Paralyzed golfer hits the links

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- For some, the game of golf comes naturally, even despite major obstacles.

Jamie Douton didn't think he'd be hitting the links this soon after an accident last July left him paralyzed from the waste down.

"I was working on a friend's roof and I fell off, bounced wrong, and landed on my shoulders, broke my back," he explained.
    
But his spirit wasn't broken, especially with a little help from his friends who found out the Shennecossett Golf Course had a specialized cart that allows him to play the game he loves.

"I have to be able to hold on with one hand and be able to swing with that one," Douton demonstrated.

He's even been able to join his usual foursome at the Groton Elks Club charity tournament.

"He's been with us all five years, so we're very pleased to have him back this year," said Sid Buttermore.

The town bought the cart using a PGA grant.

"It's very gratifying to see Jamie out here and able to play again which is the whole point," said Todd Goodhue.

Shenneccossett Golf Club has had the cart for four years, but Jamie is the first one to use it.

It can take him up onto the green or safely into sand traps, not that he's ever caught in one of those.

"I've been on it about four times now... still not hitting real well but I'm hitting which is better than sitting," Douton said.

"Are you a better or worse golfer now," News 8's Tina Detelj inquired.

"I'm better," he said. "I stay out of all the woods now, I hit it short but I hit it straight."