ST ANDREWS LEGACY: Using the magic of St Andrews and the game of golf to motivate and inspire ill and injured veterans to improved health, well-being and stability

St Andrews Legacy is a Scottish Charity using the magic of St Andrews to help those facing challenges in their lives.

Working with international veterans organizations, St Andrews Legacy hosts men and women from all over the world, creating a relaxing environment for positive interactions and long-term benefits.

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VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: SAM SHOCKLEY

“I don’t celebrate my birthday, I celebrate my life day. It was my destiny to live”.

Sam Shockley lost both legs when he stepped on a 20lb pressure plate during a minesweeping patrol in Afghanistan. The date was 17 March 2013. “I found a t-shirt that says: I had a blast on St Paddy’s Day! I was a point man, squad leader on the ground. I was the one holding the metal. I was leading from the front. I don’t have any animosity towards the Afghans. We are warriors as they are warriors”. Sam was awarded a Purple Heart for his actions, carrying the crest on the back of his wheelchair.

Sam underwent over 60 surgeries during the next two years. “It’s crazy how much it takes. I had my wife and family and a lot of good doctors. They guided me through each stage. My wife was my rock. I put her through hell in hospital but she was right there with me the entire time. You can’t thank someone enough”.

A golfer from age 14, Sam at first did not imagine he would take to the links again, but once he saw the SoloRider and the ParaGolfer it was “Game On!”

VETERAN VIEWS: THE ST ANDREWS LEGACY EFFECT

“The impact the St Andrews Legacy trip had on my life has been profound. Quite honestly it saved my life and changed the direction I was headed…my life has completely turned around from where I would have become just another statistic, leaving a widow and a child without a father…I can never say thank you enough for saving my life and giving me a reason to keep moving forward.”

“It's my sport and this has made me fall more in love with the game…It makes you remember how to enjoy life. I've seen the great things that golf can do for people. There is life after being injured, it's just about making the most of it instead of dwelling on it. Golf helps people to realize that.”

“Golf has really given me hope…I needed something else to build and boost my spirit so that I’d continue to fight…and playing golf again has brought that old me back, which I thought I’d lost.”