Aide (18) and Lawrence (62) Eager for Another Shot at U.S. Adaptive Open

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It’s not every day that a 6’9” teenager competes in the same field as a double leg amputee grandmother, but the remarkable golf journeys of Russell Aide and Cindy Lawrence bring them both to Woodmont Country Club for the 4th U.S. Adaptive Open Championship.

For each of them, it’s the third time competing in this championship, but for quite different reasons.

Aide, who hails from Belleville, Ontario, missed out on the inaugural championship in 2022 because he was just starting to play in adaptive competitions in Canada. He has symbrachydactyly, a condition that causes abnormal development of limbs.

“When I was born all five fingers on my right hand were attached to each other, and on my left hand, there is a little bit of webbing, but not as extreme,” said Aide, who at age 2 underwent surgery that separated the thumb on his right hand.

“The grip is a challenge for me. Since I can’t wear regular golf gloves, my mom sews custom gloves for both of my hands, and that helps.”

Aide’s golf profile has gradually risen in prominence, to the point where he will begin his college career at the University of Arizona this fall as a member of the school’s burgeoning adaptive golf team.

“I’m so excited to get there,” he said. “I didn’t think there would be a chance to play in college, and it’s a cool opportunity to travel around to competitions and be an advocate for adaptive golf. It’s a great way to show how anyone can overcome their challenges and do what they’re passionate about.”

But before he ventures to Tucson, there’s the matter of this championship. Aide tied for 18th in the men’s division in 2023 at Pinehurst No. 6 but missed the cut last year at Sand Creek Station in Kansas and looks to bounce back with a strong showing. With his height, Aide generates a wide and powerful swing arc that routinely results in 300-yard drives.

However…

“My driver accuracy has been a wild card,” he admits. “I’m working on it and am way better than last year, so that’s the key because my short game is a definite strength, especially my putting. And I’ve heard Woodmont’s greens are really fast, which I’m excited about.”

Though she is 44 years Aide’s senior, Lawrence, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., shares the same enthusiasm for this championship and its meaning.

In 1997, Lawrence developed life-threatening complications within days after giving birth to her second child (a daughter, Natasha). She was diagnosed with a flesh-eating bacterial infection that cut off all blood flow to her legs, which were soon amputated below the knees. Golf became a part of her rehab, leading to a second lease on life that has brought much joy to Cindy, her husband Mark and their now two adult children.

“It’s awesome to play in the Adaptive Open again,” said Lawrence. “Everyone in this world of players has a story, and reconnecting with them is my favorite part of the experience.”

So much so that Lawrence made the trek to Kansas last year to be a part of the U.S. Adaptive Open as a spectator. Following a procedure that went wrong, she was sidelined from golf for a year and a half and in a wheelchair for much of that time.

“I attempted an osseointegration, where they basically place an implant directly into your bone and that connects to the prosthetic,” said Lawrence. “It’s supposed to be better for pain management and eliminates the need for a socket at the top of the prosthetic. But I ended up getting infections, was on IV antibiotics for a while and the doctors eventually reversed the procedure. I do have a better-fitting limb than I did before, but it was a long process.”

Since getting back onto the course in early 2025, Lawrence has been competing in as many events as possible to try to regain her comfort level under competitive conditions.

“I played two tournaments in May and then the Chicago Adaptive Tournament in June,” she said. “It’s so nice to see people out there, and many of them know my colorful outfits and cheer me on.

“I can’t wait for this week at Woodmont. I’ve been working on my swing and trying to get some more yardage out of it. My goal is to finish higher in the women’s overall division than I have in the past.”

That kind of goal-setting and determination has been a part of the Adaptive Open since its inception. Even with the countless inspiring stories and on-site camaraderie, this is most certainly not an exhibition. The players want to compete and do well, for themselves and for all the people who have supported them along the way.

For Aide and Lawrence, along with 94 fellow competitors, that’s all the motivation they need.