Bradley Gebbie, a high school golfer from Greenfield, Iowa, recently found himself at the center of a viral story after a devastating tornado tore through his town. The tornado, part of an extremely active tornado season in 2024, left a path of destruction, claiming lives and demolishing homes.
Among the many who suffered losses was Bradley Gebbie himself, whose primary concern amid the rubble was the loss of his cherished golf clubs. Gebbie’s appeal for help caught the attention of the golfing community and led to a heartwarming response from Callaway Golf, which promised to replace his equipment.
Bradley Gebbie, a dedicated young golfer, has been making a name for himself on the greens. Known for his passion and skill, Gebbie has invested significant time and resources into his golfing career, amassing a high-quality set of golf clubs worth around $3,000. These clubs were not just tools of his trade but symbols of his dedication and dreams.
As a recent graduate of Nodaway Valley High School, where he played for the Wolverines’ golf team, Gebbie had high hopes for his future in the sport. However, Gebbie’s life took an unexpected turn when a powerful tornado struck Greenfield, Iowa, on Tuesday. The storm resulted in the deaths of at least five people, injuries to 35 others, and the destruction of numerous homes, including Gebbie’s.
The young golfer’s resilience and humor in the face of such adversity quickly became a beacon of hope for his community.
The Tornado’s Aftermath and Bradley Gebbie’s Plea for Help
In an interview with Des Moines NBC affiliate WHO 13, Bradley Gebbie stood amidst the wreckage of his home, expressing his heartbreak over the loss of his golf clubs.
“I lost a lot, including my golf clubs,” Gebbie said, forcing a smile. “I had like three grand into that.”
His candid and light-hearted request for help resonated deeply with viewers and the golfing community alike.
Bradley Gebbie’s interview went viral on social media, where his plea for assistance from top golf equipment manufacturers—TaylorMade, Titleist, and Callaway—gained widespread attention.
“I’d like to shout out TaylorMade, Titleist, and Callaway,” Gebbie said during the interview. “I really need a new set. I lost it, and I just love golf.”
The young golfer’s genuine love for the game and his positive attitude, despite the dire situation, struck a chord with many.
Among those who saw Gebbie’s interview was the leading golf equipment manufacturer Callaway Golf. Touched by his story, Callaway swiftly responded, promising to provide Gebbie with a full upgrade of clubs and gear.
Keith Murphy, a reporter from WHO 13, confirmed the news on Twitter: “I’m happy to report @CallawayGolf is in touch with Bradley, who just graduated Nodaway High School Sunday, and Callaway says it will provide a full upgrade of clubs and gear.”
The generous gesture from Callaway was met with widespread acclaim, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the golfing community. Bradley Gebbie’s plea had not only been heard but answered in a way that would help him rebuild a crucial part of his life.
In addition to Callaway’s support, local golf retailer Wagner’s Golf in Ames and Spark Golf also offered to help Bradley, showcasing a remarkable outpouring of community support. LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman assured that the league he leads will help Gebbie get back on his golfing feet.
The tornado that struck Greenfield left a trail of devastation, but it also revealed the strength and solidarity of the community. Bradley Gebbie’s story is a testament to this resilience. Despite losing everything, including his home and prized golf clubs, Gebbie’s unwavering spirit and love for golf have inspired many. His story has brought attention to the importance of community support and the role that sports and recreation can play in recovery and resilience.
The response to Gebbie’s situation has been overwhelmingly positive. Golf fans and fellow athletes have praised his attitude and the generosity of Callaway and other supporters. Social media was flooded with messages of encouragement and offers of assistance, demonstrating the powerful impact of community and kindness in times of crisis.
As Bradley Gebbie prepares to move forward from this traumatic experience, he does so with the knowledge that he has the support of both his local community and the wider golfing world. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
With new golf clubs on the way from Callaway, Gebbie can continue to pursue his passion for golf and work towards his dreams. The support he has received is not just about replacing material possessions but about restoring hope and providing a foundation upon which he can rebuild his life.