Sport
25 November, 2023
Woodford golfer shines
Woodford Golf Club’s assistant greenskeeper Chris Walk was named A Grade champion (Doug Bachli Cup) in the recent National Association of Left Handed Golfers of Australia (Queensland division) national championships
Chris had the best off-the-stick score in the A Grade division during the four-day event at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, and he came second overall as he finished three shots behind the overall winner.
Chris said it felt “awesome” and “really good” to win the A Grade division although it nagged a bit to finish so close behind the overall winner.
“My form was a bit average beforehand, so it was good to be able to play consistent golf for four days,” he said.
“It does nag a bit but it was good to finish second (overall). “It makes me a bit hungrier for next year, to go one better.”
Chris was among more than 100 left -handers from around Australia to take part in the tournament, while there were also a few competitors from New Zealand.
The format was a 72-hole stroke while there was a range of handicaps among the players, with Chris playing off a handicap of 1, while at least one other competitor played off +4.
The golfers encountered extremely windy conditions throughout the tournament, prompting Chris to say afterwards that he needed to “think a lot more” than usual, particularly when hitting off the tee.
Chris said it was “a tight golf course” as well, meaning he needed to play strategically. Chris had previously played at the course, but only on one of the sets of 18 holes. “The western side was new to me,” he said.
The Woodford Golf Club assistant greenskeeper had very few eagles and birdies, and he had only one double bogey as he parred most of the holes.
While Chris said he aimed to do a little better in next year’s corresponding event in Victoria, he said he also had his eyes on the 2024 Queensland state level left - handed championship.
Having won this event last year and this year, Chris said he aimed to notch a hat-trick next year.
