I have very vivid and fond memories of visiting Grandpa Tommy at his home in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. He had started a business and his converted basement featured two huge wooden Amish desks on top of which were two large black Royal typewriters, a few adding machines, phones and then swivel chairs galore to sit and twirl upon… it was a young grandsons playground to be sure. I use to watch in amazement as he used a pencil in his teeth to write or type or would use his shoulder to pick up the phone. I was his 'special' Grandson and have been honored over the years to be his namesake.

There were three main life events that led to this book; first, I took up the exasperating sport of putting that damn little ball in the hole with the flag, second, I had my first heart attack so I began looking back at the men who had the most influence on me and third we found in an attic among things long forgotten, papers, photos and press clippings from Tommy McAuliffe's time (1893-1967). These along with dozens of interviews and my interactions with him allow me to tell his inspiring life story. I've tried to get it right. And besides… I feel I owe him at least a little something because for years I used to carry a folded up copy of the 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' feature in my wallet and over the years I've won many a round of drinks on the 19th hole with it! This, of course, is not a book about how to play Golf but rather on how Golf led to his life philosophy of 'No Handicaps' and how his remarkable life inspired and entertained millions.

His prowess with a golf club was legendary. My Grandfather was the only golfer, with or without arms, who was able to successfully negotiate what they call a 'nine ball stymie'. Nine balls are lined up 6 inches apart and the golfer then chips them into the cup one after the other without stopping, starting with the ball farthest from the hole… To this day the majority of professional golfers cannot duplicate this feat!

It was a different time back then to be sure, our country had just gone thru the great depression and the storm clouds of World War II were on the horizon. But this was a man who would not take no for an answer and was determined to have a successful life despite having both arms amputated at the age of 9. Although much lesser known I would submit Grandpa Tommy's achievements in overcoming physical adversity and advocating for the disabled are on the same level as world famous Helen Keller and that his life philosophy of 'no handicaps' is on par with positive thinking author Norman Vincent Peal with his 1952 book "The Power of Positive Thinking" or "As A Man Thinkith" by Dr. James Allen published in 1927.

A thread of commonality runs between all these people and published works. Tommy McAuliffe's advocacy before Congress also helped to shape today's laws of equal opportunity for the disabled. Many of these laws are still on the books today. He also always had time for Veterans and worked with the Disabled American Veteran (DAV) organization and the United Servicemen's Organization (the USO), As he traveled he would make it a point to always regularly visit VA and Children's hospitals around the nation. He would just show up and speak with the Special Services Director asking if he could stop by and visit. Grandpa Tommy would joke, talk sports, tell stories and pray with the patients. He would always say that his goal was two-fold; showing them that if he could do it they could too and most importantly just to listen to them and hear their stories.

Here's hoping you'll find the life of 'Mr. Mulligan' Tommy McAuliffe champion Armless Golfer an inspiration. He is a shining example of a man who didn't make excuses and loved life despite the cards he had been dealt. Golf is a special sport where there is always something to learn, not just on the links, but principles and ideals that can be applied directly to life.

Fore!

Author Tom McAuliffe is a writer living on Florida's Gulf Coast. He has more than 25 years of experience as a Magazine writer and is a former US Navy Photojournalist and member of Combat Camera Group Atlantic. As an 65 year old Irish story teller he looks forward to sharing the next tall tail with you.