Ryan Chisnall pain free at last Dongwoo Kang: In his happy place

So has this helped Chisnall take his game on an upward curve? His explanation of the effects are fascinating.

“I’m feeling awesome now but the only problem has emerged as I have just played the last six weeks. I found that because I am so used to being so stiff and rigid I would swing within my boundaries and limitations whereas now that I don’t have the pain associated with it. I feel like I have got long and loose. It feels good with the body but it has freed me up and I am a bit of a spray can and I am hitting it all over the show at the moment.

By Neville Idour

Ryan Chisnall, from Nelson, was happy to talk about his 2022 year during the Hills Pro-Am in December.

“It has been an interesting year for me. I didn’t play a lot in 2021 so I was just looking forward to the year ahead and getting back into playing regularly again,’’ Chisnall recalled.

“I got off to a reasonable start. I only played three events on the Australian tour and managed to keep my card. I finished third, 10th and 12th which was pretty good. Then I was bedridden for six months with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis which I was diagnosed with a few years ago. It has been a bit of a process getting that under control. I have just started a new medication which is an injection formula I take every two weeks.

“It has been a real game changer for me as I was having to rely on anti-inflammatories every day to get through my golf. I have basically had this thing all my life but I have only kind of dealt with it until now. Then I thought this isn’t right. I need to get something sorted. I got that done so now I am able to functionally move and play golf pain free again. It has been five or six years since I have done that.”

“But it’s all good, it is just going to take some time. I will have to do some stability work and try and get some function back into the golf swing. It is a good problem to have. At the moment I would rather be playing pain free and hitting it everywhere than playing in pain every day.”

So what are the plans for 2023?

“I was a bit inconsistent in Aussie at the end of the year and missed more cuts than I made. I then went to Asian Q school and missed out. But there will be more opportunities. I have still got full Australasian Tour status so I will play all the Aussie stuff including the New Zealand Open then have a look at things during our winter. I hope to get away in some capacity. Whether it is Europe or the US, trying to get tournament play during winter is the hardest part.

“I would love to give Europe a crack but I would have to play qualifying. I have played the Clutch Pro Tour Mini Pro events over there. I am also moving to the Gold Coast so I will be able to play more pro-ams over there … just give the golf a good crack for a couple of years now that I am starting to feel a lot better. I am looking forward to it but it is just figuring it all out.’’

Chisnall is moving to the Gold Coast with his girlfriend who has a job at Robina State High School.

“She will be running the netball programme there. She used to play professional netball for a number of years.’’

Hopefully the new beginnings for the likeable Chisnall will bear copious fruit. He deserves it.

By Neville Idour

Dongwoo Kang enjoyed a successful 2022 and reflected on that to Golfer Pacific during The Hills Pro-Am which he won two years previously.

“I played well on the New Zealand circuit. It is just whether my body is able to handle my golf.”

Why do you say that?

“I have been struggling with my back injuries and I haven’t been playing much. However golf itself, whether it be technique or playing, I am playing a lot better than two years ago. Two weeks ago I won the Cello Tournament at Millbrook. I came down with my family early to prepare for The Hills and also for a holiday.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to play in The Hills Invitational. This is the course I always want to play and is my favourite course in the world.”

High praise indeed.

“I have played a lot of good golf courses around the world but for atmosphere, course design and the course set-up, even the staff, The Hills is amazing.”

Kang has been at the Gulf Harbour

Country Club in north Auckland for seven years.

“I am doing a lot of coaching but when I have time I try to play as much as I can and support all the pro-ams and local events.”

He has had his share of wins in 2022.

“I had three wins this year, but none on the Charles Tour although I had a second behind Josh Geary at the Clearwater Open.”

What plans do you have for 2023?

“My main job is the coaching but if I have time I will play as many pro-ams and Charles Tour events as I can. If time allows I will also play some events in Australia. Through the New Zealand order of merit I get some status in Australia. The NZPGA is providing really good opportunities to the young professionals and even some rookie pros to play some events in Australia.

“Three players in the New Zealand order of merit can play some events in Australia which is very good for us.”

At this point one of his little daughters asks dad if she can do something. So we leave Kang in his happy place to enjoy his time with his wife and two young children.