Chris Osborne (photos by Genie McElroy)
MARCH 11, 2014
By George Marcus
Chris Osborne was nicknamed “Little Oz” by his older brothers while growing up in the close-knit community of Morristown, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. It got shortened to just “Oz” when his brothers went off to college. He first played golf at age 12 when he started tagging along with his father who was learning to play with some gentlemen from their church.
In July 2004, Chris lost his left leg above the knee in a hit-and-run accident while riding his motorcycle in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris was an on-air reporter and anchor with the ABC affiliate in Birmingham when the accident occurred, making his recovery a very public experience. He had to learn to play golf all over again and attributes his speedy rehab and “can-do” outlook to his faith in God, family and a strong support system of friends, as well as the thousands of viewers who showed concern.
“After learning to play again, I gained big drives. It was awesome… the first time I hit one more than 300 yards, I actually cried, because I knew despite all I had lost, golf was not in that category. I struggle with approach shots; the most challenging area of my game,” he says. Chris now visits patients on request, who are dealing with amputation in cooperation with the UAB Orthotics and Prosthetics Lab.
Chris Osborne
At 6’4” and 240 pounds (or 250 with prosthetic) the 41-year old avid golfer (and competitor) plays 2-to-3 times a week at courses all over Alabama and especially enjoys his home course Mountain View, with 27 holes in Graysville, just five minutes from his residence.
His first competitive stroke play tournament as an amputee was in 2010. He didn’t play as well as he hoped, but did complete the three rounds of championship golf. In May 2014, he won the Above-Knee Amputee Division at the ParaLong Drive Nationals, reaching 332 yards, a new personal best, up from 326. His favorite long driver (brand of club) is the Krank Formula 5 paired with the Dixon Golf Wind Ball. He carries a golf handicap of 18.
Chris Osborne strikes a shot.
Top 5 golf courses Chris has played: The Raven (Destin, FL); Wolf Creek and Falcon Ridge (Mesquite, NV). “I play affordable golf, so I haven’t played Sawgrass or Pebble Beach, yet,” he chuckles. Among major golf victories, he recounts: “My game is still emerging—so my first win was 2014 in the Para long drive. I typically beat up on my local foursomes and, because I wear shorts and talk trash, it can be a little humiliating for them.”
He’s been determined to succeed since college at Tennessee State University where he ran track: Open 400 indoor/outdoor, 400 hurdles outdoor; 55 high hurdles indoor. There he earned a BS degree in Communications with a minor in Law. “I’m a 3rd generation TSU attendee. My parents graduated and my grandfather attended, making high marks before having to return to the coal mines to support his family in the 30’s.” A scholarship athlete he received the Scholastic Achievement Award for GPA.
Chris has been honored to receive the City of Birmingham’s Distinguished Citizen Award and he has been nominated Minority Non-Profit Executive of the Year. He’s a member of the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) and is involved with the Birmingham African American Golf Networking Committee.
Chris Osborne “My late father, Willie P. Osborne was the most influential person in my life,” he says, “He paved the way in a number of venues: First African American County Commissioner in Hamblen County, TN; 2nd African American to receive a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee and the list goes on and on. He was my hero.”
The former news broadcaster with over 19-years of experience is currently Regional Communication Officer, Alabama Region at American Red Cross. “I hope to use my talents to help promote amputee golf and the amazing players who have overcome great obstacles in order to enjoy the game.”
Chris is married to his loving and supportive wife Tiffany Osborne and they have two children, William Jr. (age 4), and Olivia Grace (age 3). You can connect with Chris on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChrisOZMediaguy
