SPRINGFIELD — Teed-off in Las Vegas. That’s how Carlos Resto, a Shriners Children’s New England patient from Springfield, is describing his time in the sports and gambling mecca.
The 15-year-old is back home after representing Shriners as an ambassador at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open, an official PGA Tour in Las Vegas. He even he got to play a round or two with his favorite pro golfers.
“I thought it was insane,” he told Reminder Publishing. “It was an experience I never thought I’d be a part of. It was so amazing, the people I met and experiences that I had.”
Resto was born with fibular hemimelia — he was missing a lower leg bone in his left leg. He also had missing bones in his foot and had a partial foot amputation with Shriners when he was 11 months old.
“They’re always there willing to answer questions, and they’re a phone call away when we have an issue with Carlos’ leg,” said his mother, Rosalind. “We have known about his condition since he was in my belly. It’s been very helpful to have Shriners Children’s since the day he was born.”
Over the years, Shriners has performed surgery on Resto and have given, adjusted, repaired and replaced a series of prosthetics that have allowed him to keep pace with his family and friends.
“I have a prosthetic on all the time. That’s just how I walk around. I’ve been able to walk since I was 11 months old,” he said.
Resto was among 20 other patients from across Shriners Children’s international healthcare system that represented the organization as standard bearers during the golf tournament. They walked the course, carrying scorecards and holding signs showing crowds who was in the lead.
“This is an amazing opportunity because Carlos was ‘inside the ropes’ and up close with the pro golfers, which not many in their life will ever get to do. It’s also a testament to Shriners Children’s mission and standard of care to have these children with different physical differences walk a golf course during the tournament,” according to a statement on behalf of Shriners.
Resto is a sophomore at Springfield Central High School where he plays golf on the varsity team. He’s been watching the game all of his life, but this spring and summer was the first time he’s hit the links with his friends.
“I’m pretty good, but I’m not the best. I can definitely improve, but I know a thing or too,” he said.
Resto had plenty of time in Nevada with Rickie Fowler, his favorite golfer. He came home with great memories as the kids rubbed shoulders with other golfers like J.T. Poston, Tom Kim and Harris English.
When the Springfield teen wasn’t fulfilling his role as ambassador, he joined the Pro-Am, where amateur players teed off with PGA pros before the official tournament.
Resto said the professional golfers were kind and engaging, signing autographs and sharing some of their secrets of the game.
“I got some nice tips and lots of signatures from every pro that came by. They’re so nice and they helped me whenever I needed it,” said Resto.
When he’s home, Resto said he plays golf with his dad and gets strong support from both parents along with family and friends. Although he hasn’t mapped out his professional career, he wants to go to a nearby college where he can remain close to his network of support.
“I’ve never felt like I needed to give up. I’ve always tried to pursue everything I wanted to do, because of the people around that helped me whenever I needed it,” he said.
Beyond golf, Resto also likes football and plays in a fantasy league. While the local NFL team, the Patriots, is right down the road, his favorite team is further afield.
“I’m a Steelers fan. I know a lot about them. I had a Steelers pillow when I was a real little, so I guess it just stuck on me,” he said.
Golf is a game where everyone shoots for the lowest score, but for Resto, it is about staying on par with everyone else.
“Being in Las Vegas showed that I was worth something, and even though I have a disability, I’m still a person and I can do what everybody else does,” he said. “I have no limitations. I’m like anybody else.”
