Update: Punk Lewis - A Combat Hero Turned Golfer

Update: Ok, so if you are visiting this article for the first time, apparently there has been some controversy stirring. As a golf website, we get approached by individuals all the time about writing articles about their products. We also write pieces on the golf world in general. Sometimes that means we write about inspiring people like Colin Chandler who is a blind golfer. In regards to Punk Lewis, we first met Punk Lewis on twitter and saw him on the Golf Channel. Lewis' public relations manager, who is no longer representing Lewis, contacted us and asked if we would be willing to write an article. They sent us over the information and we asked a few follow up questions.

We had no reason to believe that any of the information was false. We obviously were not in combat with Punk Lewis and do not have direct contact with the military to confirm or deny any of the information. However, as Editor in Chief of Bunkers Paradise, and having a brother who is a Major in the U.S. Marines, I am doing everything under my power to determine what the facts really are.

I appreciate everyones understanding and patience while we investigate this matter further.

Ken Lee

Editor In Chief

Below is the original article if you are interested.

There are things that happen in our lives that change us. It could be getting married, having kids, a close family relative passing away, but for Punk Lewis it happened while serving our country. We all love having our freedom. We love that we can go out any time and go play a round of golf, hang out with buddies or spend time with family. If you are not aware, there are countries where you can not do that. Punk Lewis and thousands of other brave individuals have decided that they wanted to fight for those freedoms. Unfortunately for Punk Lewis and many others it did not end in the best of ways.

Punk Lewis was injured on August 31st, 2009 in Logar Providence in Afghanistan. While conducting combat operations, insurgents launched a complex attack against the squad Lewis was in. During the ambush multiple rocket-propelled grenades (RPG's) struck the patrol, causing Lewis several injuries. The wounds included Traumatic Brain Injury, dislocated jaw, nerve damage in his right arm, lower and upper spine damage, and short term memory loss. Due to these injuries, the United States Army decided to medically retire Punk Lewis from the service. Lewis was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

Now most of us would have given up right there., retired and tried to just cope with life after such a traumatic experience, but not Punk Lewis. He has decided to use his rehabilitation and injuries to create focus and strength to now go after the goal of becoming a professional golfer. Yes you heard me right, a professional golfer. So what gives Punk Lewis is motivation and drive? We had a chance to catch up with Lewis and here is what he had to say.

Here is what Punk Lewis had to tell us.

My service to the United States has been an honor, but it has changed many aspects of my life. Before the service, I was employed in the advertising and marketing profession for 10 years. However, due to my injuries, I can no longer return to that profession.

The major change in my life has led to a goal that I will achieve. I have always enjoyed golf, but since my injury, golf has become my life. While receiving treatment for my wounds at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, I began to play golf more and more. Throughout all the treatment and the realization that I needed to pursue a new career, I set the goal to become a Professional Golfer. Since this decision, I have practiced and played everyday, working on technique, mental stamina, and overall course management. Through golf I have learned patience, determination, and the dedication that has also assisted in healing my wounds. I have played in many Wounded Warrior Golf Tournaments as well as other highly competitive professional events. With assistance and support of a dedicated Professional, I can achieve my goal. Throughout my service, mission accomplishment has been the key to success, and today my mission is to Play Professional golf on Tour.

After my injuries that I have suffered I am able to play as a scratch golfer. My average rounds are between 65 and the low 70’s. I have an established United States Golf Association handicap at +4.

We wanted to take the time to thank Punk Lewis and his agent Jonathan Burr for the opportunity to get to know the man we call Punk Lewis a little better. Punk Lewis has been on the Golf Channel on The Golf Fix with Michael Breed. You can find him on Twitter @PunkLewisPGA. You can also follow him on facebook.com/Punk.L.Lewis

Written By Ken Lee

Note: There was a typo in the original writing of this article where it claimed Punk Lewis had received 3 purple hearts. It should have read that Punk Lewis received 1 Purple Heart. I apologize if this caused any confusion.

I would also like to add this information that Punk Lewis sent us in regards to his awards. The Department of the Army was the decision maker to award Lewis the purple heart award for his TBI condition due to the back blast exposure (Blast) and the loss of cognitive level along with other injuries as a result of the blast. TBI is a disqualifying factor and TBI is a condition that is now a condition that qualifies for the award of the Purple Heart. This decision was made after he had been seen at 3 different hospitals and after numerous testing and evaluations by qualified doctors and specialist using state of the art equipment and numerous tests.

Thank you all again for your understanding in this matter.

Ken Lee

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