Radnor native Andrew Austin doesn’t like to be told he can’t do something, especially in sports.
Born without part of his right arm, you’ll find him competing this week in the fourth annual U.S. Adaptive Open in Rockville, Md., which showcases golfers with disabilities, writes Isabella DiAmore for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
It’s his first time qualifying for the Open, though he’s done 10 other adaptive tournaments.
Growing up, he excelled in a variety of sports, from soccer to basketball, baseball to golf.
The 27-year-old never saw his missing right forearm and hand as a disadvantage, but “an opportunity to prove people wrong.”
He hopes his actions empower other athletes with disabilities.
“I think these last 16 months, I’ve really found myself living into my purpose,” Austin said. “For me, my purpose is my passion to inspire.”
That includes a successful following on social media, with 13,700 followers on Instagram and 18,500 on TikTok.
Golf runs in his family. His parents were members of the St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne, so he played a little growing up, but really got into it starting in 2020, enough to become the eighth-ranked adaptive golfer in the nation in the G5 classification.
Read more about Andrew Austin’s athletic career and determination in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
