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Matt’s parents moved from Maumee to
Lambertville, Michigan to enroll Matt in the
Ida School for the Deaf and fitted him with
high-output digital hearing aids. The school
taught him to communicate, as well as, talk,
and mainstreamed him with other students.
Matt played several sports growing up including
hockey. He began playing golf as a seven-year-
old with his father and started competing in
tournaments as a 13-year-old. He happened
to read a book forwarded by Tiger Woods,
which motivated him to never give up. It
challenged him to always be the best he could
be and not let outside forces bring him down.
Through his high school years, he competed on
the golf team and became the only deaf golfer
to play for the school. He received several
awards including, most improved, MVP and
the Coaches award. He earned a Varsity letter
and was Medalist of the LCAA Championship.
Golf became an escape and a therapy. It
allowed him hours of solitude practicing and
playing golf, free from social abuse and the
effort of trying to understand an unfriendly
world.
Matt continued to learn and completed his
secondary education at Owens Community
College.
In 2006, he received a cochlear implant,
which allowed him improved communication
skills. It not only made him more socially
adept, but he became able hear the sound
of the golf ball striking the club. As every
golfer knows the sound is what distinguishes
the perfect shot from the not so perfect.
After graduation from high school, Matt met
professional golfer, B.J. Pitzen, while working
at the Legacy by Arthur Hills. Pitzen hired Matt
as his caddie while competing on the NGA
Tour, as well as, various mini tours around the
country. Matt earned a valuable education,
while traveling and playing golf for a living.
Using what he learned from watching top-
notch professionals, his own game improved
and he qualified to join the NGA (Hooters)
NWO Golf Links