International star wins at Yarrawonga Mulwala

From the Lakes Golf Club, this was his sixth Australian Open title since the event began in 2004, having won the inaugural event at Coolangatta Tweed Heads, then 2008 at Federal Golf Club and four back at Coolangatta.

Nicholas fired rounds of 74 (Executive and Red Nine on the Lake Course), 76 on the Lake Course and 79 on the Murray over the three days starting last Wednesday for a 16 over par 16 total of 229.

He beat Wanneroo’s (WA) Gary Brocket by five strokes. A further three strokes back was Steve Prior and, like Nicholas, plays off a two handicap.

Nicholas contracted a form of Thalidomide which affected both legs from the knees down. He was missing the Fibula, which is one of two bones that give the lower leg its structure.

Both of his ankles were missing, but it was the right leg that was causing most concern. “It didn’t quite grow like the left it was about six inches shorter,” he said.

“I got a lot of bullying especially when I was in kinder-garden and the first and second grades when I had to wear special iron shoes.

“I stood up to the bullies as I didn’t like getting pushed around, so in the end it probably made me a stronger person.”

It has certainly made him strong on any golf course in the world.

Geoff remembered seeing golf on TV and was inspired to give it a go. He went out into the street with a stick of wood and bashed the ball with a self-fashioned golf club. These first few swings and hits were just the beginning of his highly successful career.

Tasmania's Kathleen Tanner was the sole female player this year and as such was crowned the lady champion for 2026 making it her sixth title.

Kath is a below the knee amputee following a serious bus accident in London, in 2010.

The 64-year-old, 18-handicapper is a leading advocate, board member and the only regularly competing female player in Amputee Golf Victoria. “Sometimes we’ve had up to four females play in this event but it’s mainly men,” she said.

Forty-three players competed in the three-day national event, with past local president Gil Cunningham still not requiring a microphone to start the field, accompanied by board director Judy Kruger.

This year’s event was way up there with the most participants according to the President, Amputee Golf Australia Anthony Carroll.

“There have been some fantastic scores but it’s far more than golf with all the friendships,” he told about 50 diners at the presentation dinner last Friday.

“All you people provide so much inspiration to others. The staff at Yarrawonga, the members and the Pro Shop have just been fantastic – they couldn’t do enough for us.

“The course and club are great. It’s a popular place and we’d love to come back. We’ll certainly be back down this way.”

Four-time winner of the Australian Amputee Open Steve Prior from Long Reef said the 43-strong field was the second highest he could recall.

The field included the youngest ever player, Andreas Ma from Hong Kong. A Year 7 student, aged 12, is now off a handicap of 18. Despite no full right hand, he had terrific rounds of 88, 91 and 91 to be the Arm Nett Champion last week.

“I just want to keep on improving. I want to be number one in the world,” he said.

Archer Belbin, 18, previously was the youngest ever player as a 16-year-old.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort President Andrew Shell issued a “a very, very big welcome” to all players at last Friday’s delicious three-course dinner.

“We really appreciate you coming to our club. I hope you enjoyed our complex.

“The Lake and Murray Courses are different to each other. I hope you do come back to our club.

“People have travelled a long, long way – all states of Australia and from Hong Kong. Thank you very much for coming.”