SAN DIEGO — If an earthquake hit, would you run for safety or toward the danger?
In this Zevely Zone, I share the story of an act of heroism.
Torrey Pines Golf Course is a long way from Haiti, but what happened to Rose Veldman in 2010 follows her to every fairway. If hitting the perfect golf shot is pure joy, so is hanging out on a golf course with Rose. "Wow, thank you, ha, ha, ha," said Rose.
In 2010, Rose was an orphan in Haiti, when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck. "Everyone was running for their lives, everyone was scared," said Rose.
She was 10 years old and about to make the biggest decision of her life. When the earthquake erupted, Rose could have saved herself, instead, she raced into a building to rescue a little girl. "She was stuck in the fourth story of the building so I ran up to get her but there was no way down so I had to throw her down like four stories," said Rose.
That little girl survived, but the building collapsed with Rose still inside. She lost her legs saving someone special. "I would have done it over and over again if I had to because now she is 17 now because she was three in 2010," said Rose.
At the City of San Diego's Adaptive Golf Championship, Torrey Pines is filled with inspirational golfers and stories.
"Torrey Pines is world-renowned from junior golf to PGA Tour," said Matty Reyes. The City of San Diego's Golf Course Manager calls this tournament a celebration of inclusivity. "Being a city we want to make sure we are accessible and equitable for everybody, so we are open to all types of players and families and communities," said Matty.
For the second consecutive year, the City of San Diego is hosting some of the best local, national, and international adaptive golfers at its annual Torrey Pines Adaptive Golf Championship on Thursday, May 2. The tournament allows golfers with disabilities and other adaptations to compete and showcase their talents at one of the most well-known municipal golf courses in the world.
"We're thrilled that we've been able to make the Torrey Pines Adaptive Golf Championship happen for a second year," said Therapeutic Recreation Services District Manager Kristi Fenick. "Every day we work to promote opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete. Our goal is to create a space where these talented golfers can shine, and I believe we're doing that."
The Adaptive Golf Championship is open to all players from amateur to professional. This year, the championship has drawn not only local players but national and international athletes as well. While adaptive golfers from California make up the bulk of the lineup, Florida, Wisconsin and even Argentina will be represented out on the links.
Following Rose's double amputation, a family in Indiana adopted her. "It was terrifying but exciting at the same because I had never been on a plane. I had never seen what America was like," said Rose.
"She is amazing. Her outlook on life is just so positive," said Melissa Feld. She and Phylicia Gray are Rose's life coaches. It did not surprise them to hear Rose ran into a building to rescue a little girl. "No, because that is just who she is that is what she'll do," said Phylicia.
Sometimes, a golf shot takes you in a surprising direction. "I wasn't trying to go there but I like it, ha, ha, ha," said Rose after a sliced tee shot. That's a lot like life.
"Yeah, ha, ha, ha, these legs don't stop me from anything, like I swim, I golf, I run," said Rose. She also inspires us all to live our best life.
The City of San Diego Golf Division operates three golf complexes (Balboa Park, Mission Bay and Torrey Pines) and is dedicated to serving its patrons and players of all ages and abilities while enhancing their enjoyment of the game by providing a high-quality golf experience. For more information, click here.