And the 2000 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate figured his playing days on a golf course were likely over as well.

Jordison rediscovered his passion for the game, though, turning one of the worst experiences of his life into an opportunity to grow both as a player and as a person.

“Golf is something I’ve always enjoyed, from the time I was about 14 years old on,” said Jordison, who lost his right hand seven years ago. “Especially with my dad. When I lost my hand, I just figured I was probably going to have to give it up. Now, I’m glad I didn’t.

“I think the best part about it is how encouraging people have been. I’ve met a lot of great people through the game, and during this period (of coming back), their supportive words have really helped me get to this place where I’m really having fun on the course again.”

Submitted photo: Lucas Jordison of Fort Dodge lines up a putt.

Most of Jordison’s tee shots go around 200 yards now. As any golfer attest, though, the real scoring comes from the short game and avoiding trouble.

“I obviously don’t hit the ball like I used to, but in a lot of ways, I’m better than I ever was,” said Jordison, a member at the Fort Dodge Country Club who added he tries to play every day. “I had to develop a different swing and do a lot of things different — basically start over. It took some time, but I got my confidence back. I used to have (good distance) to my shots, but I was kind of all over the place. Now I stay out of the trees and more down the middle.”

Jordison recently discovered a competitive outlet for his passion: the Iowa Amputee Golf Association.

“I’d played in some best balls and in the (county) tournament, but once I found out the IAGA, I really started getting into that and am looking forward to it (in future years),” said Jordison, who said he’ll typically shoot in the upper-80s for 18 holes. “I took third place in the second flight (arm division at this summer’s 30th annual IAGA tournament in Waterloo), which meant a lot and will motivate me to keep improving my game.”

In October, Jordison will play in his first National Amputee and Disabled Golf Championship at Stallion Mountain Golf Course in Las Vegas.

“My family, friends and other golfers I play with and see have really just given me a confidence boost, and I have to thank them for that,” Jordison said. “That’s the best part about all of this. I never thought I’d be in this position, where people are telling me I motivate them. That means a lot. This is such a hard game anyway…you can’t do something like this without (the friendships and relationships) you build along the way.”