Four years ago, Ced Lescut lost a leg in a motorbike accident, a life-changing event which resulted in his acquiring a prosthetic limb. This afternoon, at the M2M Russian Open, he realises a lifelong dream by playing on The European Tour.
The Belgian teed off his opening round at Skolkovo Golf Club today and will be aided by the use of a Segway between shots.
When he stands up to each shot, however, the 36 year old will be equal to the likes of multiple European Tour winners Michael Hoey and David Horsey, joining that endless hunt for birdies and eagles on the stunning Moscow lay-out.
It is an incredible story of overcoming adversity, indicative of the inclusive nature of this sport. While Lescut was eager to get out there and show his worth, he admitted that the nerves were inescapable in the lead up to his start on the tenth tee today in Russia.
“For sure I will be nervous, like I was on the driving range but I have no expectations,” said Lescut. “I just received an invitation from the Russian Federation via my sponsor and we will see what happens this week.
“I am lucky enough to be playing here and it is the dream of many people to do this. I just need to have fun, take experience from the guys I’m playing with and enjoy the week.”
One of Lescut’s main goals this week is to raise awareness for his charity Android 34, which aims to encourage and inspire people with disabilities to take up, or indeed keep up, competitive sport even after life-changing injuries.
Lescut, for one, was a competitive golfer before his accident, but losing his leg made him even more driven to succeed in the sport and his appearance at this week’s M2M Russian Open is testament to the things that can be achieved with hard work and determination.
“I was a teaching pro before and I was in a motorbike accident four years ago and lost my leg,” he said. “I spent a year and a half in the hospital and then started to play again with one leg and one prosthetic leg and now here I am.
“Everything I am doing is for my foundation and to help people in my situation, to show people what they can do and that anything is possible.”
