When Mike Harding steps up to the tee, he knows people
are watching. After all, it isn't every day you see a one-armed
golfer.
But their curiosity doesn't faze this life-long athlete.
In fact, he likes it when they watch, especially when he
shoots a 200-yard line drive straight down the fairway.
 |
IRON GIANT: Michael Harding
pulls out
a driver in
preparation to knock a golf
ball — with only one arm
— down
the fairway. Harding
lost function in his right arm
after a high school sledding
accident. After the
arm did not
respond to therapy, he had it
amputated. Photo by Babsey Rambold |
Then, he says, novelty gives way to recognition. After
that, it's all about the game.
Harding, who holds a bachelor's degree in therapeutic
recreation and is currently pursuing a teaching certificate
in physical education at Eastern Michigan University, is
head coach of varsity womens' golf at Belleville High
School and of mens' golf at Melvindale High School.
Harding grew up in Belleville, Mich., where he and his
wife, Tesha, raise their son, Peyton, 9, and daughter,
Paige, 7.
A natural-born athlete, Harding has been involved in sports
as far back as he can remember.
Ultimately focusing on football, Harding's athletic finesse
garnered him a scholarship to Northern Michigan University.
Harding, who graduated from Belleville High School in 1988,
was set to begin his college career with the Wildcats when
a sledding accident changed the course of his life.
"I was 17 years old and getting ready to head off
to college to play football," said Harding, who graduated
high school a year early. "It was snowing, so some
friends and I bought some sleds and ski wax... and decided
to have some fun."
Harding hit a tree, suffering a severe head injury that
left him with peripheral nerve damage affecting all four
extremities. Over time, both legs and his left arm regained
full function. But, after his right arm failed to respond
to two years of therapy and treatment, Harding was ready
to move on with his life.
"I told the doctor it was time to take it off," Harding
said.
By the end of the week, Harding would undergo surgery
to remove his right arm, changing his life, he said, for
the better.
"It was the best thing that ever happened to me," said
Harding, who had never considered playing golf before his
injury. "I have a great family, a career I love and
tons of opportunities have come my way. I have a great
life."
 |
FOUR!: Michael Harding drives the
ball
— with one arm — at the Eagle
Crest Golf Course recently. Harding
is pursuing
a teaching certificate in
physical education from EMU. Photo
by
Babsey Rambold |
Harding, who was right-handed before the accident, found
little difficulty in learning to be left handed. He continues
to golf using a right-handed swing (much like a tennis
backhand), declaring that it produces more powerful results.
"When right-handed people golf, the left arm leads and
the right arm follows through," said Harding. "(Swinging
right handed) gives me the most control."
Since taking up the sport nine years ago, Harding has
competed in several tournaments geared for amputees, often
finishing high in the rankings. In 2005, Harding placed
fifth overall in the Midwest All-Assistive Golf Tournament
and was the top finisher competing without assistive equipment.
Harding credits the loss of his arm with leading
him to golf and another passion in his life: helping young
people.
"One of my biggest accomplishments has been helping two
of my players get college scholarships," said Harding,
who hopes to coach college golf in the future.
"I tell my athletes there are two kinds of people - winners
and losers," said Harding, whose Belleville High team finished
last season with a 14-2 record. "If you think like a loser,
you're a loser. But, if you come prepared and work hard,
you are a winner."
