I Move Forward: This Is the Story of Professional Golfer Issa Nlareb
The 7th Annual Awards
- Best Athlete Storytelling
- Best Documentary: Short-Form
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
The U.S. Adaptive Open is a USGA championship for male and female golfers that fall into eight impairment categories: arm impairment, intellectual impairment, leg impairment, multiple limb amputee, neurological impairment, seated players, short stature and vision impairment. In this piece, we share the story of Issa Nlareb, a multiple limb amputee player and the first Cameroonian to play in the U.S. Adaptive Open, and how he found meaning through golf.
How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?
No one has ever seen a story like Issa's – and few in the golf industry have told a story like Issa's in a consumable, short-form manner.
This sets a new barometer for storytelling at the USGA and the U.S. Adaptive Open.
Indeed, the Adaptive Open can become the best week in golf. From the storylines to the competition, adaptive golf is ripe for growth. In the fraccas that is professional golf, the championship – and a story like Issa's – opens up opportunities for rights holders and governing bodies alike to capitalize on a unifying golf message.
There is no more humanizing story than Issa's. An individual who is not afraid to talk about his past – from a professional grinding to make it big to a shocking prognosis ... and the ability to rise back and pursue your dreams.
That's just it: This content shows to the masses all the good the golf industry can create. You might have been born with a disability. You may have experienced trauma that led to an amputation. No matter the case, the USGA and our content team want to showcase your talent through the lens.
Because these stories are worth it.
Objective
By spotlighting athletes like Issa Nlareb, the U.S. Adaptive Open highlights the transformative power of golf for people with disabilities, sending a powerful message: golf is a sport for everyone, regardless of physical or mental ability, or background.
Issa’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. After losing his mother at age 11, he found himself sleeping on the streets of Cameroon. Faced with a stark choice—steal or work—Issa chose the latter, earning a living by picking up golf balls and caddying. His determination led him to become a professional golfer, but in 2017, while competing at the Alps Tour's Ein Bay Open in Egypt, Issa was struck by bacterial meningitis. The prognosis resulted in the amputation of both legs and several fingers.
Today, Issa’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the inclusive nature of golf. By sharing stories like his, we showcase a broader truth: golf welcomes and celebrates every type of player—even a multiple amputee from Cameroon who once played on a professional tour.
Strategy & Execution
The modern sports fan may not be familiar with the U.S. Adaptive Open, let alone its players. However, we believe in the power of athlete storytelling as a bridge for fans to connect with our championships and competitors on a deeper level.
Leading up to the championship, we identified Issa Nlareb’s story as one worth sharing. At first, the details were limited—we knew he was the first Cameroonian to compete in the Adaptive Open, but little about the circumstances that led to his impairment.
Once onsite, we considered our approach carefully. One option was to feature Issa in the locker room, speaking directly to the camera while focusing on his amputations. However, with our audience in mind, we chose a more powerful setting: the golf course. This striking visual not only showcased Issa’s talent but also allowed his personality to shine through.
We shared his story across platforms—Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok—focusing on what would resonate most with the modern fan: where Issa came from, what happened to him, and how he continues to persevere. The final 1:43 piece hooks viewers with Issa’s compelling story, and we maintained that energy and rhythm throughout to keep the audience fully engaged.
Organizations
- USGA
Featured
- Issa Nlareb
Credits
Jay Passarella
Senior Manager, Video Production
USGA
Leia Schwartz
Manager, Video Production
USGA
Ian Culley
Videographer
USGA
Jonathan Coe
Assistant Director, Championship Communications
USGA
JC Sites
Assistant Director, Championship Content
USGA
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