SOUTH West Rocks golfer Michael Maynard has taken out his first national event after winning the Australian Left Handed Golf Championships.
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Maynard shot rounds of 78, 76, 75, and 73 during the week-long tournament to seal the win.
A field of 180 players competed over four rounds in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and South West Rocks late last month.
It was the first time the 44-year-old had competed in an event of its kind. “I’ve always been playing but mainly local events. It’s the first time I’ve ever done a national thing like this,” he said.
“When I held the lead after the third round I was a bit antsy. You don’t really want to blow it.
“It was a pretty good buzz taking the win. I was straight on the phone to let others know.”
He started playing as a leftie after learning from his father, Maynard says.
“I’ve been a left handed player ever since dad got me golf clubs and taught me when I was four years old. I used to bash the ball around the yard,” he said.
“Dad was a left handed player and I learnt with left handed clubs so I suppose that way has just stuck.”
When Maynard and his partner moved to SWR from Moree almost five years ago, he decided to join the local golf club.
“The club has been good to meet new people. It’s been handy since moving to SWR, just to be able to socialise and its a bit of exercise. I really enjoy competing too,” he said. Michael is hoping to play in the same tournament again in October next year at the Royal Pines Golf Course on the Gold Coast.