We are a Mexican family that recently got involved with golf. My youngest son, Axel, was born without his right hand. He is a terrific boy with excellent notes at school. He is very good at sports, and he and his team have won a lot of soccer football tournaments. He won a special recognition for being the best defender in a national tournament.
In 2007, we went to see the LPGA Samsung World Championship in Palm Desert, CA. Axel was very excited to see Lorena Ochoa in person. By the end of the tournament, Lorena had shipped a flag with her dedication to Axel directly to our house.
Since that moment, Axel began his golf preparation. For us and for the professionals at our club, this was not easy because it seemed as though the lack of the right hand was going to be a large impediment for Axel who is currently 12. He put a lot of his time and effort into learning how to hit the ball.
This year, Helen Alfredsson at the Bosque Real tournament in our home town of Mexico City gave Axel a signed ball, and we have a framed picture of her and my son. She was very kind and had a few words with my son. We received autographs from Cristie Kerr (a wonderful lady), Suzann Pettersen, and Paula Creamer, among others. We had pictures taken with Jiyai Shin and Laura Davies. For my son, being able to watch the stars of golf is a wonderful experience. Every lady is nice and kind, and we received a lot of smiles.
Now I can tell you that Axel is playing, either with my wife and myself, or with his friends. He is able to hit 150 yards with the driver, has made amazing approach shots, and is an expert with the putter, thanks to all of you. You are the inspiration of a kid with no limits. He may not have a hand, but he has a great heart. By watching you, he is now a terrific golf player, and I am a proud father.
Ladies, each one of you are an inspiration for any boy or girl, and for any man or woman. Keep smiling at your fans, and keep on hitting the ball as well as you do in each tournament.
Best regards,
Axel, Gina and Axel Jr.
If you have a positive story to tell, feel free to email it to feedback@lpga.com and it will be posted in the For the Love of the Fans section.