Issa Nlareb’s journey from living on the streets to becoming a professional golfer is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. After overcoming a life-threatening illness, Nlareb is now determined to become one of the top disabled golfers in the world.
Growing up in Cameroon, Nlareb faced numerous challenges following the death of his mother when he was just 11 years old. He found himself living near the Yaoundé Golf Club, where he began picking up golf balls to earn money. This marked the beginning of his relationship with the sport. “That was my first contact with golf,” Nlareb recounted. His early experiences on the course shaped his understanding of the game, despite not receiving formal training until much later.
A Life-Altering Illness
In February 2018, while participating in a tournament in Egypt, Nlareb contracted bacterial meningitis, which led to septic shock. After a harrowing five-day coma, he received the devastating news that both of his legs above the knee and most of his fingers would need to be amputated. “I refused because I was so afraid,” he said, grappling with the reality of such a drastic change.
After transferring to a hospital in Cameroon, he was again faced with the reality of amputation. Following the procedure, Nlareb began to rebuild his life, learning to use prosthetics. “When they put me in the prosthetics, I walked all day long. But it was a big mistake,” he recalled, describing the pain he endured as he adjusted to his new reality.
Reconnecting with Golf
Initially, Nlareb stepped away from golf during his recovery, feeling disheartened and disconnected from the sport he once loved. However, friends encouraged him to return to the course a few months post-surgery. His first swing was a stark reminder of what he had lost: “I went 50 meters (55 yards) with one hand.”
Despite this setback, Nlareb found solace in teaching the game. He attended school to become a golf teaching professional and began coaching a team in Cameroon. Yet, a tournament in late 2019 reignited his competitive spirit. His daughter’s words encouraged him to return to golf fully, leading him to adapt his swing with a strap for better grip.
In 2019, Nlareb made his return to professional golf via the African Golf Tour. His remarkable comeback culminated in 2021 when he competed in the US Adaptive Open, where he won the multiple limb amputee category and finished fourth overall among men.
Despite his achievements, financial constraints remain a significant hurdle. Currently, events like the US Adaptive Open do not offer prize money, which places a heavy burden on players like Nlareb. He estimated that participation costs could reach $10,000 without sponsorship.
“I know I have good level, but it’s not that easy without a sponsor because it’s very expensive,” Nlareb explained. As a father of three, he faces the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with his passion for golf.
Nlareb is adamant that golf is his life. “To be there, I’m coming close to my dream because from there, the world can know about my story,” he said. He highlighted the need for support to continue his journey in the sport and to inspire others facing similar challenges.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of being a professional golfer with disabilities, Issa Nlareb remains a symbol of resilience and determination, proving that with the right support, it is possible to overcome life’s greatest obstacles.