In the Spring of 1982 as Ken Duke was a 7th grader at Peake School in Arkadelphia, AR, the Junior Auxiliary in coordination with the school nurse were examining students for scoliosis. During this exam, it was determined Ken had a curve in his spine. The school nurse advised his parents, Ray and Bettie Duke, to make an appointment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, AR. Dr. Richard McCarthey determined Ken had over a 26% curvature of the spine and advised him to wear a back brace 23 hours a day.
A combination of Ken’s active youth and his continuing to grow, the curve became more severe. At a follow-up appointment in September of 1984, the medical staff determined his curve to be more than 51% and recommended surgery. Without surgery, the pressure on Ken’s heart and lungs could become life threatening.
In February 1985, Ken entered Arkansas Children’s Hospital to undergo surgery where a 16-inch Herrington metal rod would be attached to his spine to facilitate straightening the curve. Following surgery, he was again fitted with a back brace extending from his neck to his hips. Ken faithfully wore the brace 23 hours a day for 4 months. Remarkably, Ken only spent one week in the hospital, one week at home, and then returned to school.
Ken was anxious to return to the high school golf team, but Coach John Outlaw would not let him return without release by the doctor. Upon release, Ken returned to the team. Playing in a back brace, Ken won medalist honors at the District tournament. In 1987, Ken won the Arkansas High School Overall Golf Tournament at Pleasant Valley CC in Little Rock. For most golfers, this would be just another tournament, but for Ken it represented a win in medical technology as well as golf.
Following an All-American career, he graduated from Henderson State University in 1994 and turned professional that Fall. Over the years, Ken’s professional career has taken him to 6 continents while playing several different tours. He is now able to ‘give back’.
Bucks for Birdies
