WAGA News
Nick Kimmel | 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open
Marine Corps veteran Nick Kimmel returns for his second appearance in the U.S. Adaptive Open, held this year at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, MD, from July 7-9. Representing the Western Amputee Golf Association. Nick earned his place in the field through Committee Selection as a Multiple Limb Amputee.
In 2011, Nick was severely wounded in Afghanistan after stepping on 40 pounds of hidden explosives. He lost both of his legs and his left arm in the blast. "Right after my injury, I was invited out to a golf course when I was still wheelchair-bound. I tried to do some putting and chipping, but it just wasn’t the same," Nick shared. "Then in 2015, my two best friends convinced me to go golfing with them. By this stage I was up and walking, and suddenly I was hooked on the game again. It’s been a huge learning curve golfing with only one limb. I still think like a traditional golfer, but my swing is so reliant on tempo and rhythm!"
Nick’s resilience and passion for the game continue to inspire players and fans alike. We’re proud to have him in the field, best of luck in the tournament.
The Western Amputee Golf Association (WAGA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of WORLD NUMBER 1 sight impaired female golfer (World number 2 amongst all sight impaired golfers) Amanda Cunha to the position of “Special Advisor and Consultant” to the Board of Directors of WAGA.
Amanda will help spearhead the future event planning committee now being formed within WAGA. She will also be an integral part of marketing and social media branding.
Amanda is attending the University of Arizona with a major in Communications and a minor in Public Relations, and is a member of the U of A Adaptive Golf Team. Please join all of us at WAGA in congratulating Amanda on what we’re sure is an exciting step in both hers and our futures.
You may go to wagagolf.org and become a member for just $25 per year. Memberships are renewable on your 12 month anniversary. We encourage input and ideas from all our members.
The Western Amputee Golf Association is pleased to announce Chris Oviatt has been appointed to the board of directors as a director at large. Chris comes to us as a valued and involved member of the Adaptive Golf community. She has a deep desire to make all things in Adaptive golf better for us all. Please join us in welcoming Chris.