“Make the most out of life” – the advice from a national golf champion

this one in his life.

“Being a national champion means more to me now that I’m getting a bit older and I’m still able to beat the young fellas,” says the 54-year-old.

“My drive is for the next generation to see someone like me with a disability. I’ve had my challenges, but I’ve also had some great experiences. I want them to see the opportunities and make the most out of life.”

Jason won the New Zealand Disability Golf Championship in 2022. He recently competed at the New Zealand All Abilities Championship and says it’s great to see a pathway for golfers with a disability.

“I love this event,” said Jason, who has played competitive golf all over the world.

“To play against other golfers who have a disability or special needs has been incredible.

“A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION SAVED MY LIFE”

Back in 1991, he was riding his motorbike near Kaiapoi, north of Canterbury. It was a cool, early autumn afternoon and the sun was low in the sky. He came around a corner and was blinded by sunstrike.

When his vision came clear, he was heading straight for a lamppost.

“I had to make a split-second decision and I used my boxing skills to duck,” he recalled.

“If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be here to tell the story.” whole way with me,” he says. “They have supported me in every way, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Jason hit the lamppost with incredible force. His left leg came off at the knee.

The 22-year-old was lying on the side of the road in a state of shock. A bystander made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

“They saved my life,” he said.

The government agency has covered his medical costs, home modifications, car modifications, rehab, and transport, and provided a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg which helps him in his golf.

He tried wheelchair tennis and rugby but says: “I found it unusual taking my leg off and sitting in a wheelchair to play sport.”

He moved to Wellington in 1999 and attended a work ambrose golf tournament in 2007. It proved to be a turning point.

“I hit a couple of really good shots and thought to myself, I can do this,” he says. “I went away and taught myself how to play.”

Finding A New Passion

won the New Zealand Disability Golf Championship.

By Peter Thornton

Jason Eade is facing a downhill left-toright putt to win the championship. It’s a pressure moment, but truth be told the Wellington golfer has faced and overcome much tougher moments than

“I will support it for as long as I can. It has shown the wider community that there are so many more people who can play golf and that it is game for everyone.

“Of course, we all want to win and it’s a great battle. But on the 19th hole it is great to meet people and hear their story.”

Jason has a hell of a story to share himself.