Almost one year after surviving a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left hand and right leg, 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin is thriving—and swinging a golf club with impressive skill. In a video shared by longtime journalist Rick Karle on Facebook, Lulu appeared alongside her sister and golf instructor MK Horton at the 17th hole of the Greystone Founders Course during the Regions Tradition Pro-Am.
The heartwarming moment captured Lulu teeing off with both amateur and professional golfers, showcasing her strength and growth since the traumatic event. “
She’s hitting it great,” Horton said. “Way better than half the pros that are out here.”
Lulu, now finishing her sophomore year of high school, told Karle that she became more interested in golf after the attack. She uses a specialized prosthetic with a hook that functions as both a wrist and a hand, allowing her to swing with control and power.
“I played mostly after, but a little bit before,” she said.
Her sister, watching nearby, expressed her admiration: “She’s driving it straight a million times this whole time. It’s so cool.”
During the light-hearted interview, Karle asked Lulu about her upcoming summer. She shared that she’s traveling, attending a three-week camp, and continuing to play golf. She also proudly mentioned earning her driver’s license.
Related: WATCH: ‘Lulu’s Law’ and Alabama teen featured on NBC’s ‘Today Show’
At one point, Karle jokingly asked Lulu who the nicest person she had met that day was. After some laughter, it was Karle himself who added, “Rick Karle’s a great guy, isn’t he?”—to which Lulu smiled and agreed.
Lulu’s story has not only inspired her community but also prompted change. Earlier this year, Alabama lawmakers enacted “Lulu’s Law,” a measure aimed at improving beach safety by requiring alerts for swimmers when sharks are spotted in the area. The law, named in Lulu’s honor, serves as a lasting reminder of her experience and a step toward preventing similar tragedies.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.
