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How Rob Walden Returned to Scratch Golf in 3 Years Using Focused Rehab, Family Support, and Relentless Practice


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When a model airplane accident in 2016 left Rob Walden without most of the fingers on his dominant hand, golf seemed like an impossible dream. But with grit, family support, and relentless practice, Rob not only rebuilt his swing—he became a scratch golfer again and a rising name in adaptive golf.

In this episode of The Adjustment Game, Rob shares how he pushed through pain to rediscover his game, the pivotal role his wife Julie and son Jake played in his recovery, and what it felt like to debut on the G4D Tour in Singapore. We also explore his volunteer work with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona, and why he says every swing now has a deeper purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
  • How Rob turned rehab into a pathway back to competitive golf
  • The role of adaptive equipment and partnerships with companies like PING in his journey
  • Why his family’s support was the difference-maker during recovery
  • What it’s like to represent adaptive golfers on the global stage of the G4D Tour
  • How Rob uses golf to mentor kids and athletes with disabilities through First Tee and Special Olympics
  • His perspective on pain, purpose, and playing the game he loves

About Rob Walden

Rob Walden is a scratch adaptive golfer, husband, dad, and construction project manager. After losing most of his fingers in 2016, he rebuilt his golf swing and found new purpose as a mentor and competitor. He has represented the United States on the G4D Tour and volunteers with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona.

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Push PlayBy Disability Media Network