From sleeping on streets to multiple amputations to golfing success; Issa Nlareb's incredible journey

Dubai: The name Issa Nlareb might not be widely known in the sports world, but his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

At 34, the Cameroonian golfer has faced more challenges than most see in a lifetime. From living on the streets near a golf course in Cameroon to losing both legs and several fingers, Nlareb’s path to the US Adaptive Open is one of perseverance and resilience. Last year, he won the multiple limb amputee category and finished fourth overall in the men’s division. This year, he repeated his category win and tied for seventh overall.

Nlareb’s story began at age 11 when his mother passed away. Left homeless, he survived by collecting golf balls near a local course and selling them to players. That simple act sparked his connection with the sport.

“I hid myself in the golf course. When I stood up in the morning, I saw golf balls around me,” he told CNN Sports. “I picked up two, walked out, and saw the course. When I saw it, I thought, ‘Wow.’”

He offered the balls to players, who gave him a dollar in return — his first real interaction with the game. Soon after, he became a caddie, and his passion for golf began to grow. With time and practice, he honed his skills and earned a spot on the Alps Tour.

But in 2018, while competing in Egypt, his life took a devastating turn. He contracted bacterial meningitis, which led to sepsis and a coma. When he woke up, both legs and most of his fingers had been amputated. At that point, returning to golf seemed impossible.

Still, Nlareb refused to give up.

In 2019, he made a comeback through the African Golf Tour. Two years later, now living in France, he returned to the very Alps Tour event in Egypt where his illness had struck — and made the cut.

While strong performances at the US Adaptive Open have brought him recognition, financial support has been hard to come by.

“I know I have a good level,” he said, “but it’s not easy without a sponsor because it’s very expensive. Just to register in an event costs a lot. I’m a father of three — it’s not easy to support my family and keep playing golf.”

Nlareb sees the Adaptive Open as a critical platform to share his story with the world. “It’s a big event,” he said. “Being there brings me closer to my dream. I need support. I need help. And I have the game. I live for golf — I can’t live without it. Golf is my life.”