Nekky Tortosa. Photo provided.
Growing up in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Nekky Tortosa was naturally drawn to golf, which is no surprise considering her hometown is not only home to the country’s first golf club, but also the oldest golf course in Southeast Asia.
But unlike many of his classmates who might have chosen soccer, Tortosa fell in love with the sport of golf from an early age.
What sets Tortosa apart from other golfers is not only his passion for the game, but also his incredible story of overcoming great physical challenges.
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Tortosa was born with only one arm, but he has never let this disability stop him from pursuing his passion for golf, instead, he has applied himself unwaveringly to the game and competed fiercely against able-bodied golfers.
Tortosa, a senior at Santa Barbara National Comprehensive High School, has had a journey of perseverance and inspiration, as she expressed her determination and excitement to join the Junior Philippine Golf Tour with a shot at qualifying for the National Match Play Finals.
“I really wanted to play golf. Even with my disability, I know I can still play. When I found out that JPGT was going to have a tournament in Iloilo, I was really excited. So, I trained and practiced hard,” Tortosa said.
Nekky Tortosa. Photo provided.
Her efforts paid off as she set a strong pace early in the 72-hole tournament in Iloilo, stoking hopes of a heartwarming success story, but her friend and fellow Santa Barbara native, Lina Sinfuego, ended up taking control for the middle and final part of the day.
But it didn’t go unnoticed that Tortosa finished second in the 16-18 girls division – her performance showed her grit, determination and resolve that made a huge impact on the competition.
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Binitin placed fourth in the Visayan Series 2 in Murcia and then finished second in Negros Occidental.
Despite losing two match play slots to Dominic Gothion and Sinfuego, Tortosa is determined to qualify for the national finals. With the backing of generous sponsors, she has registered for the Luzon Series 4, which begins tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9) at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.
Tortosa will bring excitement to the Premier Division, featuring a competitive line-up led by Pinewoods leg winner Rafa Anciano, Chloe Lada, Gabriela Sisson and Casey Frankham.
Tortosa’s journey is a testament to more than just her skill on the golf course: it’s a testament to her character and spirit. Her faith in God and belief in herself have driven her to achieve incredible feats and inspire many people along the way.
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Her story is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in the heart and mind, and her determination to follow through on her passion despite the odds makes her not only an incredible athlete, but an inspirational figure in the world of sport.
