Disability Action Center NW, Inc.

Deaf Golfer Doesn't Hear Disability

KBCI
By By Vince Trimboli
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BOISE - The 26-year old is one of the best golfers in Idaho. Livas spends hours a day honing his skills on the driving range, shot after shot, hoping one day to make the PGA Tour.

And like most avid golfers, Livas likes the big drive. But when he grips it and rips it, Gilbert only hears the sound of silence.

That's because Gilbert is completely deaf. He lost his hearing when he was just six-years old, as part of complications with spinal meningitis.

"I can't hear anything. But that's really not much of a detriment from actually playing the game," Livas said.

With his near picture perfect swing, Livas is earning attention in the local golf scene. Earlier this month, he won the Treasure Valley Amateur Championship. "To know that I'm being successful and I'm winning tournaments, that means my game is where it needs to be to compete with some of the best players In Idaho," Livas said. "I've been playing golf non-stop since I got out of high school, working on my game, honing my skills, trying to make something of myself."

Since he lost his hearing 20-years ago, Gilbert has not only learned the art of reading a putt. He's also perfected the fine art of reading lips.

With the help of his family, Livas learned how to speak. And now in his hometown of Caldwell, Livas has become a role model for younger golfers.

"There's a lot of junior golfers, that look up to me and it makes me feel good inside and I actually enjoy being who I am," Livas said.

And like most scratch golfers, Gilbert has the dream of someday grabbing his clubs on the PGA Tour.

"I dream of one day playing with the big boys on the biggest stage. However, I know that's a very lofty goal. If I have the determination and I keep up with the hard work, maybe someday, who knows my game will take me to a higher level."