Yes, you have the passion, the love for the game, and probably the dedication it deserves. But is that all? While these features are the primary factors for one to start and succeed in golfing, sometimes life can prove far from fair.
Many challenges can make your golfing dream almost an impossibility. First, golf is an expensive sport, and joining it means you must be stable financially. But that´s not all. There are physical challenges that may render one unfit for golf. For instance, a deadly accident can impair your ability to play golf. In addition, emotional challenges can hinder you from playing the sport of your dreams.
Today, we look at one of the inspiring stories that began with an awful experience with many challenges. However, the end story will delight you and ignite your passion for playing golf. Let´s take a look at how golf putters played a role in this inspiring journey
Lachlan Wood
Many in the golfing world, whether fans or golf professionals, know Lachlan Wood as a successful golfer. The professional golfer has achieved what every golfer dreams of. You´ll find many proficient trophies he collected in many golfing competitions in his trophy cabinet. Besides, he´s ranked the 12th in the golf hierarchy in the world. Moreover, he holds the No. 1 All Abilities prestigious title in Australia. While many know his success story, very few know the struggles he went through to realize his passion and success in golf.
Here´s the story of Lachlan Wood.
Lachlan Wood was born in Australia and grew up on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. At the age of 12 years, one of his friends introduced him to golf. This happened at the time of his parents’ divorce. To find solace, he spent most of his time at the golf course which was near his home at Safety Beach. It was at this period that Wood´s love for golf grew immensely. His mother, realizing Wood´s interest in golf, moved to Rosebud Country Club Enviros, allowing her son to access the golf course easily.
Wood, now happily enjoying his new way of life, was unlucky. When he thought his life was taking shape, tragedy struck. At the age of 16 years, when he was traveling one day, he was involved in a tragic accident that left him nursing multiple injuries, especially on the left side of his body. Twelve of his bones broke, with some shattering apart. The aftermath of the accident meant Wood´s left leg would be shorter than the other by 4cm.
What next? You´ve broken and shattered your bones. Is there any hope left, even if you´re passionate about pursuing your dream sport? That would probably mean the end of their dreams for many, but not for Lachlan Wood.
Wood underwent several subsequent operations to bring his condition to a better state. However, his love for the game unleashed a spirited determination to play again. He was forced to start from scratch, and this is what he had to say; “I’d become so good at golf that I really wanted to pick it back up again, but I had to start from scratch,” “It was tough, but it’s a sport for life. You only get out of it what you put in. It’s really addictive. That fire inside of you stays alive. It keeps burning, and eventually, it burns too bright, and you’ve got to play.” This showed how passionate and determined he was to pursue golf, and he did it.
To Wood´s advantage, his family was on his side and always showed support. Besides, medical professionals who were highly skilled guided him through the recovery journey and helped him rebuild his game again. He also opted for the gym to look after his body. Though painful, he did his best to regain appropriate motion, swing, and stretch. Here´s what he said about his gym experience. “I was motivated to go to the gym and to look after my body. It was hard. It was painful. I’ve got chronic pain and really bad mobility. I have a very limited range of motion, so it does take a lot of work to just play golf, to stretch and build. Rebuilding a swing was a tough one. My swing has changed so much since the accident.”
Wood had to carry on and work extra hard to become the golf professional he once was. However, a few years ago, the onset of the cold Winter season was too harsh for Wood. He couldn´t cope living in his beloved Peninsula and its environs. He was forced to relocate to Hervey Bay in Queensland, where the conditions would favor his body conditions.
Ever since Lachan Wood has moved from glory to glory; he earned recognition worldwide when he won the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability pass. He has also competed in major European Disability Golfers Association events. Throughout these competitions, he has managed to win four championship titles. Wood´s success made him earn worldwide recognition even more.
Lachlan Wood is in the final year of the PGA membership pathway program. By studying for a Diploma in Advanced Golf Coaching, Lachlan Wood aims to become a professional All Abilities Coach. He also desires to inspire those facing challenges to pursue their golfing dream.
Final Take
Lachlan´s story is such a painful one with a beautiful ending. It proves that one can overcome considerable challenges to become a renowned golfer. It also proves that golf is an all-inclusive game. Having gone through the story, I´m sure you´ll be spirited to pursue golf despite the challenges you may be facing.
All the best in your golfing journey.