Rising above adversity to find golfing success

Lachlan Wood, a talented All Abilities golfer, has been making waves in the golfing world with his remarkable achievements. As a third-year PGA Associate, he holds the prestigious title of the No.1 All Abilities golfer in Australia and ranks 12th in the world. But Lachlan's success story has not been without its challenges.

Growing up on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, Lachlan's golfing journey began when he was 12 after his best friend introduced him to the sport. Seeking solace from his parents' divorce, he found himself drawn to the golf course near his home in Safety Beach. Spending countless hours honing his skills, Lachlan's passion for golf flourished. His dedication led his mother to move to a house that backed on to the Rosebud Country Club, enabling him to pursue his golfing dreams more easily.

However, tragedy struck when Lachlan was a passenger in a high-speed car accident at 16. He sustained multiple injuries to the left side of his body, including breaks to 12 bones, some of which were shattered, and resulted in his left leg being 4cm shorter than his right.

Despite the physical obstacles he faced and the dozens of operations he continues to endure, his love for the sport fuelled his determination to play again. “I’d become so good at golf that I really wanted to pick it back up again, but I had to start from scratch,” the 32-year-old said. “It was tough, but it's a sport for life. You only get out of it what you put in. It's really addictive. That fire inside of you stays alive. It keeps burning and eventually it burns too bright and you've got to play.”

Starting from scratch, he overcame his frustrations and, with unwavering support from his family and the guidance of skilled medical professionals, rebuilt his game. “I was motivated to go to the gym and to look after my body. It was hard. It was painful. I’ve got chronic pain and really bad mobility. I have a very limited range of motion, so it does take a lot of work to just play golf, to stretch and build. Rebuilding a swing was a tough one. My swing has changed so much since the accident.”

Although he loved living on the Peninsula and still misses the golf courses and the hot springs, the cold winters proved too harsh for Lachlan’s body, prompting a move to Hervey Bay in Queensland a few years ago.

Since obtaining a World Ranking for Golfers with Disability pass, Lachlan has competed in several European Disability Golfers Association events and has claimed four championship titles, all since January 2023. Lachlan's success has brought newfound recognition and opportunities, and the growing support for All Abilities golf has fuelled his commitment to train harder. Currently in his final year of the PGA membership pathway program, Lachlan is pursuing a diploma in advanced golf coaching. With his sights set on becoming a professional golfer, he also wants to excel in coaching All Abilities, inspiring others to overcome challenges and embrace the sport. “Next year I'm hoping I can give 110 per cent to all those goals. If I've done so much this year, then it’ll be good to see how far I can get.”

With his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, Lachlan Wood is truly a rising star in the world of golf. Follow his golfing journey on Instagram @lachlan_wood_fcpg