(Alexandria, Va.) – Links to Freedom, a leader in sports rehabilitation, registered its first blind golfer into their national-leading therapeutic golf program. Hunter E. Matthews, a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant is their new student, actively taking classes and enjoying his second eight weeks of instruction.
They [Links to Freedom staff] gained a tremendous understanding of the blind
disability, said Matthews. “They help me understand how to swing a club and help my wife align me. It is one thing to teach a sighted person but try wearing a blindfold around your house for an hour. That might help you understand.”
Matthews was a passionate motorcyclist both in uniform and after he retired from the Air Force, having served for 20 years and two months. His passion included instructing motorcycle safety to fellow Airman and Veterans. However, on March 15, 2013, he was riding home when he lost traction on the highway and slid off the exit ramp.
“The accident crushed my face, which cut off oxygen to my optic nerves and I lost sight,” said Matthews. He has some peripheral vision in right eye but doesn’t function as a sighted person. At 59 years old, he had lost his sight and was without his passion.
Executive Director, Steve Greiner developed the Links to Freedom program to bring a sense of normalcy and recreation to Service Members who otherwise would spend their time in intense psychological and physical therapy. Greiner realized that golf is a vehicle for social and emotional rehabilitation, for service members, their families and caregivers. Today, L2F engages the Hero community and has not had a suicide attempt among its student body in over eight years.
“We provide a fabulous outlet for social engagement and physical activity in a familiar environment for America’s Heroes. Teaching a person who can’t see was new, but we met Hunter and agreed to create a curriculum to get him to play golf,” said Greiner a PGA Professional. “We have grown so much in the golf therapy space; it seemed like it was time to take on this challenge and Veterans typically have super attitudes. We are helping Hunter create a new passion he can enjoy with his wife.”
Links to Freedom has been healing Wounded Warriors, Veterans, their caregivers, and Gold Star family members “one swing at a time” since 2008. Not only is L2F a fabulous therapeutic golf program but the organization’s inclusive, family atmosphere has offered hope to their students. That discovery of the great sport of golf has become a tool in preventing harmful behavior among the L2F students and alumni.
“I heard about L2F from a friend; I could participate with my wife. L2F dependents and caretakers qualify for instruction,” said Matthews. “I am hopeful and optimistic that golf becomes my new passion!”
Master Sergeant (Retired) Hunter E. Mathews will be volunteering at the Links to Freedom Cup at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sep. 16, 2024, at River Creek Club, 43800 Olympic Boulevard, Leesburg, Virg., 20176.
But, more importantly, Mathews will be ready to show off his golf skills as he embraces his new passion.
“Links to Freedom was formed to implement Wounded Warrior and Disabled Veteran rehabilitative golf
programs at military and civilian golf facilities nationwide.” L2F has instructed more than 5000 Warriors since 2008.
Contact: L2F@linkstofreedom.org
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