Larry Celano is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and accomplished competitive seated golfer from Chandler, Arizona. While serving with the 82nd Airborne Division during the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989, Larry sustained multiple gunshot wounds that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed and using a wheelchair.

Years later, Larry discovered adaptive golf, a sport that would become one of his greatest passions and an important part of his life. Larry has competed in all five U.S. Adaptive Opens (2022–2026), as well as numerous national and international adaptive golf tournaments in the Seated Division. His competitive accomplishments include a third-place finish in the Seated Division at the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open, reaching No. 4 in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) among seated golfers, and ranking as high as No. 3 nationally in the USAGA G10 classification.

Beyond competition, Larry serves as President of the United States Seated Golfers Association (USSGA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to golf for individuals who use wheelchairs and adaptive golf carts.

In September 2026, Larry helped organize and host the inaugural USSGA Seated Golfers Championship in Chandler, Arizona, bringing together 22 seated golfers representing eight countries. He also captured the Senior Overall Championship at the event.

For Larry, golf is about much more than competition. It represents independence, opportunity, camaraderie, and proving that physical disabilities do not have to limit a person’s ability to compete and pursue their passions. Larry continues to compete while working to create more opportunities for seated golfers across the United States and around the world.