O.P. (Sonny) Ackerman


An Atlanta, Georgia native, Sonny Ackerman attended West Georgia College and Georgia State University where he earned a pre-engineering and Bachelor of Business Administration degree, respectively. He also served in the Marine Corps for two years.

Sonny started his own real estate company and had been involved in real estate the majority of his life. Little did he know that an accident in 1984 would change his life drastically. After falling from a ladder and fighting staph infection for 5 years, Sonny's leg had to be amputated below the knee. Thinking his life was over; he soon rose above his despair with the help from family and friends.

Sonny now uses his life changing experience as an example to others in teaching that anything is possible with determination and the right attitude. Sonny delivers his message by serving as the chief instructor and founder of the Adaptive Golf Foundation.

Prior to having lost his leg Sonny was a competitive golfer, he carried a 10 handicap. After the realization that he would have to adapt his swing in order to compensate for the loss of his leg Sonny soon made his way back to becoming the golfer he once was. In fact, Sonny surpassed his own expectations and in 1994 Sonny won the American National Amputee Championship Senior division. Since that time Sonny has won numerous tournaments including six national championships. His success and perseverance to overcome his handicap give him the credibility needed to assist others who are attempting to put their lives back together and overcome their own disability. His dedication, determination and drive inspire everyone he comes into contact with.

Sonny is recognized throughout the golf industry not only as an inspiration but also as a thought leader with regards to the physically challenged. He has been invited to attend the National Forum on Accessible Golf for the last two years and was recently quoted in the Club Management article "Equal Access". Sonny has appeared on numerous television stations and was featured on CNN as a real American hero. Sonny is a member at the Atlanta Athletic Club and was the 14th individual to be inducted into their Hall of Fame for his contributions to golf and the community.

Sonny currently resides in Duluth, Georgia with his wife, Jane. Together, they have a daughter and a son. Sonny enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting. But most of all, he enjoys helping others.