about

David Watts

About David Watts

Defying the Odds: The Battle with Fibular Hemimelia

 

David Watts’ story isn’t just about golf—it’s about relentless defiance against the odds. Born on August 4, 1987, in Durban, South Africa, David entered the world with fibular hemimelia, a rare and brutal condition that would shape his life in unimaginable ways. His right leg was over 27 cm shorter than his left, with missing toes, a partial foot, a deformed ankle, and a dysfunctional knee joint. The doctors said the only option was amputation, but David’s parents refused to accept this fate. They chose the hard road—painful, risky leg-lengthening procedures using the Ilizarov method, a decision that required extraordinary courage and faith.

The procedure involved breaking his tibia in two places and attaching a metal “cage” that would stretch his leg over time—a torturous process repeated when David was 6, 11, and 16. The result? A 23 cm lengthening and a relentless spirit forged in the fires of adversity. But the battle wasn’t over—David still faced a 6 cm discrepancy, managed with a prosthetic insert. These physical challenges would have broken many, but for David, they were the fuel that drove him forward.

 

A Passion Ignited: The Golf Obsession

 

David’s journey to the golf course was not a smooth one. Cricket was his first love, but as the competition intensified, David found that his physical limitations were holding him back. It was then that his father, seeing the fire in his son’s eyes, suggested golf. But early experiences were frustrating—coaches tried to mold him into a swing that his body simply couldn’t perform. That was until David met Paul Potterton, a coach who didn’t just see David’s limitations—he saw his potential. Paul encouraged David to develop his own swing, one that defied the norms and harnessed the unique mechanics of his body.

From that moment, golf wasn’t just a sport—it was an obsession. David spent countless hours at Durban Country Club, perfecting a swing that no one else could replicate. Rain or shine, he was there, grinding, driven by an unyielding desire to prove that he could compete—no, excel—at the highest level.

 

David’s Leadership at SADGA: Forging New Paths for Golfers With Disabilities In South Africa 

 

As the Business Development Manager at the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), David has been instrumental in advancing opportunities for golfers with disabilities across the nation. Recognizing a gap in competitive platforms, he forged the All Abilities Golf Tour (AAGT), establishing the first full tour dedicated to golfers with disabilities in South Africa. Through his visionary leadership, David has not only expanded the horizons for these athletes but also promoted inclusivity and accessibility within the sport, empowering individuals to pursue their passion for golf regardless of physical challenges.

"My journey isn’t defined by what I lack, but by how I’ve turned those limitations into my greatest strengths. Golf has never been about fitting into a mold; it’s about breaking it and creating something uniquely my own. I don’t compete to prove what I can overcome— I compete to show what I’m truly capable of."

The Personal Battle: A Father’s Mission

 

Off the course, David’s greatest inspiration is his son, Leo, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Leo’s invisible disability has given David a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who are often misunderstood or overlooked. This personal battle has only strengthened David’s resolve to make golf a more inclusive sport, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their limitations, has a place on the green.

 

 

Quick Facts about David:

 

  • Born: 4 August 1987
  • Height: 181 cm
  • Education: LLB (Law)
  • Children: 1 son, Leo
  • Golf Career Highlights: Winner of the 2023 DP World G4D Singapore Classic | 2023 KZN Sportsman of the Year with a Disability | 2024 Nominee for South African Sportsman of the Year with a Disability | Current Leader of the AAGT Order of Merit | 2024 Nominee for KZN Sportsman of the Year with a Disability

 

Unconventional Swing, Unstoppable Drive

 

David’s swing is anything but conventional. With a fused ankle, a dysfunctional knee, and a body that defies the standard mechanics of golf, David has crafted a swing that is uniquely his own. He cannot load his right leg, his hips are misaligned, and his spine has adapted in ways that would challenge any golfer. But these challenges haven’t held him back—they’ve propelled him forward. Armed with a specialized knee brace and an indomitable will, David continues to defy expectations, proving that his swing, much like his spirit, is unstoppable.

"I’m not here to follow the path—I'm here to forge it, showing that in golf, as in life, it’s not about the obstacles in your way, but the drive to reach what’s beyond them."