and I immediately felt good. I felt well balanced. I said that’s what I can do! Let’s go!” In 2005 he joined the French “Handigolf” association and with a tough training schedule and after just six months he was triumphant in the Spanish Open.
“I decided to devote myself 100 per cent to golf,” he said. “I felt ready to consider a new life and start.

Follow Manuel’s progress in the Dunhill Championships on the European Tour’s website.