GOLF NEWS ITEM

Defying the Odds, On and Off the Links

WEDNESDAY, 20 AUGUST 2008

LAS VEGAS - As a Shriners Hospitals for Children ambassador, 19-year old Katie Walker is truly an inspiration with her "can-do" approach to life. A passionate golfer, she helps put a face to the Shriners organization and their mission during the week-long Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

"Working with Justin Timberlake to promote the tournament is such an honor, a real dream come true," says Walker.

A patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Los Angeles since she was nearly a year old, Walker was born missing her left tibia, left kidney, and faced other multiple congenital problems. She underwent her first set of surgeries to repair some of these problems when she was only weeks old.

As the focus turned to Walker's orthopaedic challenge, a friend told the family about Shriners Hospitals for Children whose specialists determined that, in order to give her the best chance at walking, amputation of her left leg was necessary. Eight weeks of post-surgery, she was fitted with the first of many prostheses.

Shriners Hospitals for Children has continued to provide the orthopaedic care and prosthetics Walker has needed while growing up, all at no charge. "Shriners is my surrogate family," she said. "I know I can count on them if I need anything."

With an affinity for sports, she has taken on snow skiing, ice skating, horseback riding, and bowling, in addition to competitive golf. Walker says that her self-motivation comes from believing that anything is possible. "I may do things a little differently than others, but that does not keep me from experiencing life to the fullest," states Walker.

In high school, Walker discovered a love of golf and made it to the varsity team in her freshman year. Staff at the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital fitted her with a high-tech prosthetic that has a special torque-and-socket unit, allowing more range of motion in the hip and ankle, which consequently improved her golf swing. During a high school tournament, Walker nailed a hole-in-one. Golf Digest magazine put the odds at any amateur accomplishing such a feat at 12,000-to-1. Today, Walker is a sophomore in college, attending California State University Bakersfield on a golf scholarship.

An outstanding athlete, Walker is also a talented singer who has performed since the age of nine. In 2005, she recorded her first country music CD.

Like so many other Shriners Hospitals patients, Walker has learned to approach life with a smile and enthusiasm, despite difficulties. Her confidence can be heard in her song, "Challenge Me", which was inspired by life experiences.

About The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:
The 2008 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open kicks off a five-year commitment between the two parties to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between the Shriners and Timberlake to act as Title Sponsor and Host (respectively) promises to create a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A host of well-known golfers and celebrities will participate in the competition to help support the Shriners' mission, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Both the serious and casual golf fan will applaud as some of the best golfers combined with the very best in Las Vegas-style entertainment are showcased. The viewing is unsurpassed at THE HILL, a 22,000-square foot luxury entertainment pavilion overlooking the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes, granting stunning views of the course, Las Vegas skyline, and Red Rock Canyon.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN: 9525 Hillwood Drive, Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89134, 702-873-1010, www.jtshrinersopen.com.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children:
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international healthcare system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services at no charge, regardless of financial need. For more information, please visit www.shrinershospitals.org.

About the PGA TOUR:
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current, and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the United States and around the world.

In 2008, the three Tours are competing in about 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in 37 states and in nine other countries. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's website address is www.pgatour.com and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

GLOBAL GOLF SEARCH

GOLF CHRISTMAS GIFTS

HOT GOLF ITEMS ON SALE

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay up-to-date with all golf News by becoming a member and joining our golf Community.

SUBMIT NEWS ITEM

If you know any Golf Events or News that you would like to share with the world, then we invite you to Submit a News Item.