Local amputee gets ready to tee off

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A local golfer is heading off to a big tournament in Indiana next week, but just getting there is quite an accomplishment in itself.

Right at home with a golf club in hand, 41-year-old Todd Blosser is looking forward to Saturday: the 6th anniversary of his right knee being amputated.

"I call it my best day, because I don't feel no more pain," said Blosser.

A MRSA infection following knee surgery led to the amputation, but it did not end his love affair with the game of golf.

After experimenting with several prosthetic knees, experts at North Haven's Hanger Clinic were able to find one perfect for his needs.

"What we've done is select a knee unit that actually provides him with the ability to stand and slightly flex, so he can properly address the ball and still be stable," said Lou Passariello, Hanger Clinic, "most prosthetic knees don't really afford that."

As for his golf game, Blosser says that's solid. The bigger challenge is navigating the course.

"My golf game is there, I have to look at the course differently compared to another person," Blosser said. "I have to go into sand traps differently because I can't feel the sand and if I go in the woods it takes a lot more energy."

Blosser has teed it up at several high level amateur events since he lost his leg. Next week will be his next challenge when he plays at the National Amputee Tournament in Indianapolis.

"My daughter is number one, golf is second," Blosser said. "Golf is something I can do for the rest of my life."

As a way of saying thank you to Blosser for all of the work he's done on behalf of local amputees, the Hanger Clinic is paying his travel costs and entry fees for next week's golf tournament in Indianapolis.