CAPTAIN AMERICA
Name: Craig Van Kessel
While his real name is Craig Van Kessel, he is known around the world of amputee golf as “Captain America.” His Stars and Stripes outfits are known from Sacramento California to Sydney Australia and all points in between.
The Captain, who is 58, has been involved with Amputee Golf since the early 90s when his close friend and fellow veteran buddy Jack Williams became a member of the Western Amputee Golf Association (WAGA). He invited Craig to a WAGA tourney and from that moment on Craig was hooked.
“When these men and women showed me how to overcome hardship and go on with life, I wanted to be part of it.” Craig said. “They were and always will be my heroes,” he added.
Although his friend passed away in the mid 90s Craig has continued to participate in Amputee Golf. He has traveled to England twice, Scotland and Australia attending amputee international events. He also has been invited to Japan, South Africa and once again to Australia. In addition, he has attended tourneys around the US including Nationals at Bethpage in New York, Chicago and Austin Texas and several Regional and local events.
At these events, he is not a spectator. He works everyday in helping the participants enjoy their rounds. He gets there early, grabs a cart and picks up the players and their club from the parking lot to the clubhouse. He works with the pro shop to get coolers and fills them with water and travels all around the course to insure that the players don’t go thirsty.
On more than one occasion, a player has asked him to get ointment or an insert for their stub, a different leg or arm or medicine they may have left in their room. No request is too big or small for him to act on and get a solution.
Many of his “Normie” friends ask him why he spends time, money and effort to do it and his answer is simple. “Spend one day with these incredible people and you will see why,” he says. “I always go away filled with inspiration and appreciation of what these wonderful men and women accomplish,”
“I have also made friends around the world and US and would not trade any of them for a million dollars,” he said proudly.
When it comes knowing and working with amputees, their spouses and significant others, Craig uses a quote from baseball great Lou Gehrig. “I consider myself, one of the luckiest men in the world.” He says.
Craig’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He is an Honorary Life Time member of the National and Western Amputee Golf Associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of WAGA as a non-voting member. He also receives the same break on room, tourney and travel costs as participants do.
By the way, since 2004, Craig has been classified 100% disabled and can’t work. He lives on Social Security Disability and when amp events arise seeks out sponsors and friends to help him make events.
He adds how lucky he is to have friends and sponsors who know how much Amputee Golf and their players mean to him. “Without their help, I just couldn’t do it.”
Craig plans on being part of Amputee Golf as long as they will have him and will always give them 100%. Also plan on seeing “Captain America” at all the events he can make.
As always Craig says, “Thank you for the honor of being part of your world.”
CAPTAIN AMERICA
HISTORY
Was born and raised in Duluth Minnesota
Have three brothers and a sister who still live in Duluth and another sister who lives in Lansing Michigan.
Graduated high school in 1969 and ran a limo service for artists appearing in Duluth. He drove Sonny and Cher, Three Dog Night, The Carpenters, Deep Purple, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and many others.
Also worked as a front man for a promoter from Wisconsin and did shows with The Doobie Brothers and Sha Na Na.
Went in the Army in 1974 as a Broadcast Specialist (DJ on the radio and TV announcer) for troops at Ft. Lewis Washington and later Vicenza Italy.
While in Italy, attended a UNICEF benefit by Paul MaCarney and Wings in Venice. Was present at a news conference after the show and got to ask Paul and the group several questions.
Also met his buddy Jack in Italy. Jack lost a leg in 94 and was the one who got Craig interested in Amputee Golf. Craig has worked with amps all over the world and feels lucky to do so. He created Captain America in 1995 and has played him at many amp tourneys.
Craig had major back surgery in 1991 that caused some nerve damage to his left side. In 1999, he had a mild stroke at work and another stroke in 2004. He was ruled 100% disabled and now lives on Social Security Disability.
Moved to Arizona in 2005, after 27 years in California. Has a daughter who is 29 and a granddaughter who is 7.
Now works part time at the arena for the Phoenix Coyotes and other events which included concerts by The Rolling Stones, Queen, Aerosmith, Madonna, The Eagles and Bon Jovi.
Hoping someday to make in to Amputee Tournaments in Japan, Italy, Switzerland and Africa. He also wants to make it again to Scotland and Australia.
