Sue Nelson

Age: 62

Married: to Bob (water boy at Canberra) with two adult married daughters and five delightful grandchildren.

Amputation: Left hand amputee since the age of eighteen months due to congenital anomaly of the bones.

Golfing History:

I began playing golf following my retirement in 2001 from Tamworth Base Hospital - far too late - at the age of 55. The delightful pro at Tamworth — Terry Hayes — insisted that if he could teach a blind man to play golf, he could teach me! I've played with Tamworth Lady Golfers who think I am an "inspiration" for the past five years after graduating from beginners.

Golfing Achievements

I have had lots of successes in D grade, winning several monthly medals and Championship in D Grade and yippee — I have finally made it into C grade. Just this week I won my first C grade monthly medal and my partner and I have just won the Foursome Championships.

I first read about amputee golfers in Women’s Golf magazine and I was tired of hearing how "wonderful" I was from my fellow lady golfers - who I might add are extremely encouraging and supportive - but wanted to play with l ike people. I contacted Darren Woodrow who invited me to come to the 2007 Qld Championships. I didn't do very well but was delighted to meet Trudy, Melissa and Pat along with many other amputees. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, I am now hooked!

I won the Austral ian Open Female Championship in March 2008 in Canberra and was winner of the Nett in Qld in April 2008.

After winning in Canberra I was asked to make a speech to my fellow golfing ladies in Tamworth which said in part how I found ALL of the amputee golfers inspirational, no one ever gives up, the fellowship, camaraderie, good humour, great organisation and support overwhelming. Congratulations to you all and I look forward to the next tournament (with hopefully a few more females!!).

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