Unstoppable Spirit: Cor Bon's Inspiring Journey of Overcoming Amputation, Adaptive Golf, and Proving Age Doesn't Define Your Limitations

Cor Bon radiates charm and confidently describes himself as 73 years young; he is enjoying retirement and embracing a newfound life after amputation. At the age of 45, Cor required surgery for a left knee transplant, swiftly followed by his right knee, all due to his passion for sports, particularly Handball. Cor has many proud memories of competing regionally in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. However, the demanding physicality, with years of intense jumping, ultimately led to irreparable damage to his knees.

Everything seemed to be going well until May 2022, when Cor faced another procedure requiring a transplant replacement. Unfortunately, a post-surgery bacterial infection led to an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg in October 2022. In January 2023, Cor received his first prosthesis, the 3R80, followed by the Ottobock C-Leg in May 2023. Although this time was mentally and physically arduous, it was a significant milestone in Cor's life and an empowering story, showcasing that disability, or age, doesn't define you or your limitations.

You love golf. Did you always play or start after amputation? "After retiring from Handball due to both my knee transplants, I worked as an engineer for the government; part of my role was attending company team building events, many of which were golf days. At the time, I was exploring new sports that would be kinder to my knees, and Golf was the perfect solution. While working at these events, I found my new sporting passion and have played ever since I was forty. Before my amputation, I had a 7 (single) handicap. Now, as an amputee, I am a 12 handicap, and I'm content with it. What matters most is that I can still enjoy playing golf."

Do you have any tips and advice for anyone looking to get back into golf after an amputation? Or for those interested in learning but who are hesitant about taking the first step? "Speak to your Golf Club and find out if they have accessible golf lessons, and commit to at least six months of lessons to learn how to adapt your golf stance and swing as an amputee. I spent many days on the driving range with my Pro, and eventually, through trial and error, I found the right golf swing for me - you can achieve this, and I am proof of this. The challenge I faced was that a golf course by nature is not flat terrain, and as an amputee with a prosthesis, you need to learn how to balance and keep yourself steady while performing the shot. Uphill shots are not an issue, being a left-leg amputee and right-handed; my supporting leg is on the left during golf. However, I do experience difficulties finding balance and staying steady for the downhill shots. However, with lots of practice and trust in your prosthesis, it becomes easier, and you can master this."

Do you have any tips and advice for achieving the perfect golf swing as an amputee? "My main advice is practice, practice, and more practice. Learn what works for you. We are all different and will find adaptations that suit us individually, and it is only through trial and error that we learn and overcome these challenges. Now, it's a completely different ball game! I have had to start again from scratch and teach my body and mind a new way of golf - my adapted version is unique to me. One thing I discovered works exceptionally well for me is that my swing comes more from my arms and wrists, and this is where I now can gain speed for the perfect shot."

You wear an Ottobock C-Leg. How does this help you with daily chores and, of course, playing Golf? "The C-Leg is a reliable knee with a stable and corrective stance, especially as the golf course is up and down and on various terrains. It is not always flat, and finding your balance and keeping steady to take a strong shot is tricky – however, the C-Leg features via the App make it so much easier – I now trust in my prosthesis as if my 'own leg' and that is the key accepting it as part of you, learning its full functions and bearing full weight through it as you would a real leg. I love the different sports modes, especially golf, and I also use cycling when I go out on my bike."

Do you have advice for those struggling with mobility and confidence after an amputation? Many find it challenging to regain body image confidence, mobility, and social connections post-amputation. How can we inspire them to lead active lives again? "At the start, it was tough. I had to make a difficult decision to keep my left leg and be on medication and in pain for the rest of my life or have it amputated – the medication was making me unwell, and I wanted my life back and chose amputation. After the procedure, it was heavy - emotionally and physically. After a few weeks, I had a revelation after meeting other amputees who have experienced similar traumatic situations, and through speaking and relating with them, I realized life doesn't stop. Very early on, I decided to continue playing golf. My goal was to be back on a golf course, which was part of my identity I wasn't prepared to lose, along with losing my leg. Mentally staying focused and believing I will be back helped me achieve this goal. My main bit of advice: I know at first everything seems so daunting; you not only lose part of your body but also part of your soul, but have confidence in yourself, give it time, and see it as a challenge. Eventually, you can and will enjoy life after amputation."

After your amputation, were there methods you developed to help you get through the dark moments? "I love to cook, and I find this very therapeutic whenever I have a challenging day, both emotionally and physically. I enjoy preparing and serving delicious food. Once a month, my friends and I (a group of 12) go to a cooking class and create incredible food dishes - a menu of five courses. After class, we all get to eat the food and socialize. It is lots of fun. Now we know you love to cook!

What's your specialty dinner party dish? "My favorite cuisine is Italian food, and the specialty dish I would cook for a dinner party is Sole with honey, sugar, and lots of spice on the BBQ. I would serve this with spaghetti and a nice chilled glass of white wine - a perfect combination for a sunny day - what more could you want?" Are there funny stories after your amputation or relating to your prosthesis? "Yes, On the golf course, when I play, I am always asked, "Cor, what is your handicap?" I reply which one? Haha.' I laugh a lot – we must always see the fun side of life and not take things too seriously. Life is short to be serious."

Thank you, Cor. It was an absolute pleasure talking to you, and your story will no doubt inspire others that we can still lead an active and fulfilled life after amputation. by Rebecca Legon