By Mitch Bach

On The National Stage

A swing reconstructed: Martin among the best despite irrepairable nerve damage

Jul 22, 2019 | 6:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The 2019 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship tees off Tuesday morning at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.

That’s where you’ll find local product Becky Martin, fresh off claiming the Alberta Women’s Amateur title at The Ranch in Acheson.

Her accolades speak volumes to the level of talent she possesses. On top of her provincial amateur crown, the former MHC Rattler is a two-time ACAC champion and CCAA bronze medalist.

But perhaps Martin’s greatest accomplishment isn’t valued by a number on a scorecard, or a trophy on her mantel.

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Martin has undergone numerous surgeries associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a nerve condition which has caused intense pain in her hands, arms, shoulders, and neck.

Symptoms began worsening while competing for the University of Toledo NCAA Div. I program.

She went under the knife four times over 2015 and 2016, removing several bones and body parts to alleviate the pressure on her nervous system.

While the surgeries and treatment have been moderately successful, she says the damage to her nerves is irrepairable. She continues to battle immense pain, fatigue and numbness on a daily basis.

Martin rarely practices, reserving her energy and pain threshold for competitions.

Yet, she’s found a way to compete among the best in the country.

Mitch Bach of CHAT Sports caught up with Martin before her departure to Red Deer to hear more about her ability to compete at a high level despite the turmoil she’s endured, and where her confidence level is at heading into the Canadian Amateur Championship.

Some video footage courtesy of Alberta Golf.