MILWAUKIE, Ore. — Milwaukie’s Chris Oviatt has been golfing for more than three decades. Now, she’s getting ready to play at the U.S. Adaptive Open Championships.
Golf is a challenging sport on its own, and Oviatt has something else to deal with.
“I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth; it's a nerve disorder. For me, below my knees, I cannot move, can't wiggle toes, have to have braces because my feet drop. I have it in my hands, too, but only impacted in the cold,” said Oviatt.
The condition, known as CMT, hasn't stopped her from playing and competing. She's won the championship at her home club in Molalla six out of the last 12 years. She recently hit the tournament circuit.
“I went to Goose Creek and won the qualifier, so it’ll go to Kansas in July,” Oviatt said.
That's Newton, Kansas, for the U.S Adaptive Open. She played the Open last year at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
“Love competition,” she said. “If I’m too relaxed, then I’m not playing my game. But if I’m competitive, I’m focused.”
She's figured out a way to excel at the game she loves.
“Nice and easy, shorter backswing is a benefit to me — I just make it work," she said.
Playing the adaptive events has been eye-opening for her.
“It's amazing; everybody's happy out there on the golf course, conquering it," Oviatt said. "It can be done — just get out there and do it.”
Oviatt will be doing it again at the U.S. Open Adaptive Golf Tournament, July 8 through 10 in Newton, Kansas.
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