Bali bombing survivor Ben Tullipan will take part in his third NSW Inclusive Championship, to be held at Port Kembla Golf Club. Photo: Golf NSW.
Port Kembla Golf Club will host the NSW Inclusive Championship for players with disabilities.
It will be the first time the championship has been played away from Port Stephens’ Pacific Dunes Golf Club since it started in 2021.
The tournament, which tees off at 10 am on Monday (11 September), is open to golfers with physical, sensory or intellectual impairments and attracts players from across the country.
It’s gained prominence as a premier platform for golfers with impairments to compete at the highest level.
Two-time NSW Inclusive Championship winner Cameron Pollard of Sawtell Golf Club will be defending his crown on the tree-lined Port Kembla course.
Cameron has also previously won the Queensland Inclusive Championships, the WA Open All Abilities Championship five times, and has travelled to the UK to compete in the G4D Open.
Queenslander Ben Tullipan will be playing in his third championship.
Ben was severely injured in the 2002 Bali bombings, the blast taking both of his legs, most of his stomach muscles, and his hearing in one ear.
Ben says he’s looking forward to competing again.
“It’s a great experience and something that I learn from regardless of where I finish,” he says.
“I also enjoy the social side of the tournament, the true spirit of the game. I look forward to catching up with many familiar faces and there are always new people to meet.
“The camaraderie on and off the course is wonderful to be a part of.”
Ben says tournaments such as this are paramount to growing inclusive golf across Australia.
“It’s imperative to have events like the NSW Inclusive Championship as it’s a great way to bring inclusive people together,” he says.
“I believe that every inclusive championship is an important step forward for disabled golf to be considered for inclusion into future Paralympic Games.
“I’m very keen to see the event grow and for more people to take part. I am able to witness first-hand the growth of inclusive golf, being a part of Empower Golf Australia.
“The amount of new people each week that get introduced to the sport as a viable form of recreation or rehabilitation is astonishing.”
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