When Culpepper makes a commitment, it is best to believe he will see it through. You don't do what he has done without a ton of determination. There was, of course, a time of despair. A month after he was married in the spring of 1956 he lost his right hand just above the wrist. The emotional part of losing a limb is worse than the physical part.
Most people wish they'd die instead of going through all that.
But Culpepper's wife, Kathleen, helped him through the difficult times and wouldn't let him give up. Sports also provided a boost to his self-confidence. Then he discovered golf while in New Zealand helping a friend build a church. He balked at trying golf at first, but he was convinced if he could hit a 90-mph softball with one arm he could certainly swat a golf ball sitting helplessly on a tee. When he returned home he was advised that he could get better if he turned around and hit the ball from the right side.