Brandon Canesi describes himself as "the world's best no-handed golfer." Having built up a large online following, he is using his platform to inspire others to overcome life's limitations and raise awareness of adaptive golf.
Brandon Canesi describes himself as "the world's best no-handed golfer." Having built up a large online following, he is using his platform to inspire others to overcome life's limitations and raise awareness of adaptive golf.
Brandon Canesi
Canesi's grip has barely changed from the age of six, when he hit his first shot. His clubs are far longer than the average, and Canesi believes they can be a great training aid for budding players. "It helps you stay connected, rotating as one, and using your chest through the target," he told CNN.
Canesi's grip has barely changed from the age of six, when he hit his first shot. His clubs are far longer than the average, and Canesi believes they can be a great training aid for budding players. "It helps you stay connected, rotating as one, and using your chest through the target," he told CNN.
Brandon Canesi
Yet even the best have struggled with Canesi's unorthodox equipment. When Bryson DeChambeau tried out Canesi's 58-inch driver at the 2018 Shriners Children's Open, the big-hitting American missed the ball completely. It didn't affect him too much though, as DeChambeau went on to win the event (pictured).
Yet even the best have struggled with Canesi's unorthodox equipment. When Bryson DeChambeau tried out Canesi's 58-inch driver at the 2018 Shriners Children's Open, the big-hitting American missed the ball completely. It didn't affect him too much though, as DeChambeau went on to win the event (pictured).
Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images
Tattoos are an important form of self-expression for Canesi. He has two related to "The Lion King" -- one on his left bicep and another on his ribs that reads "Hakuna Matata," the iconic "no worries" slogan from the Disney film. "It means a lot to me," Canesi explained. "Everyone can sweat the little details in life and say, 'Oh, poor me.' Or you can just let it go and live your life anyway. We've only got one life to live, so go out there and live it, do what you love."
Tattoos are an important form of self-expression for Canesi. He has two related to "The Lion King" -- one on his left bicep and another on his ribs that reads "Hakuna Matata," the iconic "no worries" slogan from the Disney film. "It means a lot to me," Canesi explained. "Everyone can sweat the little details in life and say, 'Oh, poor me.' Or you can just let it go and live your life anyway. We've only got one life to live, so go out there and live it, do what you love."
Brandon Canesi
Canesi's social media handle is Hole High, the name of his foundation. In golf, it means the ball has traveled the exact distance to the hole. "That's what I was trying to do -- go the distance in helping others and trying to be a role model for anyone who needs help to get through tough times," he said.
Canesi's social media handle is Hole High, the name of his foundation. In golf, it means the ball has traveled the exact distance to the hole. "That's what I was trying to do -- go the distance in helping others and trying to be a role model for anyone who needs help to get through tough times," he said.
Brandon Canesi
Last year, Canesi played a round with Eliezer Paul-Gindiri, a viral TikTok star better known as <a href="https://www.edition.cnn.com/2022/08/25/golf/snappy-gilmore-one-handed-golf-tiktok-eliezer-paul-gindiri-spc-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">Snappy Gilmore</a> for his booming, one-handed technique. "Great guy, great energy," Canesi said. "We made a video together where people think it's impressive that he plays one hand, but I play no hand."
Last year, Canesi played a round with Eliezer Paul-Gindiri, a viral TikTok star better known as Snappy Gilmore for his booming, one-handed technique. "Great guy, great energy," Canesi said. "We made a video together where people think it's impressive that he plays one hand, but I play no hand."
Courtesy of Eliezer Paul-Gindiri
Canesi believes adaptive golf is trending upwards in the US, and says Europe still leads the way in its growth of the game. In 2020, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/12/golf/brendan-lawlor-disability-golf-prince-harry-spt-spc-intl/index.html" target="_blank">Brendan Lawlor</a> (pictured) became the first golfer with a disability to play in a European Tour event, and the Irishman has helped headline the Golf for the Disabled (G4D) Tour, which runs alongside the existing DP World (European) Tour.
Canesi believes adaptive golf is trending upwards in the US, and says Europe still leads the way in its growth of the game. In 2020, Brendan Lawlor (pictured) became the first golfer with a disability to play in a European Tour event, and the Irishman has helped headline the Golf for the Disabled (G4D) Tour, which runs alongside the existing DP World (European) Tour.
Warren Little / Getty Images
Juggling coaching, competition and content creating, Canesi has plenty to keep him occupied. "I've been so blessed," he said, "and the funny thing is I know that I'm still kind of just getting started, so it's very exciting."
Juggling coaching, competition and content creating, Canesi has plenty to keep him occupied. "I've been so blessed," he said, "and the funny thing is I know that I'm still kind of just getting started, so it's very exciting."
Brandon Canesi