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Mark Calvert wins Dennis Walters Award

Mark Calvert is the 2005 recipient of the Dennis Walters Courage Award. This annual award is presented by The International Network of Golf (ING) to a person who has demonstrated courage in overcoming odds to participate and contribute to the game of golf. Mark Calvert was nominated by the Professional CLUBMAKERS' Society (PCS), with background information provided by Bob Dodds (PCS), Karen Seeders and Henry Brown (Amputee Golf Charities), and Mike Riley (PGA Professional).

The following article is part of a press release that PCS put together for the Shelbyville Sentinel-News and the Louisville Courier Journal newspapers. It is reprinted here with their permission.

Mark Calvert, a golfer who lost both legs as a result of an accident, received the ING (International Network of Golf) Dennis Walters Courage Award. PCS (Professional CLUBMAKERS' Society) Executive Director Bob Dodds, an ING member, nominated Calvert for the award. The award was presented at the annual ING Spring Conference held at the World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Florida, May 22-25. ING is an international association of golf industry media and business representatives. Almost 300 attended the event and gave Calvert a standing ovation when Dodds introduced him and presented the award. The award is named for Dennis Walters, a golfer who is disabled and demonstrates his ability to continue playing the game he loves. Walters' shows are supported by grants from the USGA Foundation.

I am pleased Mark Calvert was honored by ING, Dodds said. His effort to help the disabled play golf is noteworthy. This was the first year PCS submitted an ING nomination. PCS is a professional and trade society of professional golf clubmakers. Its headquarters is located at Persimmon Ridge Golf Course.

Calvert suffered a double-lower-leg amputation as a result of a work-related accident. He was electrocuted, and his lower legs literally were blown off. But he didn't give up on golf. Since returning to the game, he has been active in Shelbyville's Amputee Golf Charities. A tireless worker, he organizes an annual Amputee Tournament Players Championship.

Mark is my idol and inspiration, Amputee Golf Charities President Henry Brown said. What that guy does goes way beyond what anybody would expect.

I come across many people with the love of the game, PGA Professional Mike Riley said. I would be hard pressed to find anyone that exemplifies the true spirit of the game the way Mark Calvert does.

Note from Amputee Golf Charities: We also feels that Mark is truly an individual who has overcome great odds to participate in and contribute to the game of golf. We have always considered Mark a wonderful example of courage in life and golf, and believe that he typifies the "Never Quit" motto of Amputee Golfers.

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