MacKinzie Kline Set To Play In First LPGA Tournament, Regardless Of Her Heart Defect

This week, in my back yard, the LPGA plays their championship tournament at Bulle Rock golf course. It is really cool to have this event every year to take our daughters to. It just reiterates what my husband and I try to teach them everyday, “You can do whatever you put your mind to. Never give up on your dreams”.

That is just what one very special 15 year old young lady got to do last week. MacKinzie Kline was born with heterotaxy syndrome, meaning her heart has one ventricle instead of two. She has never let this slow her down though. she has dreamed big and reached for the stars. She has surpassed everyone’s expectations and can play a mean game of golf.

Kline’s drive will be rewarded this week. The 15-year-old rising junior golfer who was born with a congenital heart defect will play in her first LPGA Tour event, the $2.6 million Ginn Tribute near Charleston.

How cool is that? Annika Sorenstam gave her a tournament exemption, being that she was hosting it. Mac was also granted a landmark ruling by the LPGA in her favor. She is able to ride a cart due to her heart defect, as well as use her oxygen throughout her round of golf.

But don’t ask her is she is disabled. “Disabled is not a word we use around our house.” And don’t expect any pity parties. Mac and her parents live the closest to “normal” life as they can. Well as normal as a family that has a rising amateur golf star on their hands!

Kline hopes sharing her story will prove to others they don’t have to be defined by their defects. “I hope it reaches a lot of people,” she said. “Kids should know they can still do the things they want.”

You go MacKinzie! By the way, she even had to have surgery last year to repair a hole that had developed in her heart. You are an inspiration for all of us, regardless of age. I only hope that my girls are as strong willed and determined as she is. What a great story!

via Fox sports