When perseverance leads to purpose
Nashville resident Jordan Thomas lives and breathes perseverance, and is spreading it to those like him.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Jordan Thomas grew up around golf, and not even his accident could keep his from the sport he loves.
In 2005, Thomas got in a boating accident off the coast of Florida. At just 16 years old, both of his legs were amputated below the knee. He decided the accident didn’t have to take everything from him if he didn’t let it.
“The one thing that I was so determined to get back to was, like, ‘I’m going to get on the golf course,’” Thomas said.
This began not only his road back to reclaiming his life but starting a whole new one with a bigger purpose. At just 16 years old, sitting in a hospital bed, he came up with the Jordan Thomas Foundation, which helps provide prosthetics to children across the country.
“We try to get kids not back to just walking, but to doing the things that they love so they can be kids. I want to commit to them having a chance - an opportunity,” Thomas said.
Prosthetic limbs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Price isn’t something Thomas believes should keep a child from being able to run and play. Golf has always been there for Thomas, through whatever life threw his way. Why shouldn’t others also have the chance to chase their passion? Thomas relishes the ability to help.
“It’s something that has given me perspective. It’s given me a sense of purpose. I don’t question why I exist as a human. It fulfills me,” Thomas said.
While the foundation has given him purpose, golf serves as a passion, even after more than 20 years of swinging a club. This Monday, Thomas will compete in the third annual U.S. Adaptive Open. The tournament will be played in Kansas and will feature 96 of the best adaptive golfers from 11 different countries.
“I put a lot of work and a lot of time into this. We’re an individual sport, and so it can be a lonely endeavor when you’ve been working as hard as I’ve been working,” Thomas said. “To get that reward of winning, it would be awesome.”
While claiming the top spot next week is the goal, it’s not the only reason to make the trip to Kansas.
“It’s also just an awesome week,” Thomas said. “I see some people out there that I’m like, ‘dude that is just incredible.’ And you get caught up in just watching it and forgetting that you’re in a golf tournament.”
An injury prevented Thomas from competing in the Open last year, but he did win the men’s multiple limb amputee category in 2022.
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