Less than two years after a catastrophic cycling accident left him paralysed from the neck down, Sunshine Coast X-Golfer Chris Perry is now competing on Golf Australia’s national All Abilities circuit and recently secured his first tournament victory.
Be one per cent better each day, that’s Chris Perry’s motto and it’s an ethos that’s seen him claim the Men’s Inclusive Stableford title at the Queensland Inclusive Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf Club on Bribie Island in May.
Marking a significant milestone in a recovery journey that continues to inspire those around him, the event was Chris’ first official outdoor golf competition since joining the national adaptive golf pathway earlier this year.
Reflecting on how far he’s come, Chris says golf has played a central role in both his physical rehabilitation and mental recovery.
His journey back into the game began with indoor sessions at X-Golf Maroochydore, before progressing into weekly X-League competition with friends and regular coaching sessions with PGA Professional and former X-Golf team member, Wade Hooper.
“It’s where rebuilding my confidence really began,” Chris said.
“The combination of community and routine helps my rehabilitation both physically and mentally. It’s giving me something to work towards.”
Chris now competes in WR4GD world ranking events for golfers with disabilities and will travel to South Australia this month as part of Golf Australia’s growing inclusive golf circuit, before competing in the New South Wales Inclusive Championship in Coffs Harbour later this year.
His rapid rise in the sport has also sparked a new long-term ambition.
While golf is not yet confirmed for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic program, Golf Australia and the International Golf Federation continue advocating strongly for para golf’s inclusion.
“When I saw the push for Paralympic golf, it gave me a huge goal to work towards,” Chris said.
“To go from being paralysed to competing at this level already, it’s a huge milestone for me. I’m really keen to see how far I can take it.”
Chris’ coach Wade says the progress he’s made in such a short time is outstanding.
“I’ve been coaching Chris since he started getting back into golf after his accident and with the way he’s improving, Brisbane 2032 is becoming a very real goal for him.”
“He never wastes a session – he just keeps showing up and getting better,” Wade said.
“That determination is engrained in him, so in next few years, there’s no reason he can’t be right in the mix for 2032.”
Image: Chris and his coach, PGA Pro and ex-X-Golf team member, Wade Hooper.
Chris’ story arrives during Men’s Health Week from 15 to 21 June, shining a spotlight on the role sport, connection and community can play during recovery from life-changing injury.
“You just need to keep showing up, keep trying to improve and keep moving forward,” he said.
“The most important thing is community – you can achieve a lot with the right people by your side.”
Men’s Health Week highlights the importance of connection, purpose and overall wellbeing, and X-Golf Group is proud to support Chris as he continues achieving remarkable milestones both on and off the course.
From rehabilitation and rebuilding confidence to competing on the national stage, Chris’ journey reflects the powerful impact community and sport can have during recovery and the incredible things being achieved across the X-Golf network every day.
Way to go, Chris. We’re right behind you!
