BEING selected to represent your nation is seen as the pinnacle of your sport, and one local golfer is up for the challenge.
Swan Hill’s Jason Baird grew up playing all kinds of sport, but only took up golf less than three years ago.
Within those three years, Baird was able to represent Victoria at the 2023 Deaf Golf Australia Championships, a tournament for golfers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Baird said he’d taken up the sport as nothing more than a hobby.
“I’ve always loved playing sports and have played many sports throughout my life,” he said.
“But I’d never actually played golf until I started in 2021.
“I quickly fell in love with the sport and it became a big passion of mine.
“I also love the socialising aspect of the sport and meeting other deaf golfers.”
Baird said support from a childhood friend helped him in joining.
“I had gotten in contact with my friend that I have known since primary school who is also deaf and has won several titles, so I asked him about joining Deaf Golf Australia,” he said.
“I was able to persuade him to play with me. He has given me some great advice and guidance to help me end up where I am today.”
For Baird, as well as meeting deaf golfers from around the country, the third day of the tournament was a highlight, hitting a personal best score for the day.
This helped Baird to secure a third-place finish in his class, senior men’s, as well as spot on the Australian side at next year’s World Championships.
Baird described his selection for the Australian team as “a great honour”.
“It feels absolutely amazing and is a great honour to represent Australia,” he said.
“I can say that moment was one of the best moments of my life.
“I think it will definitely be a challenge playing against top deaf golfers, but I will play my best and hope for a good outcome.
“Golf is a great sport to get into, it can lead into a lot of opportunities, and you can meet some great people and most of all have fun.”
Baird was full of thanks for his family, friends and especially for Murray Downs Golf & Country Club, who sponsored his trip to the Australian championships.
He will be returning to the Gold Coast in less than a year’s time to compete against competitors from around the globe.
