Hutch native set to compete in adaptive golf championship

NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) — Hutchinson native Kirk Holmberg has been hooked on golf his whole life.

Holmberg explained, “I’ve been playing since before high school and played in college at Hutchinson CC, and I’ve also competed in a lot of events.”

However, a few years ago, Holmberg’s life was turned upside down after he was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis.

“Four years ago, I noticed my left leg was dragging a little bit and my left arm wasn’t working very well,” Holmberg said. “I went to the doctor or neurologist and they diagnosed me with PLS. It’s a disease in the same family as ALS, but it’s not as aggressive.”

But Holmberg hasn’t let the progressive disease slow his love of golf, and he’s now competing in one of the biggest tournaments of his life, the U.S. Adaptive Open Golf Championship.

“I qualified in April,” Holmberg added, “so it seemed like a long way off in April. And now that it has, I’m just cramming to try to get ready and I’m just nervous. I’d really like to get through it. That’s kind of my goal.”

Holmberg is one of 96 players who overcame the odds and competed in this USGA national championship.

“It’s really cool to see these guys and girls out there playing,” Holmberg said. “They’re really good and some of them have a much bigger handicap than me, and it’s just awesome to see them play and compete with them.”