Born in New Jersey in August 1991, Scott Nokes grew up in Neptune with a passion for the outdoors and serving his community. At 14, he joined his local fire company as a cadet and, at 16, enrolled in first aid. Driven by this desire to serve, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on his 17th birthday. After high school, Scott completed recruit training and the School of Infantry East, becoming an 0311 Infantryman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. He deployed twice to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, conducting village stability, drug interdiction, and clearing operations. The harsh conditions contributed to ongoing stomach issues, and in 2013, he left the Marines to pursue his passion for firefighting. While completing the academy and volunteering during school, he dreamed of joining the FDNY, but his health continued to decline. In September 2016, Scott was hospitalized in septic shock, placed in a coma, and intubated. Life-saving medications caused devastating side effects: he lost both legs below the knee, all vision in his right eye, and most vision in his left.
Scott discovered golf as a way to stay active, challenge himself, and reconnect with the outdoors. Using pivoting prosthetic legs, he can swing and rotate with stability, allowing him to continue competing and enjoying the game despite his physical challenges. While he primarily participates in charity outings, he is steadily increasing his personal play, seeking more opportunities to test his skills and enjoy the game on his own terms. Golf has given him a sense of independence, focus, and joy that extends far beyond the course and has become an important part of his recovery and daily life.
Scott’s love of golf began at an early age, playing regularly from five to seventeen. Returning to the game as an adaptive athlete has allowed him to relive those formative experiences while embracing new challenges. He enjoys playing at local courses, focusing on refining his swing, practicing his short game, and engaging with the mental challenge of each hole. A recent highlight was completing a full outing with consistent swings and putting—a moment that reminded him how far he has come and reinforced his determination to keep progressing.
For Scott, golf is more than a sport—it represents freedom, family, competition, and lifelong growth. Every round is an opportunity to challenge himself, set personal goals, and demonstrate that limitations do not define potential. Being part of the adaptive golf community has connected him with fellow athletes, provided inspiration, and offered a platform to give back. He is deeply grateful to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for providing the adaptive equipment and support that make golf accessible. Through his participation, Scott hopes to encourage other veterans and adaptive athletes to pick up a club, embrace the outdoors, and experience the camaraderie, challenge, and personal growth that golf offers. Golf, for him, is not just a game—it’s a way to live fully, push boundaries, and share his journey with others.