Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club hosted some of the best all-ability golfers in the nation last week, for the annual two-day Victoria Inclusive Championships.
Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club manager Shaun Bakker, who also played in the championships, said: “It’s great to see competitors merging together at our club for such an event.
“Events like this provide us players with a goal and feed our drive to be successful and to succeed not only in golf but in life.”
Bakkar said the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club prided itself on being an inclusive facility, and leads the way in providing all-ability golf programs and pathways in Melbourne’s west.
“If you have ever thought of playing golf but weren’t sure if you could, please come see our all-ability coaches at our academy who will show you that it is most certainly possible,” he said.
Defending Victoria Inclusive Championships champion Cam Pollard was leading the field on Thursday, after the first round of the event.
Pollard fired 75 to lead by one stroke over fellow New South Wales players Geoff Nicholas and Lochie Smith, who each carded 76 after the first round on Thursday, which was played in windy and winter-like conditions.
“The conditions were brutal and it’s easy to rack up big numbers on the card if you miss greens in the wrong place,” he said.
Nicholas went on to win the competition.
Golf Australia operations general manager Therese Magdulski said all-abilities events were popular with competitors at the traditional events and also the crowds.
“They’re inspirational athletes, but more importantly, they’re genuinely good golfers and it’s the inclusive nature of the combined events that brings that all to light,” Ms Magdulski said.
Golf Australia senior inclusion manager Christian Hamilton said the organisation has “great relationships” with Special Olympics Australia, Blind Golf Australia, Amputee Golf Australia and Deaf Golf Australia.
“These organisations play a vital role in supporting their communities and GA wants to support their growth through promotion of their events and activities,” he said.
