Ok so I’m not sure whether it is a 100% fair or accurate claim, but, at the age of 34, I have finally achieved one of my lifelong goals. To be a professional golfer.

The fact that I’m still yet to play a full 18 holes, can’t quite hold the club properly or even have an official handicap is by the by. In reality, the greatest golf brand on the planet (in my humble opinion), Titleist has bought me a couple of amazing new golf clubs and given me a brand-new Titleist hat to welcome me to Team Titleist.
Maybe the title, ‘partially sponsored’ golfer, is more accurate. Now I just need to work out how to pay them back. Either way, I’m truly thankful and blessed that they have chosen to support me thus far.

In addition, I am now an Ambassador for Disabled Golf at Moore Park Golf Club who are providing range balls, professional support and complimentary membership to allow access to the course and the facilities. Again… How amazing.

As such, I am trying to make it over to the range to use the recently installed automated ball replacing machines and other facilities as much as possible. This is the set up below.

Ottobock (the German manufacturer of the Paragolfer – see photo) and Aidacare (the leading provider of ward-based equipment and rehabilitation products in Australia) have also combined to support disabled golf by significantly discounting a Paragolfer, generously funded by The Centennial Park Foundation, which will reside at the course for all disabled golfers’ benefit and use.

My short to a medium-term goal is that other golf courses and foundations will follow suit so there will be a number of paragolfers funded and available at golf courses around NSW and beyond. Finally, in the longer term, golf’s inclusion into the Paralympics is the ultimate dream.

Physically I have played 3 or 4 holes a couple of times over the past 2 weeks which has been an absolute rush. Apart from my hand grip (which is difficult to consistently maintain in the optimum position) and frustration over my reduced length of the shot, the most challenging part of being back out on the course is adjusting to the variation in slopes and addressing the ball from uneven ground. That said, I feel truly privileged to even be out there.
Thank you to all the people who have contributed to making this happen, it is much appreciated.

In April, I was lucky enough to spend an incredible 2 days working with an incredible cameraman, Mitch, and his dynamic audio guy, Andy, on a shoot which will be turned into a video diary/update movie in the very near future. Of course, you will be the first to see it.

Most of the time was spent capturing footage of the various physical activities which I now enjoy, from walking to kayaking, and recording interview-style questions and answers to inform and encourage others to exercise to recovery and push aside perceived boundaries. These couple of photos may give you a taste of what’s to come.

They are touched on in the video, however, my latest additions in the gym include using standing cross trainer, the rowing machine and specialised cross-country skiing apparatus. It is not the greatest shot but it will give you an idea.

Over and above the gym and walking practice, a new 85-year-old Chinese acupuncturist has now entered the fray. Think Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid with a tie and wearing a white lab coat.

My other incredible adventure recently was a ten-day mission to the Kimberley in Western Australia for a good friend’s wedding and associated festivities in Broome. I’m embarrassed to admit, it was my first time to Western Australia but happy to know it won’t be my last. Although I only had a small taste, there is definitely intangible magic about the place and with an eclectic mix of locals and other wedding-goers in town, the experience was all the more rich and enjoyable.

With my brother as the ultimate wingman, as you can imagine, we made the most of every moment.

Watching the polo on the beach with the new aqua chair

Contemplating 4WD hire car’s capacity in the wet

Fishing and enjoying the ridiculous sunsets

Beers with the buck of the beach

and using the manual chair underwater for a change

All in all an amazing week.

Finally, after 4 1/2 years off the road, I am back menacing the streets of Sydney. Without the legs or feet in the overall equation, my initial session or two was stressful, to say the least. To try to put you in the picture, imagine the setup…

– the left arm (bearing in mind 50% of arm strength gone) effectively applying the brakes through the column protruding up to the left of the steering wheel
– left-hand (with minimal finger movement or sensation) controlling a small lever to engage accelerator which happens to be on top of the brake column
– right hand/wrist sitting in a tri-spin unit (which is effectively a handle to grip with supports either side of the wrist) attached to the steering wheel
– right arm manoeuvring steering wheel ‘broadly’ as usual, with a slight exception that the hand remains in the same position on the steering wheel
– Head is used to click touch-sensitive pad attached to the front of the headrest. Click on and off either left or right indicators at luckily the corresponding sides of the headrest and high beam, horn, windscreen wipers with water, slow windscreen wipers, medium windscreen wipers and fast windscreen wipers engaged with either one, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6-second respective holds of the button directly behind one’s head.

If you understood a fraction of the above and you are imagining a jerky car, manoeuvring along the road with high beam and windscreen wipers on during the middle of the day, you are close to reality. I believe it is akin to trying to play the drums whilst piloting a helicopter. Clearly, A LOT of practice will be necessary.

I can’t really sign off without introducing the newest member of the family Arthur our rescue cat.

On the off chance, you haven’t received an invitation, there is a large fundraiser scheduled for 11 July in London this year. If you are keen to attend or organise a table, please see the links on the right of the screen. I will be there in person with my fiancee Sarah, so would love to see you on the night.